NUMERICAL METHODS IN DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF MARINE MAGNETIC ANOMALIES

The direct determination of source rock magnetization on the basis of observed magnetic field values involves the numerical solution of a linear integral equation. This solution is obtained for a two-dimensional body of specified geometry and uniformly magnetized volume elements by the Seidel iteration technique. Consideration of magnetic anomaly profiles associated with ocean floor spreading indicates that the magnetization values at the ridge crest are only slightly greater than those away from the crest. This, together with the evidence for narrow transition zones between sections of normal and reverse polarity, lends support to the dike injection mechanism for bringing mantle material to the surface at the ridge crest. © 1969.