Improved resolution of fixed-wing airborne gravity gradiometer surveys

Summary In standard processing of fixed-wing FALCON ® airborne gravity gradiometer (AGG) data a low-pass filter with a cut-off wavelength of 300m is typically applied. The choice of cut-off wavelength presents a compromise between seeking to minimize the noise and seeking to maintain the spatial resolution in the data. However, for AGG surveys with traverse line spacing equal to or less than 100m the cut-off wavelength can be reduced and the resolution improved. Analysis of survey results from the Kauring AGG Test Site in West Australia shows that for a survey of 100m traverse line spacing the cut-off wavelength can be reduced to 100m, providing a resolution of 50m. Comparison with the high resolution ground gravity data suggests an RMS error of 7.5Eo for the vertical gravity gradient, GDD, component at a cut-off wavelength of 100m. The corresponding noise amplitude density of 2.4Eo√km is in line with previously published estimates. The 200% improvement in resolution is accompanied by 30% higher RMS noise levels in the vertical gravity gradient, GDD, data.