3-D HLEM Modeling of Tropical Weathering: A Trial from a Granitic Area of N-W Rajasthan, India

--In a sand-covered granite terrain of northwestern Rajasthan, India, a five-frequency HLEM survey along a 10-km traverse line generated several clear and strong anomalies. Subjected to a joint constrained 1-D layered earth inversion, the IP and OP frequency soundings at each point of observation yields either no solution or one which is inconsistent with the adjacent point. On the other hand, a 3-D model fitting of these anomalies with a tabular body in a layered host leads to a more meaningful interpretation, suggesting the presence of (1) pockets of weathered conductive material and (2) resistive intruding dykes, embedded in a semi-weathered layer, as the cause of the observed anomalies. The locations of weathered pockets are probably determined by pre-existing weak structures such as joints, fractures and faults, which facilitated movement of groundwater and hence weathering. Thus covered features deep in the bedrock such as intrusives, joints, fractures and faults, which are not directly detectable by the HLEM method, being under a more conductive overburden, are indirectly detected through their imprints left in the overlying weathering profile.     

福州市隐伏断层地球化学试验探测及研究

在城市环境中进行隐伏断层地球化学探测试验是一次新的尝试。试验探测内容包括 :不同地球化学测项 (土壤气汞和土汞、土壤气氡等 )、不同类型测氡仪器 (FD - 12 5 ,FD - 30 17RaA)、不同探测场地 (稻田、菜地、林区、道路、回填土和市区街道绿化带等 )。地球化学与浅层地震勘探结果的比较表明 ,2类异常点的对应率约为 70 % ,表明地球化学方法在福州市环境下的隐伏断层探测中是一种有效的方法 ;地球化学“伪异常”出现的可能部位是小桥边、废弃建筑物地基、路边垃圾堆放地等     

Geophysical investigation of buried Pleistocene subglacial valleys in Northern Germany

Buried Pleistocene subglacial valleys are extensively used as groundwater reservoirs by waterworks in northern Germany, although little is known about the locations and size of these valleys and the internal structure of the sediment fill. This lack of knowledge about important groundwater reservoirs is a challenge for geophysics.This paper summarizes the geophysical investigation of two buried Pleistocene subglacial valleys in northern Germany—the Ellerbeker Rinne and the Bremerhaven–Cuxhavener Rinne—including seismic, gravity, and airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys. Seismic sections show the detailed structure of the paleovalleys. The reliability of interpretation is enhanced by vertical seismic profiles in wells. The maximum depths of the Ellerbeker Rinne and the Bremerhaven–Cuxhavener Rinne were found to be 360 and about 400 m, respectively. Gravity survey revealed Bouguer anomalies above the sediment fill of both buried valleys. The Ellerbeker Rinne produces a negative residual anomaly of −0.5 mGal, whereas the sediments of the Bremerhaven–Cuxhavener Rinne produce a positive anomaly. The latter one is superimposed by negative gravity anomalies due to near-surface structures. The Bremerhaven–Cuxhavener Rinne can be mapped by airborne electromagnetics at locations without saltwater intrusion, which would affect the measurements. The electrical conductivity of the clay layer at the top of the valley fill differs significantly from that of the surrounding sand. The combined use of these three geophysical methods, which measure different physical parameters, leads to a better understanding of the subsurface geology and the hydrogeology of the Pleistocene subglacial valleys.     

隐伏断裂不同深度CO2异常特征研究

本文对比研究了华北北部隐伏活动的唐山断裂和夏垫断裂以及隐伏不活动的香河－皇庄断裂上０．５ｍ和２．０ｍ深处的ＣＯ２异常特征，并初步讨论了ＣＯ２异常机理及不同深度ＣＯ２异常特征在判断隐伏断裂位置及其活动性中的应用。０．５ｍ深处的ＣＯ２在隐伏活动断裂和隐伏不活动断裂上均有异常；而２．０ｍ深处ＣＯ２在隐伏活动断裂上异常显著，在隐伏不活动断裂上则没有异常。２．０ｍ深处ＣＯ２异常范围比０．５ｍ深处ＣＯ２异常范     

APPLICATION OF THE MULTIFREQUENCY HORIZONTAL-LOOP EM METHOD IN OVERBURDEN INVESTIGATIONS1

In recent years, geophysical methods (shallow seismic, electromagnetic, resistivity, ground penetrating radar) have been increasingly applied to overburden investigations. Their effectiveness has been found to depend significantly on local geological conditions. Compared with advanced seismic techniques, EM methods are faster and hence more cost-effective, but they have not been considered sufficiently accurate. Analysis is carried out of data obtained with the multifrequency horizontal-loop method (HLEM) in northeastern Ontario, where the overburden consists of Quaternary glacial and glaciolacustrine sediments. Surveying along 1-6 km long profiles permitted recognition of bedrock inhomogeneities and selection of sites suitable for HLEM data interpretation using the layered model. Phasor diagrams and computer inversion based on the ridge regression technique were used to interpret HLEM soundings obtained at eight frequencies. Interpreted layer resistivities and thicknesses were correlated with the results of Rotasonic drilling at 70 sites. Relatively accurate estimates of overburden thickness (within 10%) could be obtained in about 80% of the cases. Nine examples of HLEM soundings are given and discussed: three each of one-, two- and three-layer situations. An appropriate interpretation model cannot be selected simply by minimizing the rms error or by analysing the parameter resolution matrix. Frequently, the most effective way of evaluating a solution is to consider whether resistivity values determined by inversion fit any of the ranges determined by statistical analyses of sediment resistivities. A previously published study of electrical properties of Quaternary sediments indicated that resistivities of clay, till and sand are stable within a fairly large area, such as the one under investigation. While the application of HLEM methods to mapping of Quaternary sediments can be considered a success, interpretation of EM data in regions covered by glacial sediments is more difficult than in weathered terrains, where near-surface layering is more predictable. The problem of equivalence causes non-uniqueness in interpretation. Thickness equivalence, which results in poor resistivity estimates, was found to affect areas convered by sand and till. Conductance equivalence caused poor resolution of thickness and resistivity for thin clay layers (less than 10 m).     

ELECTROMAGNETIC PROSPECTING FOR GROUNDWATER IN PRECAMBRIAN TERRAINS IN THE REPUBLIC OF UPPER VOLTA*

The “Autorité des amenegements des valées des Voltas (AVV)” is establishing new rural settlements in the Volta valleys. First, a survey of available water supplies is performed. Economic aquifers in Precambrian terrains are deep (15–50 m) and usually occur in fractured zones accompanying faults. Such zones can be identified on aerial photographs, but their precise location on the ground is virtually impossible by visual means. Because of the small size of the aquifers, a location error of 5 m can make the difference between a productive well and a dry hole. Traditionally, resistivity profiling has been used as the means of locating the fractured zones in the field. Our studies suggest that the task can be performed faster, cheaper and more accurately by VLF and EM methods. Because of the limited choice of transmitting stations reccivable in Upper Volta, the VLF method is not sufficiently sensitive to detect conductors with a strike between 45° and 105°. The results obtained with a multifrequency, horizontal-loop EM (HLEM) system were satisfactory in all investigated areas. During the 1980 field season, 35 target areas were surveyed. Of the 24 holes drilled so far, 23 are productive. The weathered layer is a source of distinctive HLEM anomalies, which are characteristic of the underlying rocks. Therefore, different interpretational procedures had to be developed for granitic and volcano-sedimentary areas. Despite the high background level of in-phase and quadrature components, which varied with thickness and conductivity of the weathered layer, aquifers could be detected at a depth greater than 30 m. Attempts were made to interpret the HLEM results quantitatively using two models: a three-layer medium and a valley discontinuity. The latter model is more realistic, but more scale modelling will have to be performed to permit development of viable interpretational procedures. Meanwhile, phasor diagrams based on drilling and resistivity sounding data can be used to estimate the aquifer depth.     

VLF GROUND SURVEYS,A POWERFUL TOOL FOR THE STUDY OF SHALLOW TWO-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURES*

The suitability of VLF ground surveys in the investigation of shallow two-dimensional structures is analyzed. For such structures the polar formalism is derived, necessary in practice since the transmitters are generally not in the structural strike or profile. A simple vertical dike is considered to demonstrate the striking anisotropy which can be expected over such a structure, in particular the high apparent resistivity along the direction of a well-conducting dike and the low resistivity across it. The theory is then confronted with the practical example of an asymmetrical vertical dike resulting from a strike-slip fault. Modelling of the survey results is very successful and yields good confirmation of the polar behaviour. VLF ground surveys thus provide a quick and powerful tool for the study of geological accidents within about 100 m of the surface.     

呼和浩特地区隐伏断层土壤气氡、 汞地球化学特征

根据呼和浩特地区隐伏断层土壤气中氡、 汞的浓度, 探讨了断层的气体地球化学特征及其确定隐伏断层的方法。 在呼和浩特地区8条测线上进行了土壤气中氡、 汞浓度野外现场测量, 共2014个测点。 测量结果表明: 土壤气中氡浓度背景值为2238.7～3715.4 Bq/m³, 土壤气汞浓度背景值为21.1～79.4 ng/m³。 在8个地球化学剖面中有7个在断层带上发现了异常, 其土壤气氡、 汞异常强度一般是背景值的1.7～10.3倍。 根据断层带上土壤气氡、 汞异常特征确定了断层的具体位置。 土壤气氡、 汞测量是隐伏断层探测中非常有效的手段。     

A new least-squares minimization approach to depth and shape determination from magnetic data

We have developed a least‐squares minimization approach to depth determination using numerical second horizontal derivative anomalies obtained from magnetic data with filters of successive window lengths (graticule spacings). The problem of depth determination from second‐derivative magnetic anomalies has been transformed into finding a solution to a non‐linear equation of the form, f(z) = 0. Formulae have been derived for a sphere, a horizontal cylinder, a dike and a geological contact. Procedures are also formulated to estimate the magnetic angle and the amplitude coefficient. We have also developed a simple method to define simultaneously the shape (shape factor) and the depth of a buried structure from magnetic data. The method is based on computing the variance of depths determined from all second‐derivative anomaly profiles using the above method. The variance is considered a criterion for determining the correct shape and depth of the buried structure. When the correct shape factor is used, the variance of depths is less than the variances computed using incorrect shape factors. The method is applied to synthetic data with and without random errors, complicated regionals, and interference from neighbouring magnetic rocks. Finally, the method is tested on a field example from India. In all the cases examined, the depth and the shape parameters are found to be in good agreement with the actual parameters.     

Abandoned Underground Storage Tank Location Using Fluxgate Magnetic Surveying: A Case Study

In 1993, during the removal of a diesel and a gasoline underground storage tank at the municipal garage of the Village of Kohler, Sheboygan County, Wisconsin, soil testing revealed environmental contamination at the site. A site investigation revealed the possibility of a second on-site source of petroleum contamination. Limited historical data and the present usage of structures within the suspected source area precluded the use of most invasive sampling methods and most geophysical techniques. A fluxgate magnetometer survey, followed by confirmatory excavation, was conducted at the site. The fluxgate magnetometer survey identified nine possible magnetic anomalies within the 18 × 25 m area. The subsequent excavation near the anomalies revealed the presence of five paired and two individual 2000 L underground storage tanks. The fluxgate magnetometer survey, although affected by the proximity of buildings, was able to detect the buried tanks within 3 m of the brick structures, using a 1.5 × 1.5 m sampling array.     

Spatial Variability of the Depth of Weathered and Engineering Bedrock using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave Method

In this paper an attempt has been made to evaluate the spatial variability of the depth of weathered and engineering bedrock in Bangalore, south India using Multichannel Analysis of Surface Wave (MASW) survey. One-dimensional MASW survey has been carried out at 58 locations and shear-wave velocities are measured. Using velocity profiles, the depth of weathered rock and engineering rock surface levels has been determined. Based on the literature, shear-wave velocity of 330 ± 30 m/s for weathered rock or soft rock and 760 ± 60 m/s for engineering rock or hard rock has been considered. Depths corresponding to these velocity ranges are evaluated with respect to ground contour levels and top surface levels have been mapped with an interpolation technique using natural neighborhood. The depth of weathered rock varies from 1 m to about 21 m. In 58 testing locations, only 42 locations reached the depths which have a shear-wave velocity of more than 760 ± 60 m/s. The depth of engineering rock is evaluated from these data and it varies from 1 m to about 50 m. Further, these rock depths have been compared with a subsurface profile obtained from a two-dimensional (2-D) MASW survey at 20 locations and a few selected available bore logs from the deep geotechnical boreholes.     

2013年10月31日吉林前郭M5.8震群研究

2013年10月31日在吉林省前郭县查干花镇先后发生5.5级和5.0级地震,之后于2013年11月22日、23日又在原地分别发生了5.3级和5.8级、5.0级地震,形成震群活动。震群地震发生在东北断块区松辽断陷带中央坳陷区内,极震区长轴呈北东向展布。本次震群序列共记录1 356次地震,包括5次5级以上地震,记录到完整的地震序列。余震呈NW向密集条带状分布,震群震源断错性质为带有走滑分量的逆冲型错动,综合分析认为,前郭震群地震可能受北东向扶余—肇东断裂和北西向查干泡—道字井断裂控制,其破裂面为北西向,发震构造可能是震源区基底深部一条NW向隐伏逆冲断裂（查干泡—道字井断裂）。前郭5.8级震群在震前出现一部分测震学异常,而前兆异常更丰富,表现为由外围向震中区逐渐逼近,地震发生后前兆异常又表现出由震中区向外围扩散的特征;在时间上,先是从2010年以来出现以破年变为特征的中期趋势异常,逐渐由趋势异常向短期异常再向临震异常演化,临震异常主要以加速转折下降为主。      

Geophysical Survey and Archaeological Data at Masseria Grasso (Benevento,Italy)

The use of geophysical methods in metrology is a significant tool within the wide research topic of landscape archaeology context. Since 2011, the Ancient Appia Landscapes Project aims to recognize dynamics, shapes and layout of the ancient settlement located along the Appia road east of Benevento, and cyclical elements and human activities that influenced the choice of landscapes. The integration of geophysical data with an archaeological infra-site analysis allowed us to investigate the area of Masseria Grasso, about 6 km from Benevento (Campania region, Italy). In this framework, an archaeogeophysical approach (Geomagnetic and Ground Penetrating Radar) was adopted for detecting anomalies potentially correlated with buried archaeological evidences. The geomagnetic results have given a wide knowledge of buried features in a large survey highlighting significant anomalies associated with the presence of buildings, roads and open spaces. These geophysical results permitted us to define the first archaeological excavations and, successively, a detailed Ground Penetrating Radar approach has been provided highlighting the rooms and paved spaces. The overlap between archaeological dataset and geophysical surveys has also allowed recognizing the path of the ancient Appia road near the city of Benevento and hypothesize the settlement organization of the investigated area, which has been identified with the ancient Nuceriola.     

Resolution of airborne VLF data

The interpretation of airborne VLF data represents an important aspect of geophysical mapping of the upper few hundred meters of the Earth's crust, especially in areas with crystalline rocks. We have examined the ability of the single frequency VLF method to provide quantitative subsurface resistivity information using two generic models and standard airborne parameters with a flight altitude of 70 m and a frequency of 16 kHz. The models are long thin conductor (10 m thick, 10 Ω m resistivity and 1 km long) and a wider buried conductive dike (100 Ω m resistivity and 500 m wide). Using standard regularized inversion it turned out that for both models the conductivity of the conductors are underestimated and the vertical resolution is rather poor. The lateral positions of the minimum of the resistivity distributions coincide well with the true positions of the shallow conductors. For deeper conductors the position of the minimum resistivity moves from the edges of the conductor into the conductor. The depth to the minimum of the resistivity anomalies correlates well with the true depth to the top of the conductors although the latter is always smaller than the former.Interpretation of field airborne data collected at 70 m flight height resolved both small scale and large scale near surface conductors (conductance ∼1 S). Deeper conductors show up in the VLF data as very long wavelength anomalies that are particularly powerful in delineating the lateral boundaries of the conductors. Many of the VLF anomalies in the Stockholm area are dominated by these deep conductor responses with some near surface conductors superimposed. The deep conductors often follow topographic lows coinciding with metasediments. We interpret the frequent absence of near surface responses at 70 m flight height as a result of weak coupling between the primary VLF wave and the small scale (in all three dimensions) near-surface conductors.Radio magnetotelluric (RMT) ground measurements were carried out along a short profile coinciding with part of an airborne profile. Using data at 9 frequencies (14–250 kHz) small scale conductors in the upper few tens of meters, not identified from the airborne data, could be well resolved. Large scale deeper conductors could be identified by both methods at nearly the same positions.     

A CONTROL OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL MAGNETIC INTERPRETATION BY THREE-DIMENSIONAL MODEL BODY ANOMALIES*

In magnetic routine interpretation the comparison of two-dimensional model curves with measured magnetic anomalies is widely used for an approximate evaluation of the position and depth of magnetic models. Before starting an interpretation of a survey by means of two-dimensional models, it is very useful to have an idea of the shape of anomalies caused by extended but finite bodies, taking into account various strike directions: Three sets of anomalies of thin plates (horizontal length 19, downward length 9, width 1) dipping 30°, 60°, and 90° resp. for various strike directions and an inclination of 20° were computed. Some of these anomalies, e.g. those with nearly N-S strike direction look rather complicated, and at the first glance one would not expect that they are caused by such simple bodies. Several profiles crossing the computed anomalies perpendicularly were interpreted two-dimensionally. For less extended anomalies the depths determined for the top of the plates are 10-20% too small, the magnetization amounts to 50–75 % of the value of the finite bodies. The interpretation of the profiles covering more extended anomalies gave very accurately the same values for the position, depth and magnetization for the two-dimensional body as for the original three-dimensional model. Anomalies of vertical prisms with varying extensions in the y-direction were computed. Their differences in amplitude and in the distance maximum-minimum show that interpretation of short anomalies by two-dimensional methods yields depth errors of up to 20 percent. To see the possibilities of the separation of superimposed anomalies dike anomalies were added to the anomaly of a broad body in great depth and several attempts were made to interpret parts of the composite anomalies. The interpreted bodies lie too deep. In complicated cases the depth values can have large errors, but experienced interpreters should be able to keep the errors in the range of one third of the depth values.     

高密度电阻率法在西藏日喀则地区隐伏断裂探测中的应用

以跨谢通门—青都断裂的两条高密度电阻率法探测资料为基础, 对高密度电阻率法在青藏高原日喀则地区隐伏断裂探测中的首次应用进行了详细介绍． 所获取的高密度电法剖面显示, 该断层的电阻率异常特征清晰, 其上断点埋深可达20—30 m, 较浅层人工地震探测所揭示的断层上断点埋深(50 m)更浅, 结合地层年代资料推测该断裂的最新活动时期为早—中更新世． 探测结果表明: 高密度电法剖面清晰地显示了断层在浅部松散层的延伸, 适用于日喀则地区的隐伏断层探测; 相较于浅层人工地震探测, 该方法对浅部松散层的探测具有明显优势, 一定条件下能够更好地揭示断层上断点埋深, 可与浅层人工地震探测形成互补． 需要指出的是, 在应用中需重视测区水文地质及地层发育情况对探测的影响．      

A geoelectric section across Ireland from magnetotelluric soundings

A magnetotelluric survey across Ireland has been completed. The 40 sites were positioned on a line normal to the predominant Caledonian geological trend (i.e. NE-SW) of the country. The average site separation was 5 km and frequencies from 640 to 0.01 Hz were sampled. Bostick-Niblett and Occam inversions of the data suggest that the Carboniferous limestone of the main part of the profile is underlain by Ordovician volcanic rocks in a block and trough structure with a wavelength of 15 km. This supports previous gravity and magnetic interpretations. At greater depths which vary significantly along the traverse, an anomalous mid-lower crustal conductor is apparent. This conductor is probably a complex manifestation of the Caledonian tectonic zone known as the Iapetus suture. In this respect, it is significant that comparable conducting zones of similar geometry have previously been found in the suture region in Southern Scotland and Northern England.     

A model for radial dike emplacement in composite cones based on observations from Summer Coon volcano,Colorado, USA

We mapped the geometry of 13 silicic dikes at Summer Coon, an eroded Oligocene stratovolcano in southern Colorado, to investigate various characteristics of radial dike emplacement in composite volcanoes. Exposed dikes are up to about 7 km in length and have numerous offset segments along their upper peripheries. Surprisingly, most dikes at Summer Coon increase in thickness with distance from the center of the volcano. Magma pressure in a dike is expected to lessen away from the pressurized source region, which would encourage a blade-like dike to decrease in thickness with distance from the center of the volcano. We attribute the observed thickness pattern as evidence of a driving pressure gradient, which is caused by decreasing host rock shear modulus and horizontal stress, both due to decreasing emplacement depths beneath the sloping flanks of the volcano. Based on data from Summer Coon, we propose that radial dikes originate at depth below the summit of a host volcano and follow steeply inclined paths towards the surface. Near the interface between volcanic cone and basement, which may represent a neutral buoyancy surface or stress barrier, magma is transported subhorizontally and radially away from the center of the volcano in blade-like dikes. The dikes thicken with increasing radial distance, and offset segments and fingers form along the upper peripheries of the intrusions. Eruptions may occur anywhere along the length of the dikes, but the erupted volume will generally be greater for dike-fed eruptions far from the center of the host volcano owing to the increase in driving pressure with distance from the source. Observed eruptive volumes, vent locations, and vent-area intrusions from inferred post-glacial dike-fed eruptions at Mount Adams, Washington, USA, support the proposed model. Hazards associated with radial dike emplacement are therefore greater for longer dikes that propagate to the outer flanks of a volcano.     

Shallow plumbing systems for small-volume basaltic volcanoes

Eruptive dynamics in basaltic volcanoes are controlled, in part, by the conduit geometry. However, uncertainties in conduit shape and dike-to-conduit transition geometry have limited our predictive capability for hazards assessments. We characterize the subvolcanic geometry of small-volume basaltic volcanoes (magmatic volatile-driven eruptions, 0.1 to 0.5 km³) based on a synthesis of field studies of five basaltic volcanoes exposed to varying degrees by erosion and exhibiting feeder dikes, conduits, and vent areas ≤250 m depth. Study areas include East Grants Ridge (New Mexico, USA), Basalt Ridge, East Basalt Ridge, Paiute Ridge, and Southeast Crater Flat (Nevada, USA). Basaltic feeder dikes 250 to 100 m deep have typical widths of 4–12 m, with smooth host-rock contacts (rhyolite tuff). At depths less than 100 m, heterogeneities in the host rock form preferential pathways for small dike splays and sills, resulting in a 30-m effective width at 50 m depth. The development of a complex conduit at depths less than 70 m is reflected in bifurcating dikes and brecciation and incorporation of the country rock. The overall zone of effect at depths less than 50 m is ≤110 m wide (220 m elongated along the feeder dike). Based on comparisons with theoretical conduit flow models, the width of the feeder dike at depths from 250 to 500 m is expected to range from 1 to 10 m and is expected to decrease to about 1–2 m at depths greater than 500 m. The flaring shape of the observed feeder systems is similar to results of theoretical modeling using lithostatic pressure-balanced flow conditions. Sizes of observed conduits differ from modeled dimensions by up to a factor of 10 in the shallow subsurface (<50 m depth), but at depths greater than 100 m the difference is a factor of 2 to 4. This difference is primarily due to the fact that observed eroded conduits record the superimposed effects of multiple eruptive events, while theoretical model results define dimensions necessary for a single, steady eruption phase. The complex details of magma-host rock interactions observed at the study areas (contact welding, brecciation, bifurcating dikes and sills, and stoping) represent the mechanisms by which the lithostatic pressure-balanced geometry is attained. The similarity in the normalized shapes of theoretical and observed conduits demonstrates the appropriateness of the pressure-balanced modeling approach, consistent with the conclusions of Wilson and Head (J Geophys Res 86:2971–3001, 1981) for this type of volcano.     

Use of magnetotelluric signals from 50 Hz power lines for resistivity mapping of geothermal fields in New Zealand

Electromagnetic (EM) fields radiated from the transmission lines of the New Zealand electricity grid have been digitally recorded at test sites near the Tokaanu geothermal field. Amplitudes and phases of the 50 Hz signals (and the odd harmonics up to 450 Hz) were determined using a software implementation of a phase-locked filter. These data were then analysed to determine the components of the magnetotelluric impedance tensor and the corresponding apparent resistivities and phases. At most sites, there was sufficient variation in the elliptical polarization of the EM fields to enable the impedance tensors to be determined in full. Sites where the EM data had been affected by near-source effects were identified by having large vertical magnetic field components and by being closer to a power line source than about 3–5 skin depths. With the test measurements, the north-eastern part of the Tokaanu geothermal field was successfully delineated giving low resistivities (< 5 Ωm) on the inside and higher resistivities on the outside, in agreement with the Schlumberger array DC apparent resistivities. The small size of the 50 Hz magnetotelluric equipment and its portable nature make this method of resistivity measurement suitable for reconnaissance resistivity mapping in places with difficult access.