Higher derivative analysis for the interpretation of self-potential profiles at Southern Part of Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract EN

One of the most important, but also one of the most tedious, problems confronting the mineral industries in dealing with sulfides and graphite is estimating the depth of a buried object from self-potential anomalies.

A peat layer has been encountered in the subsurface Holocene sediments of the eastern part of the Nile delta at depths range from 7 to 13 meters.

The maximum thickness of the peat (3m) has been recorded in the southern part of Mansoura city, and it decreases gradually in a configuration parallel to the Damietta branch of the Nile.

To elucidate the peat layer in terms of depth and thickness, a self-potential survey was carried out at Mansoura city, Nile Delta of Egypt, in terms of eight profiles.

Interpretation of the data was performed through the correction and processing using derivative analysis of higher orders by means of an algorithm developed by the authors.

Depth, shape factor, and the optimum order of the regional component are determined.

A rough estimation of the relief of the peat layer was derived.

Based on the results, the depth to the peat layer varies from 11.8 up to 13.1 meters, which correlates very well with the available information and the lithological data in the area.