3D modelling and inversion of airborne gravity gradiometry and aeromagnetic data from Budgell Harbour, North-Central Newfoundland

Airborne gravity surveys have been become a popular tool for mineral exploration in the past three decades, mostly because of considerable improvements in equipment. Airborne methods make the data acquisition process rapid, more straightforward, and potentially cheaper than ground surveys. 3D modeling and inversion of gravity gradiometry and aeromagnetic datasets from Budgell Harbour, located in north-central Newfoundland, are carried out. Reef-type platinum group mineralization is present in the area, as well as a large scale, deep igneous intrusion (the Budgell Harbour Stock). The intrusion is thought to be related to the same tectonic activity that resulted in the formation of the basins offshore Newfoundland that are now being actively explored for hydrocarbons. 3D modeling and inversion, specifically taking into account topography, are done for the gravity gradiometry and magnetic data-sets. The inversions are typical unconstrained, minimum-structure inversions. Joint inversion of the gravity gradiometry and magnetic data-sets is also considered. The Earth model is parameterized in terms of an unstructured tetrahedral mesh, which allows the topography to be modeled to the same accuracy with which it is known. The goal is to develop 3D density and susceptibility models of the area, thus further assessing the mineral potential of the area and better delineating the Budgell Harbour Stock