A rapid location independent full tensor gravity algorithm

We present an algorithm to rapidly calculate the vertical gravitational attraction and full tensor gravity gradient (FTG) values due to a 3D geologic model. Our technique is based on the vertical line source (VLS) element approximation with a constant density within each grid cell. This type of parameterization is well suited for high-resolution elevation datasets with grid size typically in the range of 1 m to 30 m. Our approach can perform rapid computations on large topographies including crustal-scale models derived from complex geologic interpretations. Most importantly the proposed model is location independent i.e. we can compute FTG anywhere in the geologic volume of interest (VOI) and is not limited to performing computations outside the VOI.