Magnetotelluric investigation on Björkö impact structure,west of Stockholm,Sweden

This paper describes the application of magnetotelluric (MT) method to investigate Björkö impact structure located at west of Stockholm, Sweden. This structure has formed in crystalline rocks ca. 1.2 Ga ago and located relatively close to the district heating infrastructure of the Stockholm region, as the largest district heating system in Europe. Since impact structures mostly contain fractured rock volumes in the form of breccia formations, the occurred brecciation zones in this region are more favorable potential targets for geothermal investigations. The main objective is evaluating the capability of the study area to have potential for geothermal resources by mapping the subsurface structure. To image electrical characteristic of underground layers, 1D and 2D bimodal inversions of TE and TM modes of MT data are performed. The results are also compared with the outputs of the inversion of the determinant data (yielding a direction-independent average of the subsurface conductivity) along the same profiles, proving good accordance of the outputs. The processed resistivity sections at depth along with measuring various rock physical properties across two drilled boreholes at Björkö and Midsommar islands localized two conductors at depths of 1 km and from 2.5 to 4.5 km, which may be attributed to be a potential zone for geothermal energy retrieval.     

太康隆起东段地热资源远景区调查评价与研究

应用大地电磁测深法(MT)对太康隆起东段深部地层结构及隐伏断裂进行探测研究,共布设了4条MT剖面,获得了97个测深点,并对所获得的MT数据的二维偏离度、构造走向等进行计算和分析,采用非线性共轭梯度(NLCG)二维反演方法对TE和TM模式的数据进行联合反演,得到了可靠的地下介质二维地电模型。研究结果表明,商丘凸起电性结构纵向上具有典型的分层特征,从上到下可分为三层,即低阻层-中高阻层-高阻层。根据该电性结构模型,结合研究区域重力、航磁、地震及区域地质资料,绘制了商丘凸起基岩地质图,同时根据深部基底隆起形成的高阻异常与区域地温场高值区具有较好的对应关系,据此圈定了2处地热异常远景区。     

Effects of galvanic distortions on magnetotelluric data: Interpretation and its correction using deep electrical data

The non-inductive galvanic disturbances due to surficial bodies, lying smaller than high frequency skin depth, cause serious interpretational errors in magnetotelluric data. These frequency independent distortions result in a quasi-static shift between the apparent resistivity curves known as static shift. Two-dimensional modelling studies, for the effects of surficial bodies on magnetotelluric interpretation, show that the transverse electric (TE) mode apparent resistivity curves are hardly affected compared to the transverse magnetic (TM) mode curves, facilitating the correction by using a curve shifting method to match low frequency asymptotes. But in the case of field data the problem is rather complicated because of the random distribution of geometry and conductivity of near surface inhomogeneities. Here we present the use of deep resistivity sounding (DRS) data to constrain MT static shift. Direct current sensitivity studies show that the behaviour of MT static shift can be estimated using DC resistivity measurements close to the MT sounding station to appreciable depths. The distorted data set is corrected using the MT response for DRS model and further subject to joint inversion with DRS data. Joint inversion leads to better estimation of MT parameters compared to the separate inversion of data sets.     

Magnetic susceptibility and VLF-R investigations for determining geothermal blowout contaminated area: a case study from Alaşehir (Manisa/Turkey)

Western Turkey is one of the most spectacular regions of widespread, active continental extension in the world. The most prominent structures of this region are E–W trending Gediz and Büyük Menderes Grabens. Geothermal activity around city of Manisa in Gediz Graben has been investigated by many researchers and many geothermal boreholes were drilled in order to produce electricity. In the middle of May 2012, a geothermal blowout occurred 150 m away from the deep drilling (depth 1,100 m), in Alkan village of Ala?ehir resort in city of Manisa. After that, four big blowouts took place at the same area and thermal water had been diverted to Alkan stream for almost 4 months. The boron (B) and Fe levels of thermal water are 87 and 11.2 ppm where the background B and Fe values of topsoil vary between 0.2–1.5 ppm and 3.08–5.63 ppm, respectively. The objective of this study was to utilize joint magnetic susceptibility and VLF-R investigations to determine possibly contaminated area with B, related to high Fe level on the topsoil and thermal water in the subterranean layers. It is observed that magnetic susceptibility values vary between 500 and 790 cgs (×10^?6) in the vicinity of blowouts and 150–340 cgs (×10^?6) at a distance of 50 m around, where the background average value is 20 cgs (×10^?6), by using the data collected at 346 stations. Besides, the VLF-R studies were carried out along 18 profiles at three different frequencies. Laterally constrained two-layer inversion was applied to each station; in addition to the inversion of all profiles for each frequency, all lines were stacked, 2-D resistivity maps were obtained, and the contaminated area was determined approximately as 35,000 m². The results show not only satisfactory agreement between magnetic susceptibility and VLF-R data, but also provide fast and valued interpretation of geochemical and geophysical properties of the geothermal contaminated area.     

A MT survey in the Amiata volcanic area: A combined methodology for defining shallow and deep structures

This paper describes a magnetotelluric (MT) survey carried out on the western edge of the Amiata geothermal region (Tuscany, Italy). In order to enhance the resolution of subsurface conductivity along the survey line and to define the deep features related to geothermal system heat recharge a continuous profiling method was used The standard wide-band MT data were collected at 28 sites, and 130 high frequency telluric-magnetotelluric (TMT) soundings were carried out at sites adjacent to the main wide-band sites. To tackle the problem of high electrical noise in the area the wide-band data were recorded simultaneously at two sites of the profile (local remote) and at a third far remote and electrically quiet site.Two-dimensional (2D) inversion of both TM and TM-TE data was performed, taking into account topographic and coast effects. The inversion results were able to define both shallow and deep resistivity anomalies whose structural significance is in good agreement with information derived from other geophysical data.Of particular geothermal interest is the evidence of a large conductive anomaly at a depth ranging between 2 and 4 km within the deep metamorphic basement. This anomaly could indicate the presence of a hitherto unidentified deep reservoir that is in communication with the reservoir exploited at present in the Amiata area.     

Resistivity imaging survey to delineate subsurface seepage of hydrocarbon contaminated water at Karbala Governorate,Iraq

This research is an attempt to accomplish a 3-D resistivity imaging survey, which was carried out near a water well contaminated with hydrocarbon materials in Karbala governorate. Two-dimensional resistivity imaging measurements were collected along four parallel profiles, using a Wenner array with electrode spacing of 1 m. The RES3DINV program was used to invert the apparent resistivity data. The results displayed a resistivity distribution of the subsurface in a three-dimensional volume. Thus, both the horizontal and vertical extents of the contaminated zone were displayed. This technique revealed a low resistivity zone at depth ranges from 3 to 6 m in the investigation area, but the seepage starts at depth ranges between 2 and 3 m and continues down depth (may be to the groundwater level). This low resistivity zone is the most likely location for a subsurface seepage of contaminated water. It is clear that the sufficient measurement points along 2-D lines in a small area can increase the 3-D imaging resolution, and nearly real 3-D imaging can be achieved, when the size of subsurface anomaly compared with the electrode spacing (a) of the Wenner array is taken into consideration.     

Geo-electrical delineations within Kubanni basin, north-central Nigeria

The research site is the whole landmass of the Federal College of Education, Zaria, seated on basement complex of north-central Nigeria. Direct current resistivity geophysical method was employed to characterise parameters such as the basement depth and topography, aquifer depth and thickness, weathered basement distribution as well as mapping of orientations of fractures and faults present in the premises using radial sounding technique. The conventional vertical electrical sounding (VES) Schlumberger array was carried out at 40 stations, and eight of which were radial stations. Radial sounding was used to establish resistivity anisotropy which gives clue for the choice of consistent VES profile direction used throughout the fieldwork. Results from the resistivity interpretation suggest three layers in most parts of the premises with some minor occurrence of two and four layers. The first layer (topsoil) has its thickness ranging between 3.5 and 14.0 m; second layer (weathered basement) thickness ranges between 9.0 and 36.5 m, while the third layer (fresh basement) is deepest (40.1 m) towards the eastern corner of the area. The aquifer depth ranges from 1.5 to 4.0 m with a thickness range of 5.0 to 14.0 m. The thickest aquifer occurs around the centre to the west in the area. Results from radial sounding show presence of resistivity anisotropy, an insight to fracturing and faulting; this is more pronounced around the west-central part of the premises.     

Preliminary investigation of underground settlements of Nevşehir Castle region using 2.5-D electrical resistivity tomography: Cappadocia,Turkey

The Nev?ehir Castle region located in the middle of Cappadocia with approximately cone shape is investigated for the existence of an underground city using the geophysical method of electrical resistivity tomography. Underground cities are commonly known to exist in Cappadocia. The current study has obtained important clues that there may be another one under the Nev?ehir Castle region. Several 2.5-D resistivity profiles totaling approximately 4 km in length surrounding the Nev?ehir Castle are measured to determine the distribution of electrical resistivities under the study area. Several high resistivity anomalies with a depth range 8–20 m are discovered to associate with a systematic void structure beneath the Nev?ehir Castle. Because of the high-resolution resistivity measurement system currently employed, we were able to isolate the void anomalies from the embedding structure. Using 3-D visualization techniques, we show the extension of the void structure under the measured profiles.     

Delineation of shallow resistivity structure around Malvan, Konkan region, Maharashtra by neural network inversion using vertical electrical sounding measurements

Modeling resistivity profiles, especially from hard rock areas, is of specific relevance for groundwater exploration. A method based on Bayesian neural network (BNN) theory using a Hybrid Monte Carlo (HMC) simulation scheme is applied to model and interpret direct current vertical electrical sounding measurements from 28 locations around the Malvan region, in the Sindhudurg district, southwest India. The modeling procedure revolves around optimizing the objective function using the HMC based sampling technique which is followed by updating each trajectory by integrating the Hamiltonian differential equations via a second order leapfrog discretization scheme. The inversion results suggest a high resistivity structure in the north-western part of the area, which correlates well with the presence of laterites. In the south-western part, a very high conductive zone is observed near the coast indicating an extensive influence of saltwater intrusion. Our results also show that the effect of intrusion of saline water diminishes from the south-western part to the north-eastern part of the region. Two dimensional modeling of four resistivity profiles shows that the groundwater flow is partly controlled by existing lineaments, fractures, and major joints. Groundwater occurs at a weathered/semi-weathered layer of laterite/clayey sand and the interface of overburden and crystalline basement. The presence of conduits is identified at a depth between 10 and 15 m along the Dhamapur–Kudal and Parule–Oros profiles, which seems to be potential zone for groundwater exploration. The NW–SE trending major lineaments and its criss-cross sections are indentified from the apparent and true resistivity surface map. The pseudo-section at different depths in the western part of the area, near Parule, shows extensive influence of saltwater intrusion and its impact reaching up to a depth of 50 m from the surface along the coastal area. Further, the deduced true electrical resistivity section against depth correlates well with available borehole lithology in the area. Present analyses suggest that HMC-based BNN method is robust for modeling resistivity data especially in hard rock terrains. These results are useful for interpreting fractures, major joints, and lineaments and crystalline basement rock and also for constraining the higher dimensional models.     

Magnetotelluric investigations for imaging electrical structure of Garhwal Himalayan corridor,Uttarakhand, India

Magnetotelluric investigations have been carried out in the Garhwal Himalayan corridor to delineate the electrical structure of the crust along a profile extending from Indo-Gangetic Plain to Higher Himalayan region in Uttarakhand, India. The profile passing through major Himalayan thrusts: Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFF), Main Boundary Thrust (MBT) and Main Central Thrust (MCT), is nearly perpendicular to the regional geological strike. Data processing and impedance analysis indicate that out of 44 stations MT data recorded, only 27 stations data show in general, the validity of 2D assumption. The average geoelectric strike, N70°W, was estimated for the profile using tensor decomposition. 2D smooth geoelectrical model has been presented, which provides the electrical image of the shallow and deeper crustal structure. The major features of the model are (i) a low resistivity (<50Ωm), shallow feature interpreted as sediments of Siwalik and Indo-Gangetic Plain, (ii) highly resistive (> 1000Ωm) zone below the sediments at a depth of 6 km, interpreted as the top surface of the Indian plate, (iii) a low resistivity (< 10Ωm) below the depth of 6 km near MCT zone coincides with the intense micro-seismic activity in the region. The zone is interpreted as the partial melting or fluid phase at mid crustal depth. Sensitivity test indicates that the major features of the geoelectrical model are relevant and desired by the MT data.     

大地电磁测深数据TE与TM极化模式的对比

在大地电磁测深工作中,由于实际地下介质的非均匀性,所得到实测资料的TE、TM极化模式视电阻率曲线有很大差异,给正确认识和判断实际地质结构带来困难。通过建立简单地堑、地垒及断层模型,并进行正反演,总结了这些模型条件下TE、TM极化模式的响应规律,为大地电磁测深数据的定性分析和解释提供了依据。     

MT法在鄂尔多斯盆地北部地热资源勘查中的应用

鄂尔多斯盆地北部地热资源埋藏深、温度高、储量大、开发潜力大,合理地选择物探方法可以很好地确定靶区,圈定热储构造,更精准地为钻探提供依据.由于MT法探测深度的优势,其反演电阻率特征能很清晰地反映出地热田导水导热构造的分布、产状等特征.本研究利用前期ER01、ER02地热井测井成果,重新标定ER03地热井物探解释参数,划分出4 000 m深度范围内的热储层在水平和纵向上的分布规律,圈定地热异常范围和空间分布特点,确定地下热水的富水部位及有利的勘探井位,提出下一步工作的建议.     

A numerical comparison of enhancing horizontal resolution (EHR) technique utilizing 2D resistivity imaging

The effectiveness of inversion apparent resistivity data to determine accurately the true resistivity distribution over 2D structures has been investigated using a common inversion scheme based on smoothness-constrained nonlinear least-squares optimization with enhancing horizontal resolution (EHR) technique by numerical simulation. The theoretical model generates in RES2DMOD software at specific distance and depth using Wenner, Wenner–Schlumberger, and pole–dipole arrays were inverted. The inversion model was compared with the original 2D model in RES2DINV software. The study model includes horizontal layering, vertical resolution, and horizontal two layers with different resistivity. Also, the response to variations in data density of these arrays was investigated. The study shows the best array suitable to be used in the survey was chosen for real data acquisition at the actual site. Subsequently, the results from borehole were used to verify the results of 2D resistivity imaging method with and without EHR technique. Saturated zone (0–40 Ω-m) was found scattered at the depth of 10–20 m. The borehole is located at 63 m at 2D resistivity imaging survey which shows at depth 10–20 m is sandy silt. Highly weathered sandstone was found at 6 m depth with resistivity value of 800 Ω-m and SPT N value of 20. The bedrock was found at 27 m depth with resistivity value of 3,000 Ω-m and SPT N value of 50. The application of 2D resistivity imaging with EHR technique indicate the ability of the proposed approach in terms of density, depth, and resistivity value of anomalous and layer in a computationally and numerically efficient manner and to exhibit good performance in the data inversion.     

Investigation of density contrasts and geologic structures of hot springs in the Markazi Province of Iran using the gravity method

In 2012, the renewable energy organization of Iran (SUNA) performed a gravity survey around hot springs of the Mahallat geothermal field in the Markazi Province of Central Iran, as part of the explorations and developments of geothermal energy investigation program in the region. The Mahallat region has the greatest geothermal field in Iran. This work presents interpretation results of various gravity maps and a calculated 3D inversion model. The residual gravity map shows three negative gravity anomaly zones (A1, A2, and A3) associated with the geothermal reservoirs in the region. The horizontal gradient maps reveal a complex fault system. In order to attain more information about the Khorhe geothermal reservoir, a 3D density contrast model was calculated using the Li-Oldenburg method. The attained 3D model provides an in-depth image of the evolution, showing the density contrast and the A1 zone having a high potential for the geothermal reservoir in the region. The results also show that the rocks which exist between 1000 and 3000 meters under the Earth’s surface in the A1 zone are the most suitable aquifers for utilization of geothermal energy.     

Delineation of saline groundwater and sea water intrusion zones using transient electromagnetic (TEM) method, Wadi Thuwal area, Saudi Arabia

In the coastal western part of Saudi Arabia at Thuwal area located close from the Red Sea, the shallow groundwater specific electrical conductivities measured at the drill holes range from 6 to 13 mS/cm. In order to study the origin of this salinity, a good knowledge is required of the aquifer geometry with depth. Ninety nine transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings were carried out over an area of about 100 km². From the TEM profiles, a conductive substratum with a resistivity of 1–13 Ωm was identified at most of the sites at depth ranging from 50 to 150 m. This substratum is related to Oligocene–Miocene sediments (Shumaysi Formation) which are mainly red clay-rich formation containing brines at coastal zones. Clayey sediments are more likely present in the southeastern part and along the faults that run NE–SW across the study area and parallel to the Quaternary volcanic which runs NW–SE. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of the TEM sounding method to map conductive zones.     

Determination of groundwater potential by using geoelectrical method and petrographic analysis in Rawalakot and adjacent areas of Azad Kashmir,sub-Himalayas,Pakistan

The current study is carried out for the determination of groundwater potential in District Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) Pakistan by using electrical resistivity method and petrographic analysis of the area. The tape-compass-clinometers method was used in section measurement to understand the facies and depositional environment. The electrical resistivity survey was carried out in the project area in sub-Himalayan Siwaliks system of Pakistan to overcome water scarcity in a few regions. The area was chartered with the Schlumberger configuration up to the AB/2 depth of 150 m. The ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 (Sweden) and accessories were used to acquire vertical electrical soundings in 24 locations. The results obtained through the 2D and 3D isoresistivity maps of apparent resistivity for 15, 45, and 130 m spacings, the 3D isoresistivity maps of transverse resistance and anisotropy, the VES curve types, and the measured stratigraphic section of surface rocks revealed the confined or semi-confined type aquifers within sedimentary formations. The petrographic analysis indicates the clues of the secondary porosity and fluid migrations through the rocks.     

Comparison between 2D imaging and vertical electrical sounding in aquifer delineation: a case study of south and south west of Samawa City (IRAQ)

The vertical electrical sounding (VES) survey was carried out by using Schlumberger array in (12) points distributed along two profiles, except VES 6 was not located within any profile. The 2D imaging survey was carried out using Wenner array in four stations. The VES results revealed the presence of two groundwater aquifers. The first is Euphrates aquifer and the second is Dammam aquifer. While the results of 2D imaging survey distinguished two secondary aquifers in addition to previous aquifers located within Dammam formation. Also, 2D imaging gave a more accurate picture for the distribution of electrical horizons especially for the depths which ranges between 2.5 and 73 m. While the VES gives information for larger depths than that of 2D, which ranges between the earth’s surface and a depth 140 m. The geo-electrical sections of VES showed electrical horizons (layers) with sharp boundaries. But the 2D inverse models revealed the lateral and vertical variations of the resistivity within each horizon especially for shallow depths due to large volume of data available in 2D measurement. These variations were not shown in the geo-electrical sections of VES points. Comparison of VES and 2D imaging techniques revealed that the 2D imaging was the best for determined the shallow aquifers as observed from this study. It can be concluded that 2D resistivity imaging and VES can provide very useful guide for borehole drilling particularly where there is no existing well.     

Integrated magnetic and gravity surveys for geothermal exploration in Central Iran

The Delijan region of Central Iran is a popular tourist spot due to the occurrence of hot springs and having the greatest geothermal fields in Iran. In the years 2011 and 2012, an integrated geophysical investigation, using magnetic and gravity methods, was conducted over the hot springs in order to characterize geophysical anomaly sources corresponding to the geothermal resources. The results of the geophysical investigations revealed the heat source and the reservoir of the Delijan geothermal system (DGS). Based on results of Euler depth estimation and 3D inversion of magnetic and gravity data, the depths and extension of the discovered structures were determined with a good correlation with the geological information. The results of magnetic interpretation show that the main source (heat source) of the geothermal system is located NE of the Delijan-Abgarm fault (DAf) zone at depths of 2500 to 5000 m, and the results of gravity interpretation show that the reservoir of the geothermal system is located along the DAf zone at depths of 1000 to 4000 m. Also, the horizontal gradients of gravity data reveal complex fault systems which are acting as the preferential paths to circulate the hydrothermal fluids.     

Geoelectrical survey over perched aquifers in the northern part of Upper Sakarya River Basin,Türkiye

In this study, a groundwater exploration survey was conducted using the DC Resistivity (DCR) method in a hydrogeological setting containing a perched aquifer. DCR data were gathered and an electrical tomography section was recovered using conventional four-electrode instruments with a Schlumberger array and a two-dimensional (2D) inversion scheme. The proposed scheme was tested over a synthetic three-dimensional (3D) subsurface model before deploying it in a field situation. The proposed method indicated that gathering data with simple four-electrode instruments at stations along a line and 2D inversion of datasets at multiple stations can recover depth intervals of the studied aquifer in the hydrogeological setting even if it has a 3D structure. In this study, 2D inversion of parallel profiles formed a pseudo-3D volume of the subsurface resistivity structures and mapped out multiple resistive (>25 ohm·m) bodies at shallow (between 50–100 m) and deep sections (>150 m). In general, the proposed method is convenient to encounter geological units that have limited vertical and spatial extensions in any direction and presents resistivity contrast from groundwater-bearing geologic materials.     

The lithospheric transition between the Delamerian and Lachlan orogens in western Victoria: new insights from 3D magnetotelluric imaging

The magnetotelluric (MT) method was used to image the crust and upper mantle beneath the Delamerian and Lachlan orogens in western Victoria, Australia. During the Cambrian time period, this region changed from being the extended passive margin of Proterozoic Australia into an Andean-style convergent margin that progressively began to accrete younger oceanic terranes. Several broadband MT transects, which were collected in stages along coincident deep (full crust imaging) seismic reflection lines, have now been combined to create a continuous 500 km east–west transect over the Delamerian–Lachlan transition region in the Stawell Zone. We present the electrical resistivity structure of the lithosphere using both 3D and 2D inversion methods. Additionally, 1D inversions of long-period AusLAMP (Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project) MT data on a 55 km regionally spaced grid were used to provide starting constraints for the 3D inversion of the 2D profile. The Delamerian to Lachlan Orogen transition region coincides with the Mortlake Discontinuity, which marks an isotopic discontinuity in Cenozoic basalts, with higher strontium isotope enrichment ratios in the Lachlan Orogen relative to the Delamerian Orogen. Phase tensor ellipses of the MT data reveal a distinct change in electrical resistivity structure near the location of the Mortlake Discontinuity, and results of 3D and 2D inversions along the MT profile image a more conductive lower crust and upper mantle beneath the Lachlan Orogen than the Delamerian Orogen. Increased conductivity is commonly ascribed to mantle enrichment and thus supports the notion that the isotope enrichment of the Cenozoic basalts at least partially reflects an enriched mantle source rather than crustal contamination. Fault slivers of the lower crust from the more conductive Lachlan region expose Cambrian boninites and island arc andesites indicative of subduction, a process that can enrich the mantle isotopically, and also electrically, by introducing carbon (graphite) and water (hydrogen).