Evidence for Continent-Continent Collision Zone in the South Indian Shield Region

With a view towards understanding the evolutionary history of the complex South Indian shield, several geological and geophysical studies have been carried out. Recent geophysical studies include magnetotelluric (MT), deep seismic sounding (DSS), gravity, magnetic and deep resistivity soundings (DRS). In the present study, MT results along 140 km Andiyur-Turaiyur east-west profile is presented. The data are subjected to Groom-Bailey decomposition and static shift correction before deriving a 2-D model. The 2-D modeling results have shown that the upper crust (up to about 15 km) towards western part of the profile have exhibited high resistive character of about 40, 000 ohm-m as compared to the eastern part (less than 5, 000 ohm-m). The mid-lower crust has shown a decrease in resistivity in western part of the profile, the order of resistivity being 2, 000 ohm-m. An anomalous steep conductive feature (less than 100 ohm-m) is observed near Sankari at mid-lower crustal depths (>20 km) towards middle part of the profile. This feature is spatially correlatable with the well-known Moyar-Bhavani Shear Zone (MBSZ). The features obtained in the present study are consistent with earlier MT studies in this region and correlatable with other geophysical studies. DSS studies near the study region gave an evidence for differing crustal structure on either side of MBSZ. Variation in geoelectric character along the profile both in the upper crust and mid-lower crust indicate a block structure in the SGT with shear zones acting as boundaries. The new evidence in the form of distinct geoelectric structure and also variation in seismic structure indicate a continent-continent collision zone in this region and plays an important role for the Gondwana reconstruction models of South Indian shield.     

Deep Crustal Electrical Signatures of Eastern Dharwar Craton, India

Wide band magnetotelluric (MT) investigations were carried out along a profile from Kavali in the east to Anantapur towards west across the Eastern Ghat Granulite Terrain (EGGT), Eastern Dhanvar Craton (EDC) and a Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin. This 300 km long profile was covered with 20 stations at an interval of 12–18 km. The MT data is subjected to robust processing, decomposition and static shift correction before deriving a 2-D model. The model shows a resistive crust (−10,000–30,000 ohm-m) to a depth of 8–10 km towards west of the Cuddapah basin. The mid crust is less resistive (about 500 ohm-m) and the lower crust with a slight increase in resistivity (about 1,500 ohm-m) in the depth range of 20–22 km. The resistivity picture to the east of the Cuddapah basin also showed a different deep crustal structure. The resistivity of upper crust is about 5,000 ohm-m and about 200 ohm-m for mid and lower crust. The sediment resistivity of Cuddapah basin is of the order of 15–20 ohm-m. MT model has shown good correlation with results from other geophysical studies like deep seismic sounding (DSS), gravity and magnetics. The results indicate that the lower crustal layers are of intermediate type showing hydrous composition in Eastern Dhanvar Craton.     

The buried southern continuation of the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary and Oaxaca Fault,southern Mexico: Magnetotelluric constraints

Thirty magnetotelluric soundings were made along two NW–SE profiles to the north and south of Oaxaca City in southern Mexico. The profiles crossed the N–S Oaxaca Fault and the Oaxaca-Juarez terrane boundary defined by the Juarez mylonitic complex. Dimensionality analysis of the MT data showed that the subsurface resistivity structure is 2D or 3D. The Oaxaca and correlative Guichicovi terranes consist of ca. 1–1.4 Ga granulitic continental crust overlain by Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks, characterized by high and low resistivities, respectively. The Juarez terrane consists of oceanic Mesozoic metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks, characterized by a low to medium resistivity layer, that is approximately 10 km thick. The Oaxaca Fault is a Cenozoic aged, normal fault that reactivated the dextral and thrust Juarez mylonitic complex north of Oaxaca City: its location south of Oaxaca City is uncertain. In the southern profile, the MT data show a ca. 20–50 km wide, west-dipping, relatively low resistivity zone material that extends through the entire crust. This is inferred to be the Juarez terrane bounded on either side by the ca. 1–1.4 Ga granulites. The Oaxaca Fault is imaged only by a major electrical resistivity discontinuity (low to the west, high to the east) along both the western border of the Juarez mylonitic complex (northern profile) and the San Miguel de la Cal mountains (southern profile) suggesting continuity.     

南北地震带南段震源空间分布特征及其构造意义

大陆浅源地震震源空间分布可以看作是一种地球物理特征,大量震源的空间位置数据可用来刻划大陆地壳结构。通过研究南北地震带南段震源的空间分布特征,发现研究区震源深度分布在横向上的疏密变化与地质构造特征相对应。剖面震源分布等密度图显示,中、下地壳不同深度广泛分布着多震层。多震层的分布与地壳低速、低阻层具有相关性,多震层一般位于低速、低阻层的上方。中地壳层次的低速、低阻层很可能是壳内滑脱层,是韧性下地壳与脆性上地壳发生拆离解耦的构造层次;下地壳低速、低阻层是部分熔融、含流体的韧性流变层;壳内多震层的构造属性应是上地壳硬的脆性层,容易发生突然破裂,产生地震。低速、低阻层是大陆板块内部上地壳脆性层构造过程的主控因素,包括对大陆内部浅源地震的控制;因此,在低速、低阻层之上往往形成多震层,越是活动性强的低速、低阻层,其上多震层震源密度越高。南北地震带南段不同层圈和块体之间的差异运动控制了其地壳层次的构造活动,包括大量地震的发生,其中,下地壳流层与上地壳脆性层的差异运动在中地壳层次发生剪切拆离是最重要的因素。     

2D inversion of the magnetotelluric data from Mahallat geothermal field in Iran using finite element approach

The natural-field magnetotelluric (MT) method has proven very useful for mapping the geothermal fields as resistivity sections. The depth of investigation of the MT method is sufficiently large to penetrate deep into the upper crust. MT soundings along two transects across Mahallat geothermal field in Iran were carried out to determine the crustal structure in the region. The selected MT profiles in the region cross over the hydrothermally altered zones and different geological structures. Data were acquired along two profiles crossing the Mahallat hot springs with a total of 28 MT stations in a frequency range of 8,000 to 0.008 Hz. Spacing between stations was kept 500 m for a good resolution. We have used the code MT2DInvMATLAB for inversion using the method of finite elements for forward modeling. Apparent resistivity and phase data of transverse electric (TE), transverse magnetic (TM), and TE + TM modes along each profile were modeled. The geothermal fluid reservoir is resolved at 1,000 to 3,000 m depth and the geothermal resource is estimated to be located at 7,000 m or deeper.     

长江中下游成矿带岩石圈结构与成矿动力学模型——深部探测(SinoProbe)综述

岩石圈结构和深部过程对理解成矿带和大型矿集区的形成十分重要。岩石圈尺度的地球动力学过程将在地壳中留下各种结构的或物质的"痕迹",这些"痕迹"可以通过地球物理的手段去探测。为深入理解长江中下游成矿带形成的深部动力学过程,作者在国家深部探测专项(SinoProbe)和国家自然科学基金重点项目支持下,在长江中下游成矿带开展了综合地球物理探测。方法包括宽频地震、深地震反射、广角反射/折射和大地电磁测深。数据处理和反演结果取得一系列新发现:(1)成矿带上地幔顶部存在低速体,在中心深度300km处有一向SW倾斜的高速体;(2)S波接收函数证实成矿带岩石圈较薄,只有50~70km;横波分裂结果显示,成矿带上地幔各向异性方向和强度与邻区有较大区别,显示平行成矿带(NE-SW向)的上地幔变形和流动;(3)深反射地震揭示成矿带上地壳曾发生强烈挤压变形,以紧闭褶皱、逆冲和推覆为特征;在宁芜火山岩盆地、长江断裂带和郯庐断裂之下出现"鳄鱼嘴"构造,指示上下地壳在挤压变形过程中解耦;深反射地震证实发生过陆内俯冲和叠瓦,并认为是岩石圈增厚和拆沉的主导机制;(4)广角反射和大地电磁反演给出了跨成矿带地壳剖面的速度和电性结构,速度和电阻率分布总体上与构造单元相吻合。本文分析和解释了这些发现的地质意义,并结合近年在长江中下游地区的地球化学研究进展,提出了成矿带地球动力学模型。该模型认为:中、晚侏罗世陆内俯冲、岩石圈拆沉、幔源岩浆底侵和MASH过程造就了长江中下游世界级成矿带的形成。     

Distribution of crustal fluids in Northeast Japan as inferred from resistivity surveys

We carried out magnetotelluric (MT) surveys in central northeastern Japan. Two-dimensional resistivity profiles along three survey lines show similar features each other. By comparing the resistivity distribution to the distribution of seismic velocities, we inferred the distribution and flow of crustal fluids. Three fluid flow paths were detected based on the distribution of regions of low resistivity. The first path ascends from the top of the upper mantle, passes through the lower crust, and reaches the surface, forming a fluid chamber within the lower or middle crust. This path is related to the volcanic activity in the backbone range. The second path rises from the first fluid chamber and has produced small fluid reservoirs on both sides of the backbone range. These small reservoirs are considered to be related to the seismicity of the region. The third path is located to the east of the volcanic front and represents another fluid flow path from the uppermost mantle to the lower crust that may have formed a small fluid reservoir to the east of the volcanic front.     

Distribution of crustal fluids in Northeast Japan as inferred from resistivity surveys

We carried out magnetotelluric (MT) surveys in central northeastern Japan. Two-dimensional resistivity profiles along three survey lines show similar features each other. By comparing the resistivity distribution to the distribution of seismic velocities, we inferred the distribution and flow of crustal fluids. Three fluid flow paths were detected based on the distribution of regions of low resistivity. The first path ascends from the top of the upper mantle, passes through the lower crust, and reaches the surface, forming a fluid chamber within the lower or middle crust. This path is related to the volcanic activity in the backbone range. The second path rises from the first fluid chamber and has produced small fluid reservoirs on both sides of the backbone range. These small reservoirs are considered to be related to the seismicity of the region. The third path is located to the east of the volcanic front and represents another fluid flow path from the uppermost mantle to the lower crust that may have formed a small fluid reservoir to the east of the volcanic front.     

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).     

安徽铜陵矿集区大地电磁数据三维反演及其构造格局

安徽省铜陵地区是我国著名的矿集区之一,是长江中下游成矿带的重要组成部分。为研究其深部结构,SinoProbe-03项目部署了6条大地电磁剖面。通过数据维性分析,表明该区深部2D/3D构造特征明显,进行3D反演是必要的。通过挑选适当的测点和频域数据,设计合理的参数,利用WSINV3DMT程序,进行了大地电磁3D反演研究,得到了铜陵矿集区3D电性模型;利用模型响应与实测数据的拟合对比对反演结果进行了评价,表明所选反演模型整体可被接受,但部分区域精度低。该结果的剖面切片与2D反演模型相比,整体结构一致,局部存在差异;利用不同深度、不同方向的空间切片,讨论了该3D反演模型的电性结构及其所揭示的铜陵矿集区构造格局,浅部的局部电性差异大于深部;平面的电性分布显示了一定的分区特征;垂向电性分布显示出一定的分层特征;高阻体的分布代表着侵入岩的活动范围;深部的低阻区反映了该段下地壳未受到大规模岩浆的扰动。     

Crustal accretion beneath the Koyna coastal region (India) and Late Cretaceous geodynamics

In 1967 a major earthquake in the Koyna region attracted attention to the hitherto considered stable Indian shield. The region is covered by a thick pile of Deccan lava flows and characterized by several hidden tectonic features and complex geophysical signatures. Although deep seismic sounding studies have provided vital information regarding the crustal structure of the Koyna region, much remains unknown. The two available DSS profiles in the region have been combined along the trend of Bouguer gravity anomalies. Unified 2-D density modelling of the Koyna crust/mantle suggests a ca. 3 km thick and 40 km wide high velocity/high density anomalous layer at the base of the crust along the coastline. The thickness of this anomalous layer decreases gradually towards the east and ahead of the Koyna gravity low the layer ceases to be visible. Based on the seismic and gravity data interpretation in the geodynamical/rheological boundary conditions the anomalous layer is attributed to igneous crustal accretion at the base of the crust. It is suggested that the underplated layer is the imprint of the magmatism caused by the deep mantle plume when the northward migrating Indian plate passed over the Reunion hotspot.     

Crustal architecture beneath Madurai Block,southern India deduced from magnetotelluric studies: Implications for subduction–accretion tectonics associated with Gondwana assembly

The Madurai Block in southern India is considered to represent the eroded roots of an arc-accretionary complex that developed during the subduction–collision tectonics associated with the closure of the Mozambique Ocean and final suturing of the crustal fragments within the Gondwana supercontinent in the Late Neoproterozoic–Cambrian. Here we present a magnetotelluric (MT) model covering the main collisional suture (Palghat–Cauvery Suture Zone) in the north into the central part of the Madurai Block in the south comprising data from 11 stations. Together with a synthesis of the available seismic reflection data along a N–S transect further south within the Madurai Block, we evaluate the crustal architecture and its implications on the tectonic development of this region. According to our model, the predominantly south dipping seismic reflectors beneath the Madurai Block define a prominent south-dipping lithological layering with northward vergence resembling a thrust sequence. We interpret these stacked layers as imbricate structures or mega duplexes developed during subduction–accretion tectonics. The layered nature and stacking of contrasting velocity domains as imaged from the seismic profile, and the presence of thick (>20 km) low resistivity layers ‘floating’ within high resistivity domains as seen from MT model, suggest the subduction of a moderately thick oceanic crust. We identify several low resistivity domains beneath the Madurai Block from the MT model which probably represent eclogitised remnants of oceanic lithosphere. Their metamorphosed and exhumed equivalents in association with ultrahigh-temperature metamorphic orogens have been identified from surface geological studies. Both seismic reflections and MT model confirm a southward subduction polarity with a progressive accretion history during the northward migration of the trench prior to the final collisional assembly of the crustal blocks along the Palghat–Cauvery Suture Zone, the trace of the Gondwana suture in southern India.     

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。     

Crustal structure in Tengchong Volcano-Geothermal Area, western Yunnan, China

Based upon the deep seismic sounding profiles carried out in the Tengchong Volcano-Geothermal Area (TVGA), western Yunnan Province of China, a 2-D crustal P velocity structure is obtained by use of finite-difference inversion and forward travel-time fitting method. The crustal model shows that a low-velocity anomaly zone exists in the upper crust, which is related to geothermal activity. Two faults, the Longling–Ruili Fault and Tengchong Fault, on the profile extend from surface to the lower crust and the Tengchong Fault likely penetrates the Moho. Moreover, based on teleseismic receiver functions on a temporary seismic network, S-wave velocity structures beneath the geothermal field show low S-wave velocity in the upper crust. From results of geophysical survey, the crust of TVGA is characterized by low P-wave and S-wave velocities, low resistivity, high heat-flow value and low Q. The upper mantle P-wave velocity is also low. This suggests presence of magma in the crust derived from the upper mantle. The low-velocity anomaly in upper crust may be related to the magma differentiation. The Tengchong volcanic area is located on the northeast edge of the Indian–Eurasian plate collision zone, away from the eastern boundary of the Indian plate by about 450 km. Based on the results of this paper and related studies, the Tengchong volcanoes can be classified as plate boundary volcanoes.     

The resistivity structure of the Penola Trough,Otway Basin from magnetotelluric data

We present inversion results for a 100 site, broadband magnetotelluric (MT) survey in the Penola Trough, Otway Basin, South Australia. The Penola Trough is host to several petroleum reservoirs and has more recently been a target for unconventional geothermal exploration. We present two interpretations of the MT data. A 1D anisotropic interpretation, where anisotropy is determined within the Otway Basin sequence and basement in the northeastern Penola Trough, fits the impedance tensor well. However, the anisotropy strike is inconsistent with the known orientation of electrically conductive fractures in the Penola Trough. On the other hand, a 3D interpretation, which incorporates lateral variations in resistivity, requires no anisotropy yet it matches the data equally well. Both the 1D and 3D inversions resolve several layers within the Otway Basin sequence, which correspond to stratigraphic units defined in wells and in the coincident Haselgrove–Balnaves 3D seismic survey. These include the Eumeralla and Dilwyn formations, which are poorly resolved in the seismic data. The basin architecture, defined in the 3D inversion, in particular the depth to basement, is consistent with previous interpretations based on seismic reflection data that show that the Otway Basin thins in the northeastern Penola Trough. This does not occur in the anisotropic model. We therefore conclude that the subsurface resistivity appears to be isotropic in the Penola Trough. This contrasts with the anisotropic resistivity structure determined in a previous study in the Koroit region, eastern Otway Basin. The difference in the MT responses between the two regions is supported by resistivity and permeability information from well logs and may reflect differences in the orientation of subsurface fractures, or differences in the present-day stress field, between the two regions.     

Recent investigations of surficial and deeper crustal structures of the Eastern and Southern Alps

After a review of the surficial structures of the Eastern and Southern Alps a discussion of some important theories of the Alpidic Orogeny is presented. Geological cross sections, based as far as possible on the latest data, are then presented in detail. In the geophysical part the most important results of seismic, gravimetric and magnetic work have been compiled. Two vertical profiles through the earth's crust are presented showing lines of equal velocity of longitudinal waves.     

Conductivity Structure along the Gediz Graben,West Anatolia,Turkey: Tectonic Implications

Groups of grabens in west Anatolia have contrasting E-W and NE-SW orientations and are the subject of debate as to their relative ages and relationships. We investigated the E-W-trending Gediz graben and its neighboring NE-SW-trending Gördes, Demirci, and Selendi grabens, which form an important graben system representative of the region. We studied gravity data from one profile and magnetotelluric (MT) data from two profiles, 73 km and 93 km long. The data supports the hypothesis that the Gediz graben was superimposed onto the (older) NE-SW grabens. 2D gravity and MT modelling revealed an undulating graben floor, varying in depth between 500 and 3000-4000 m (gravity-MT); within the graben two apparent basins 3–4 and 1.5-2.5 km deep (gravity-MT) are separated by a subsurface horst. The residual gravity map appears to indicate the continuation of NE-SW grabens from north of Gediz graben to beyond its southern border.

The MT model revealed three main zones of varying thickness within the crust. The britde upper crust comprises two zones: sedimentary fill (apparent resistivity 15-50 ohm.m) and Menderes massif basement (200 ohm.m). The third zone is highly conductive lower crust (10 ohm.m), identified by our MT modeling at an average depth of 10 km. This conductive layer was considered in conjunction with two other regional features, high heat flow values and shallow earthquake focal depths. A heat flow map shows a very high average value of 108 mWm^?2 for west Anatolia and 120-300 mWm^?2 for the Gediz graben area specifically, compared with the world average of 80 mWm^?2. Seismological records showing shallow earthquake focal depths together with the high conductivity zone were taken to indicate a partially melted, viscoelastic lower crust.     

Recent large fold nucleation in the upper crust: Insight from gravity,magnetic, magnetotelluric and seismicity data (Sierra de Los Filabres–Sierra de Las Estancias,Internal Zones,Betic Cordillera)

Rheological heterogeneities in the upper-crust have a close relationship with the fold position where rigid bodies could constitute initial perturbations that allow the nucleation of folds. Consequently, establish the position and geometry of anomalous rocks located in the upper-crust by geophysical studies help to understand the folded structure observed on surface. New geological observations in the field, along with gravity, magnetic, magnetotelluric and seismicity data, reveal the subsurface structure in the Sierra de Los Filabres–Sierra de Las Estancias folded region part of the Alpine belt in southern Spain. The geometry of the upper crust is determined by geological field data, 2D gravity models, 2D magnetic models and 2D MT resistivity model, while seismicity evidences the location of the deep active structures. These results allow us to propose that a basic rock body at 4 to 9 km depth has determined the nucleation and development of the Sierra de Los Filabres kilometric antiform. N-vergent large late folds are subjected to a variable present-day stress field. Earthquake focal mechanisms suggest the presence in depth of a regional NW–SE compressive stress field. However, most of the seismogenetic structures do not extend up to the surface, where NW–SE and WNW–ESE outcropping active normal faults are observed, thus indicating a NE–SW extension in the upper crust simultaneous to orthogonal NW–SE compression related to reverse faults and minor folds developed in the Eastern Almanzora Corridor and in the nearby Huércal–Overa Basin. The recent and active tectonic studies of cordilleras hinterland subjected to late folding greatly benefits from the integration of surface observations together with geophysical data.     

用大地电磁勘探方法研究大陆动力学(英文)

大地电磁法通过测量地表的天然电场和磁场来提供地壳和上地幔的电阻率图像。在仪器和处理解释技术方面的进展使得大地电磁法现在能够快速采集大地电磁数据并进行二维或三维地质模型解释。由于电阻率对地下连通的流体 (如局部熔融和水 )反应灵敏 ,大地电磁资料能够给出地球介质结构成分和流变特性的信息 ,作为地震勘探所获得信息的补充。大地电磁法现在被应用于对构造运动活跃区域的大陆动力学研究。对美国圣安德烈斯断层的大地电磁研究已经揭示了地震比较活跃的断层区段和在脆性上地壳中的断裂带的电阻率之间的相关性。在青藏高原采集的大地电磁资料描绘了地壳中的主要局部熔融区域 ,其结果和大陆碰撞地球动力学模型的结果相一致。将大地电磁法应用于大陆动力学研究肯定能获得对形成大陆地壳的构造运动过程的新见解 ,尤其是在有“研究大陆动力学的天然实验室”之称的中国的构造运动活跃区域。     

Crustal structure of the Ruby Mountains and southern Carlin Trend region, Nevada, from magnetotelluric data

We have collected about 150 magnetotelluric (MT) soundings in northeastern Nevada in the region of the Ruby Mountains metamorphic core complex uplift and southern Carlin mineral trend, in an effort to illuminate controls on core complex evolution and deposition of world-class gold deposits. The region has experienced a broad range of tectonic events including several periods of compressional and extensional deformation, which have contributed to the total expression of electrical resistivity. Most of the soundings reside in three east–west profiles across increasing degrees of core uplift to the north (Bald Mountain, Harrison Pass, and Secret Pass latitudes). One short cross-line was also taken to assess an east–west structure to the north of the northern profile. Model resistivity cross-sections were derived from the MT data using a 2-D inversion algorithm, which damps departures of model parameters from an a priori structure. Geological interpretation of the resistivity combines previous seismic, potential field and isotope models, structural and petrological models for regional compression and extension, and detailed structural/stratigraphic interpretations incorporating drilling for petroleum and mineral exploration. To first order, the resistivity structure is one of a moderately conductive, Phanerozoic sedimentary section fundamentally disrupted by intrusion and uplift of resistive crystalline rocks. Late Devonian and early Mississippian shales of the Pilot and Chainman Formations together form an important conductive marker sequence in the stratigraphy and show pronounced increases in conductance (conductivity–thickness product) from east to west. These increases are attributed to graphitization caused by Elko–Sevier era compressional shear deformation and possibly by intrusive heating. The resistive crystalline central massifs adjoin the host stratigraphy across crustal-scale, steeply dipping fault zones. The zones provide pathways to the lower crust for heterogeneous, upper crustal induced, electric current flow. Resistive core complex crust appears steeply bounded under the middle of the neighboring grabens and not to deepen at a shallow angle to arbitrary distances to the west. The numerous crustal breaks imaged with MT may contribute to the low effective elastic thickness (T_e) estimated regionally for the Great Basin and exemplify the mid-crustal, steeply dipping slip zones in which major earthquakes nucleate. An east–west oriented conductor in the crystalline upper crust spans the East Humboldt Range and northern Ruby Mountains. The conductor may be related to nearby graphitic metasediments, with possible alteration by middle Tertiary magmatism. Lower crustal resistivity everywhere under the profiles is low and appears quasi one-dimensional. It is consistent with a low rock porosity (<1 vol.%) containing hypersaline brines and possible water-undersaturated crustal melts, residual to the mostly Miocene regional extension. The resistivity expression of the southern Carlin Trend (CT) in the Pinon Range is not a simple lineament but rather a family of structures attributed to Eocene intrusion, stratal deformation, and alteration/graphitization. Substantial reactivation or overprinting by core complex uplift or Basin–Range extensional events seems likely. We concur with others that the Carlin Trend may result in part from overlap of the large Eocene Northeast Nevada Volcanic Field with Precambrian–Paleozoic deep-water clastic source rocks thickening abruptly to the west of the Pinon Range, and projecting to the north–northwest.