Z

Zero-Crossover Method  – a profile-based method of estimating the gravity source body parameters using the truncated horizontal plate model approximation. Z.-C.M. is applied to the gravity profile which is perpendicular to the upper edge of this model. This gravity profile is upward continued over several constant intervals and profiles of Second Horizontal Derivative (2HD) are calculated at each elevation. Differences in the lateral offset of the zero-crossover points of 2HD of successively upward continued gravity profiles are used to estimate dip, vertical extent and location of the model boundary. Application of this method requires that distance to the upper surface of the model (i.e., geological body) is known. Tests indicate that the best results are obtained when both the length of gravity profile and the finite-strike length of a model are at least three times the maximum depth extent of the model. [156]. See also Upward Continuation.

Zero-Error Normalization  – a data processing operator (LCT ZEN algorithm) for adjusting closely spaced gravity and magnetic datasets. Z.-E.N. provides a 3-D line adjustment for each survey line to derive a minimum warp surface that retains the high-frequency signals, supported by surrounding neighbor control points, while suppressing apparent line-oriented noise events (which have no surrounding support) and resolving the low-amplitude, intermediate to long-wavelength level offsets between survey lines.

Zero-Length Spring  – a basic physical principle of operation of some gravimeters. The distance between points of a quartz spring attachment is designed in such a manner that a projection of the stress-strain curve passes through zero spring length for zero strain. In other words, without a mass load the spring will have no extension. Gravimeters with a spring of this type can be made very sensitive to strain (gravity) forces with theoretically infinite period and linear deflection of a suspended weight proportionally to the gravity field. Z.-L.S. suspension supports a weight on the end of a horizontal beam in the LaCoste & Romberg gravimeters. [36, 174]. See also Torsion Balance and Weight-on-Spring.

Zero-Phase Meter Gravity  – the gravity data after applying a “soft” phase-only-inverse filter to the gravity field records in order to align all data to a zero phase time lag. Z.-P.M.G. is the basis for subsequent gravity reduction (correction) procedures. See Bouguer Gravity and Free-Air Gravity.

Zone Chart  – a template used for applying Terrain Correction or Isostatic Correction to the gravity data. Each zone within Z.C. is represented by a circular ring divided by radial lines into compartments of arbitrary azimuth. The smallest applicable zone (“B”) is bounded by the inner radius of 6.56 ft and the outer radius of 54.6 ft, and divided into four compartments. The largest zone (“M”) is bounded by the inner radius of 48,365 ft and the outer radius of 71,996 ft, and divided into 16 compartments. In gravity exploration Z.C. is commonly subdivided into the inner zone (with radii varying from 6.56 ft to 558 ft) and the outer zone (with radii varying from 558 ft to 21,826 ft), where the surface topography is corrected by using the zone charts constructed on the same principle as above, but with different scales. In practice, Z.C. is laid over the topographic map of the exploration area with Z.C. centered at the gravity Station being corrected. The differences in average elevation in each zone and the station elevation are tabulated. The sign of this difference is ignored as the correction is always positive, regardless of whether zones are higher or lower than the station elevation. Z.C. is also referred to as Hammer Chart or Terrain Chart. [223, 238 ]. See also Inner Zone Terrain Correction and Outer Zone Terrain Correction.

Zooming  – an interactive display option which magnifies the selected region of a display (zoom-in) for better viewing or decreases it (zoom-out) back to the original view. [223].