Successive Regression to Determine the Optimum Terrain Correction Density in Mountainous Areas

Bouguer gravity anomalies are generally correlated with topography in mountainous regions. However, their applicability in geological interpretations of gravity data is often constrained by inaccuracies in terrain correction density. To address this limitation, this study employed regression analysis to ascertain the most suitable terrain correction density by investigating the interplay between free-air gravity anomalies and elevation. The density values were then iteratively refined based on the dynamic relationship between computed Bouguer gravity anomalies and elevation at each stage of iteration. By continuously adjusting the terrain correction density throughout the topographic correction process, we ultimately determined the optimal density value and its corresponding Bouguer gravity anomaly. This methodology was applied to gravity data gathered from Jiuzong Mountain, where the ideal terrain correction density was attained after five iterative cycles. The resultant Bouguer gravity anomaly was subsequently calculated, and the efficacy of the proposed method was corroborated by the empirical findings derived from Jiuzhong Mountain.