Estimation of depth and magnetization of magnetic sources from magnetic data: The linearized continuous inverse problem for 21/2D structures

The estimation of the depth to the top and bottom of a magnetic source from magnetic data defines a nonlinear inverse problem, while the evaluation of the distribution of magnetization determines a linear inverse problem. In this paper, these interpretation problems are resolved in the continuous case of 2_1/2D magnetized bodies with lateral magnetization variations. A formulation of the magnetic problem accounting for different directions of remanent and total magnetization vectors and including a more general definition of apparent susceptibility is presented. Differences between 2D and 2_1/2D formulations are stressed, as regards the anomaly amplitude, shape and zero-level.