Geological mapping of Jharia Coalfield, India using GRACE EGM2008 gravity data: a vertical derivative approach

Abstract

High-resolution satellite gravity data of gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE) generated by Earth Gravity Model-2008 (EGM2008) have been utilised for geological mapping of the Jharia coalfield. The generated GRACE EGM2008 classical gravity data have been processed for estimation of gravity anomaly map. The gravity anomaly map has been enhanced using the first and second Vertical Derivatives techniques. Geological and structural maps of the study area have been overlapped over different derivative maps to analyse the correlation with the subsurface geological structures of the study area. Major distinct geological signatures, on different derivative maps, are correlated well with the existing geological map. Moreover, vertical derivative maps of the gravity data generated from GRACE EGM2008 model provide better agreement and understanding for geological setting of the Jharia coalfield.