CORRECTIONS FOR CONDUCTIVITY ESTIMATES IN INDUCTION PROSPECTING OF SULPHIDE DYKES IN A LAYERED ENVIRONMENT*

In a weathered environment estimates of depth and conductance of metallic sulphide dykes from conventional anomaly index diagrams for a vertical half-plane in air have to be corrected, besides the usual corrections, for: 1. moderate conductivity of the host rocks, and 2. finiteness of strike length S and depth extent D. Model experiments have been carried out to evaluate the response variation of a vertical planar conductor with varying depth extent and strike length for both insulating and conductive surroundings. The results indicate: 1. A conductor with finite depth extent (D/L < 2.5) or strike length (S/L < 5.0) in an insulating medium yields a lower estimate of conductance (mineralization) and a greater depth. 2. A moderately-conductive host rock enhances the anomaly and rotates the phase so that the conductor appears to be more resistive (less mineralized) and shallower. The results have practical significance since in weathered surroundings a highly-mineralized body of finite size could be missed, or misjudged, because of low estimates of conductivity and depth.     

Numerical modelling of airborne electromagnetic anomalies originating from low-conductivity 3D bodies1

Responses of a multifrequency, multicoil airborne electromagnetic (AEM) system were modelled numerically for 3D electrical conductors embedded in a resistive bedrock and overlain by an overburden of low to moderate conductivity. The results cover a horizontal coplanar coil configuration and two frequencies, 7837 Hz and 51 250 Hz. The models studied are single or multiple, poor conductors (conductance lower than 0.1 S) embedded in a host rock of high but finite resistivity (5000 Ωm) and overlain by a layer of overburden with finite thickness and low to moderate conductivity (conductance up to 2 S). On the basis of the modelling results, limits of detectability for poor conductors have been studied for the various model structures. The results indicate that the anomaly from a steeply dipping, plate-like conductor will decrease significantly when the conductor is embedded in a weakly conductive host rock and is overlain by a conductive overburden. However, an anomaly is obtained, and its magnitude can even increase with increasing overburden conductivity or frequency. The plate anomaly remains practically constant when only the overburden thickness is varied. Changes in overburden conductivity will cause the plate-anomaly values to change markedly. If the plate conductance is less than that of the overburden, a local anomaly opposite in sign to the normal type of anomaly will be recorded. Another major consequence is that conductors interpreted with free-space models will be heavily overestimated in depth or underestimated in conductance, if in reality induction and current channelling in the host rock and overburden make even a slight contribution to the anomalous EM field. The lateral resolution for the horizontal coplanar coil system was found to be about 1.7 times the sensor altitude. Similarly, the lateral extension of a horizontal conductive ribbon, required to reach the semi-infinite (half-space) behaviour, is more than three times the sensor altitude. Finally, screening of a steeply dipping plate, caused by a small, conductive horizontal ribbon, is much more severe than screening of the same plate by an extensive horizontal layer.     

CURRENT CHANNELLING IN SQUARE PLATES WITH APPLICATIONS TO MAGNETOMETRIC RESISTIVITY1

The magnetometric resistivity (MMR) method uses a sensitive magnetometer to measure the low-level, low-frequency magnetic fields associated with the galvanic current flow between a pair of electrodes. While the MMR anomalies of simple structures such as dikes and vertical contacts have been determined analytically, there is a lack of systematic information on the expected responses from simple three-dimensional bodies. We determine the characteristic anomalies associated with square, plate-like conductors, which are excellent models of many base metal mineral deposits. The anomalies of plates of finite size are determined numerically using an integral equation method. A plate is subdivided into many sections and the current flow within each section is solved by equating the electrical field within each section to the tangential electrical field just outside it. When the plate size is small in relation to either the depth or the transmitter spacing, the shape and amplitude of the anomaly produced is closely approximated by a current dipole model of the same length and depth. At the other extreme, a large plate is represented by a half-plane. The dipole and half-plane models are used to bracket the behaviour of plates of finite size. The form of a plate anomaly is principally dependent on the shape, depth and orientation of the plate. A large, dipping plate near the surface produces a skewed anomaly highly indicative of its dip, but the amount of skew rapidly diminishes with increased depth or decreased size. Changes in plate conductivity affect the amplitude of the anomaly, but have little effect on anomaly shape. A current channelling parameter, determined from the conductivity contrast, can thus be used to scale the amplitude of an anomaly whose basic shape has been determined from geometrical considerations. The separation into geometrical and electrical factors greatly simplifies both the interpretation and modelling of MMR anomalies, particularly in situations with multiple plates. An empirical formula, using this separation, predicts the anomaly of two or more parallel plates with different conductances. In addition, the relation between the resolution of two vertical, parallel plates of equal conductance and their separation is determined. The ability of the integral equation method to model plate-like structures is demonstrated with the interpretation of an MMR anomaly in a survey conducted at Cork Tree Well in Western Australia. The buried conductor, a mineralized graphitic zone, is modelled with a vertical, bent plate. The depth to the top of the plate, and the plate conductance, is adjusted to fit the anomaly amplitude as closely as possible. From the modelling it would appear that this zone is not solely responsible for the observed anomaly.     

基于波场垂向和水平方向外推的高陡构造偏移

常规的单程波波动方程偏移成像方法对大角度的高陡构造偏移成像存在内在的限制.根据波动方程在各个空间方向的数学特性和高陡构造反射地震波的传播特征,通过把地震波分解为垂向的上下行波、水平方向的前后行波和左右行波,提出基于波场垂向外推和水平方向外推相结合的单程波波动方程高陡构造偏移成像方法,即用波场垂向外推的单程波波动方程偏移成像方法解决中低角度平缓构造的偏移成像,用波场水平方向外推的单程波波动方程偏移成像方法解决中高角度陡倾构造的偏移成像.这种基于波场垂向和水平方向外推相结合的高陡构造偏移成像方法是常规单程波波动方程叠前深度偏移成像方法的补充和改进,它相对基于全波方程的逆时偏移具有计算效率上的优势.     

INTERPRETATION OF VLF-EM IN-PHASE DATA USING CURRENT DENSITY PSEUDOSECTIONS1

The interpretation of VLF-EM surveys in terms of buried conductors can be assisted by the application of a linear filter to the observed in-phase component of the vertical magnetic field. One such scheme is examined critically by using the calculated response from a variety of synthetic models to compute theoretical current density pseudosections. The results confirm that this filter technique provides a useful complementary tool for studying the third (i.e. depth) dimension. For single, steeply dipping plates (> 45°) diagnostic information may be derived concerning the depth, size, lateral location, and direction of dip, since the current density maxima seems always to occur within the conductor or at least within one data interval. However, there are some limitations which do not appear to be widely recognized. For single plates the angle of dip cannot be resolved by the current density transformation. Pattern distortions can occur where targets are in close proximity, where the cross-sectional form of the conductor is complex or where the dip is shallow (< 45°). In these latter cases the current density maxima may not occur within the conductive structure and therefore cannot be used to infer depth of burial and/or conductor shape with the same degree of confidence.     

THEORETICAL TRANSIENT EM RESPONSE CURVES OVER A THIN DIPPING DYKE IN FREE SPACE–SEPARATED INLINE LOOP CONFIGURATION*

Theoretically exact type curves are presented to show the effect on response shape of changing dip, strike, transmitter-receiver separation, depth of burial and target conductance. Relatively small dip variations produce a marked asymmetry in response shape. For steeply dipping conductors, strike can be determined from the cross-over width of the anomaly. The curves illustrate the dynamic character of the transient process, and suggest how the spatial disposition and quality of large sheet conductors might be inferred from the extent of peak-amplitude displacement with time, and rate of eddy-current diffusion. A generalized interpretation scheme is proposed based on dimensionless response characteristics which will facilitate the rapid determination of conductor dip, conductance and depth of burial for any time regime.     

SCALE MODEL ELECTROMAGNETIC RESPONSE TO INLINE AND BROADSIDE SYSTEMS AT SKEW TRAVERSES OF A DIPPING HALF PLANE EMBEDDED IN A CONDUCTING HOST ROCK*

Laboratory scale model experiments have been performed to obtain the electromagnetic response of a finitely conducting half plane embedded in resistive/conductive surrounding and excited by an oscillating magnetic dipole. Inphase and quadrature profiles are presented for two horizontal coplanar transmitter-receiver systems (inline and broadside) for normal and skew traverses and for different dips of the conductor. It is observed that the broadside system is more diagnostic in delineating the strike and dip of the conductor and is more sensitive to the conducting host rock. The broadside profile over a vertical or dipping half plane is characterized, when traversing perpendicular to strike, by two positive peaks flanking a zero response when the coils are over the top edge of the conductor. For skew traverses a negative peak replaces the zero response. An increasing asymmetry in the anomalies is caused by changing the dip of the conductor from the vertical in both the systems, but it is more pronounced for the broadside system. The quadrature response in the broadside system changes in a characteristic way when the target is surrounded by a conducting host rock. The comparative results of the two systems may, therefore, be useful in the induction prospecting for ore deposits approximated by a half plane, especially in delineating the strike, dip, and effect of conductive host rock.     

导体边缘附近虚感应矢量性质的数值模型研究

本文用E极化的二维有限元法和有限差分法研究导体层边缘附近的虚感应矢量.首先,研究有一定埋深的导体--围岩界面处的情况,其中包括虚感应矢量的频率响应.其次,研究了海岸效应的虚感应矢量的频率响应.在海岸效应中不仅考虑了不同海水层厚度的影响,还考虑了海水与陆地的电导率比值大小对虚感应矢量的影响.最后,研究了被动陆缘（passive continental margin）处的海岸效应,检查磁感应矢量的测量是否能揭示海岸下面深部电导率的横向变化（即与岩石层厚度变化有关联的电导率变化）.     

Controlled source electrical methods for deep exploration

Application of controlled source electrical methods (CSEM) is impeded by natural field, electrification, geological, cultural, and topographic noise. Lateral resolution of parameters of adjacent steeply dipping bodies and vertical resolution of parameters of adjacent beds in a flatly dipping sequence are concerns with any CSEM method. Current channeling into a localized good conductor from a surrounding, overlying, or underlying conductor poses problems for the interpreter. A summary of the results of several recent experiments with CSEM techniques illustrates that with care and difficulty they can be used to depths on the order of 20 km. If measurements are made on a relatively uniform resistive surface, as can be found in glaciated Precambrian terranes, then either a grounded bipole or a loop source is acceptable. Most of the recent CSEM experiments were made over resistive Precambrian rocks and all were directed toward detecting a conductive layer near 20 km depth. For exploration beyond this depth, however, the MT/AMT method would seem to be preferred. The rationale behind this conclusion is largely contained in consideration of the ratio of signal to natural field noise. Where thick irregular surficial overburden of low resistivity occurs, two- and three-dimensional modeling is necessary to stripp off the effects of the shallow layers. This may not be possible for CSEM and then MT/AMT becomes the only alternative.     

青藏高原东部岩石圈电性结构特征及其构造意义

主要介绍青藏高原东部下察隅—清水河(EHS3D-3)剖面的大地电磁(MT)探测结果。根据2007年沿该测线观测的MT数据,经过资料处理、分析和二维反演,得到了研究区岩石圈的电性结构。结果表明:沿剖面电阻率分布具有纵向成层,横向分区的特征;上地壳由不同大小的高阻体构成;拉萨地块和羌塘地体中下地壳分别存在一个大范围的低阻体,初步认为这2个低阻体由深部流体以及部分熔融所致,可能是高原东部环绕东构造结的2个物质流通道,同时也是高原南北两侧的2个主要剪切走滑带;雅鲁藏布缝合带和班公-怒江缝合带均表现为向北逐渐加深的相对低阻带,可能是俯冲板片表面低阻物质的反映;金沙江断裂深部表现为强烈的低阻体异常,但与该区其它缝合带的电性特征区别较大。     

INTERPRETATION OF TRANSIENT EM COMMON-LOOP ANOMALIES BY RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS*

Theoretically exact type curves for a semi-infinite thin conductor are presented for various dip, angles, depth of burial and conductance. The study shows that the common-loop response shape is sensitive to small changes in conductor dip, but is affected more subtly by comparable strike variations. For large sheet conductors a decrease in the strike angle results in a broadening but unlike that for a finite plate there is no reduction in peak amplitude. For dipping conductors, response asymmetry and the direction and magnitude of peak amplitude displacement can be used to assess the disposition and quality of the conductor. A generalized interpretation scheme is proposed, based on dimensionless response characteristics and normalized decay curves, to facilitate the rapid in-field determination of conductor dip, conductance and depth of burial, for any time regime.     

THE USE OF OBSERVATIONAL SPACE IN SEISMIC REFRACTION TECHNIQUES *

Attention is given in this paper to the display of intensive seismic refraction information in a convenient form similar to spatial display techniques being developed for resistivity methods. An observational space for first arrivals is defined and illustrated with respect to some simple structures and the possible use of such a representation in diagnosis is discussed. The spatial display is suitable both for steeply dipping and gently dipping structures. In the latter case, the low relief space may be subjected to further operations to produce apparent velocity distributions and values simply related to plus times. A practical example of the latter process and the subsequent interpretation is given.     

ELECTROMAGNETIC SOUNDING OF THE KAPURDI LIGNITE DEPOSIT IN WESTERN RAJASTHAN,INDIA*

In the Kapurdi block of the Barmer lignite field in western Rajasthan, India, lignite occurs as a number of discontinuous seams of varying thickness up to a few m. The country rock is a succession of clay, sand and various members of the clay-sand family. The overburden, comprising sand, Fuller's earth, bentonitic clay, clayey sand/sandy clay and clay, is thick and, electrically, highly conductive. Both its thickness (40–90 m) and conductivity (0.5–1.0 S/m) are highly variable. The lignite seams may occur anywhere in the clay-sand sequence below this overburden. A ten-layered electrical model of the Kapurdi area was parameterized on the basis of galvanic resistivity sounding and core drilling results. This model was then validated by electromagnetic sounding measurements made with a 200 × 200 m square loop transmitter and energizing current of variable frequency (80 Hz to 11 kHz), using central induction sounding techniques. With a loop of this size, only formations in the overburden could be mapped. Subsequent computer modeling has shown that a larger loop of size, say, 800 m and a frequency band of 30–500 Hz are required to map formations below–as well as those within–the overburden. Even then only various clay-sand interfaces can be mapped, i.e., only over-burden thickness and the likely depth range of lignite seams (if they occur) can be estimated. Direct mapping of lignite seams is not feasible in practice. This is true of loop-dipole, as well as central induction sounding. It is interesting that skin depth need not always be a factor limiting depth of exploration in electromagnetic prospecting.     

THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRICAL ANISOTROPY ON MISE À LA MASSE SURVEYS *

In a transversely electrically anisotropic rock mass of arbitrary dip, the potential distribution about an electrode at arbitrary depth is the sum of the whole-space potential about that electrode, plus the whole-space potential about a postulated image electrode displaced up-dip from the source position. Equipotential lines on the rock-air surface are ellipses, elongated parallel to strike, and with centers displaced up-dip from the surface projection of the electrode position. In metamorphosed rocks frequently encountered in mining geophysics, anisotropy is such that elongation is most marked in steeply dipping rocks, with displacement most evident in low to moderate dip. Graphs relating the anisotropy coefficient to displacement and elongation assist in separation of the anisotropy-related effects from those of a significant subsurface conductive body, particularly if surface resistivity sounding establishes the coefficient of anisotropy.     

COMPUTATION OF VLF RESPONSE OVER HALF-PLANE AND WEDGE MODELS*

A theoretical solution is presented to the problem where a VLF anomaly is generated by a conducting half-plane or a perfectly conducting wedge below a stratified overburden. The solution is obtained by the use of a scattering matrix for plane-wave eigenfunctions. VLF anomalies have been computed for different values of the conductance and dip of the half-plane. The phase of the VLF anomaly due to a conducting half-plane depends on the conductance and the distance to the half-plane. Close to the half-plane the tilt angle and ellipticity are of opposite sign for a perfect conductor, but the ellipticity will change sign for a poor conductor. The VLF anomaly for a perfectly conducting wedge is essentially determined by the position of the upper surface of the wedge, i.e. the anomaly will closely resemble the anomaly of a perfectly conducting half-plane in the same position as the upper surface of the wedge.     

俯冲初始时板块分界面形状对俯冲过程的影响

自板块理论建立以来,俯冲一直是学者们关心的热点问题.前人结合地质、地球物理、实验室物理实验和数值模拟等多种手段对这一问题进行了大量的研究.以往的研究更为关注俯冲过程中板块的作用、地幔流动的规律和物质的迁移与相变等问题,却常忽视了俯冲是如何开始的这一基本问题.同时,由于相关数据资料较为有限,更限制了俯冲启动的相关研究.因此,本文选取俯冲启动问题中板块分界面形状对俯冲过程的影响这一问题,使用有限元的方法进行了数值模拟.我们选择针对倾斜型、垂直型和弯曲型三种不同形状的板块分界面建立对比模型,比较它们演化至10Ma的过程我们发现:分界面几何形状的不同的确会对俯冲板块演化和海沟的深度产生影响.倾斜型模型的俯冲角度最大,海沟深度最深,俯冲深度最深;垂直型模型的俯冲角度和海沟深度仅次于倾斜型模型,俯冲深度最浅;弯曲型模型的俯冲角度最小,海沟深度最小,俯冲的深度介于倾斜型和垂直型之间.结合以上结论不难看出,俯冲角和海沟深度变化具有一定的相关性,俯冲角度越大,相应的海沟深度越大.     

An electromagnetic prospecting instrument for subsurface conducting zones

Summary A portable electromagnetic prospecting unit comprising a transmitter, receiver and resolver, designed and constructed to operate with a vertical setup of coils at a single frequency of 1250 cps, measures the components of the magnetic field at the receiver station resolved in phase and at quadrature with field near the transmitter. This may be used to locate vertical or steeply dipping conductors down to a depth of about 0.6 times the maximum workable transmitter receiver separation of 120 meters, the accuracy of measurements of the resolved components being better than 2%. The variation of resolved components over a buried conductor indicates its position and depth.This paper is published by the kind permission of the Director General, Geological Survey of India.     

华北盆地强震的震源模型兼论强震和盆地的成因

华北盆地自第三纪以来产生不均匀沉降,形成众多凹陷和隆起.传统的热张裂模型或是拉一分模型均不适用于华北盆地.我们根据反射和折射地震探测以及地震体波层析成象的结果,说明震源区附近存在Moho界面断裂,而且有明显的迹象表明,上地幔高温物质（低速度）向地壳下部入侵.因此,作者提出华北盆地强震以及凹陷形成的新模型,即在水平板块构造应力场的背景中,上地幔热物质向地壳下部入侵,它所产生的扰动应力场不仅在横向是不均匀的,而且在垂向也是不均匀的.它能够在地壳上部产生足够大的伸张应力场,同时在地壳中部或下部产生水平切应力场.这个新模型也能解释华北盆地的地壳厚度没有减薄,而地面热流又较大的现象. 由于地壳中力学性质随深度而改变,所以强震可能是由中部地壳的塑性形变以及上部地壳的脆性断层所组成的,即所谓两层破裂的震源模型.     

Induction arrows for a buried conducting plate

A scaled electromagnetic analogue model is used to study the behaviour of single station induction arrows over a conducting plate embedded in a homogeneous poorly conducting medium. For a profile crossing the edge of the conducting plate, the in-phase arrow, for all locations, points towards the bulk of the good conductor while the quadrature arrow reverses direction directly over the edge, consistently pointing towards the edge. The results also show that both the in-phase and quadrature arrow lengths are reduced with increasing conductor thickness and depth of burial. The model results are applied to examples of a uniform depth ocean and a conducting sill embedded in a poorly conducting Earth.     

THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT PATTERN INDUCED BY AN OSCILLATING MAGNETIC DIPOLE IN A SEMI-INFINITE THIN PLATE OF INFINITESIMAL RESISTIVITY*

Several papers have been published in which the electromagnetic anomalies are described that are produced by conductive ore bodies of different shapes. No publications are available, however, in which the electrical current pattern is described that is induced in these ore bodies. Yet an insight in this electrical current pattern would be valuable in order to assess the possibilities of different electromagnetic techniques, for instance with regard to the determination of the dip and of the depth extent of plate shaped ore bodies. In the present paper computations are given of the electrical current pattern induced by an oscillating magnetic dipole in a semi infinite plate shaped orebody of infinitesimal thickness, in which the penetration depth of the current is infinitesimal to a higher order than the thickness of the plate. The computations are based upon an equation derived by Wesley for the magnetic field produced in these conditions, combined with the relation between the electrical current density in a laminar sheet and the magnetic field produced by this current at the surface of the sheet. The results of the computations show that, if the horizontal distance between the dipole source and the sheet is sufficiently small, the maximum current density of the return current may occur at a depth below the upper edge of the sheet which is appreciably smaller than the depth of the upper edge of the sheet below the surface. The depth of the return current becomes large when the horizontal distance between the source and the sheet is large.