A novel algorithm for 3D multi-level gravity interpretation: application to northwestern Iran

A novel algorithm for 3D multi-level gravity interpretation: application to northwestern Iran | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article A novel algorithm for 3D multi-level gravity interpretation: application to northwestern Iran Ako Alipour, Khalil Motaghi, Zahra Mousavi, Matteo Scarponi This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7401211/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract We present a novel algorithm, termed the "Forward Calculation of the Adaptive Mesh Grid" designed to unveil density structures by modeling Bouguer gravity data with minimal prior constraints. The fundamental concept of this algorithm is the innovative use of analytical signals. Upward continuation acts as a low-pass filter, decomposing the gravity signal into multi-level frequency bands across a broad range of wavelengths. The amplitude of analytical signals in each band is analyzed using radially averaged power spectrum moving windows to estimate the dimensions of a corresponding subsurface mesh. A forward modeling approach then computes the 3D density distribution for each frequency band. Finally, stacking the results from short to long wavelengths generates a 3D density model. To assess the efficacy of the algorithm, we conducted several synthetic tests, demonstrating its ability to recover anomalous features. Subsequently, we applied the algorithm to a gravity data set in northwestern Iran. Through comparative analysis with a velocity cross-section from seismic tomography, we evaluate the algorithm's effectiveness. Our findings confirm that the uppermost mantle of the Arabian plate in the Zagros collision zone and South Caspian Basin exhibits higher density compared to the lower-density uppermost mantle beneath Central Iran. We uncover lithospheric features, including a crustal-scale low-density shear zone between the underthrusting Arabian plate and the overriding Central Iran, as well as a thin, high-velocity lithospheric mantle of the Arabian plate underthrusting beneath Central Iran. These features, detected through high-resolution seismic modeling as well, demonstrate the capability of method to uncover lithospheric-scale structures. Gravity anomalies gravity and tectonics Continental tectonics: compressional Crustal structure. Full Text Supplementary Files ClearversionSupportingInformationforFcAM3D.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7401211","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":523269503,"identity":"e30573ac-4f76-4e71-a535-0480726c2141","order_by":0,"name":"Ako 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