Methods of mapping the depth to the Curie isotherm
居里等温面深度的探测方法

This paper summarizes, classifies, and evaluates the available methods used in estimating the depth to the Curie isotherm. Methods based on geothermal data and magnetic data (both aeromagnetic and satellite magnetic data) have been reported in the literature, but the magnetic methods are the most diversified and have been broadly applied. Basis for geothermal methods is the temperature-depth relationship. Magnetic methods can be classified into two major categories, i.e., methods based on the study of individual magnetic anomalies and methods based on the statistic model of an ensemble of magnetized blocks. Within each class there is still a variety of specific techniques, among which the spectral analysis is the most popular one. While none of these methods are perfectly applicable, the statistical spectral analysis has been favorably considered superior to others, and has recently gained many applications and discussions. Since the estimates of the depth to the Curie isotherm are inverse calculations and encompass all of the nonuniqueness and mathematical instabilities inherent in these methods, depth-to-Curie isotherm estimations should be always treated with caution. New concepts, such as self-similarity theory, introduce new research opportunities and scientific sparks in this area; meanwhile they also reveal many limitations of earlier methods.