Inversion of relative changes in the magnetotelluric apparent resistivity into the relative changes in the resistivity of the elements of a geoelectric structure

The earlier proposed method for inversion of the observed changes in the magnetotelluric apparent resistivity ρ_a into the relative changes in the resistivity of the elements of a well-studied geoelectric structure is tested on a 2D model representing one of the geodynamic research areas of Kamchatka. The possibilities are demonstrated for choosing the most effective observation conditions of the study, and for the determination of the source of the observed variations in γ_a. It is concluded that, if a number of conditions are met, it is possible to estimate the amplitude of relative changes in the electrical resistivity of rocks with sufficient accuracy for monitoring these changes with the aforementioned changes used as a prognostic parameter.     

A NEW PARAMETER FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF INDUCED POLARIZATION FIELD PROSPECTING (time-domain) *

In a previous paper it has been shown that we can relate the transient IP electric field E_p , existing in a rock after a step wave of polarizing current, with the steady-state current density J_ss during the current step wave as follows: E_p =ρ' J_ss . This relation may be interpreted as a generalized Ohm's law, valid in linear cases, in which ρ’(fictitious resistivity) is defined as the product of the true resistivity ρ with the chargeability m. Supposing E _p=— grad U_p and applying the divergence condition div J_ss = o, one can, for a layered earth, obtain a general expression for the depolarization potential U_p as a solution of Laplace's equation ?²U_p= o. Since the mathematical procedure for the solution of this last equation is identical to that used in resistivity problems, we propose now the introduction of an apparent fictitious resistivity ρ'_a (defined as the product of the apparent resistivity ρ_a with the apparent chargeability m_a) as a new parameter for the interpretations of IP soundings carried out over layered structures with a common electrode array. The most general expression of ρ'_a as a function of the electrode distance turns out to be mathematically identical to the general expression of ρ'_a. Therefore it is possible to interpret a ρ'_a field curve using the same standard graphs for resistivity prospecting with the usual method of complete curve matching. In this manner a great deal of work is saved since there is no need to construct proper m_a graphs for the interpretation of IP soundings, as it has been done up to now. Finally some field examples are reported.     

A compact representation of magnetotelluric responses for two-layer models

In this paper the locations where ρ_app = ρ₁ and ? = π/4 and where these parameters reach an extreme value in two-layer magnetotelluric (MT) sounding curves are summarized in an extremely compact form. The key parameters over two-layer models with conductivities σ₁, σ₂ and upper layer thickness h are the real S and α, where S is the conductivity contrast and α is the distance between the observation site and the conductivity interface, normalized to the half skindepth in the first layer. If the impedance components, various resistivity definitions ( ρ_{Re Z}, ρ_{Im Z} and ρ_|Z|, based on different parts of the complex impedance Z ) and the magnetotelluric phase ? are derived as a function of S and α, then the conditions for the apparent resistivity ρ_app and the phase ? are that they either satisfy ρ_app = ρ₁ and ? = π/4 or attain extreme values which can be given in terms of simple algebraic equations between S and α. All equations are valid for observation sites at any depth 0 ≤ z ≤ h in the first layer. The set of equations, presented in a tabular form, may make it possible to determine a layer boundary from the short period part of the sounding curves, in particular the ρ_{Re Z} and the ?_MT curves.     

THE QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY-DOMAIN INDUCED POLARIZATION SOUNDINGS OVER HORIZONTAL BEDS*

Following up our recent study of an indirect procedure for the practical determination of the maximum frequency-effect, defined as fe = 1 ? pρ_∞/ρdc with ρ_∞ the resistivity at infinite frequency, we show at first how, through the Laplace transform theory, ρ_∞ can be related to stationary field vectors in the simple form of Ohm's law. Then applying the equation of continuity for stationary currents with a suitable set of boundary conditions, we derive the integral expression of the apparent resistivity at infinite frequency ρ_∞,a in the case of a horizontally layered earth. Finally, from the definition of the maximum apparent frequency-effect, analytical expressions of fe_α are obtained for both Schlumberger and dipole arrays placed on the surface of the multi-layered earth section in the most general situation of vertical changes in induced polarization together with dc resistivity variations not at the same interfaces. Direct interpretation procedures are suggested for obtaining the layering parameters directly from the analysis of the sounding curves.     

A field test of imaging properties of rotational invariants of the magnetotelluric impedance tensor

A part of the Békés Basin (an extensional sub‐basin of the Pannonian Basin, where the basement under thick Pannonian sediments is well known from deep boreholes and from seismic measurements, and where many magnetotelluric (MT) soundings have been carried out for frequencies ranging from 1 to 10^?3 Hz) was selected as a test area to assess the imaging performances of various apparent‐resistivity definitions computed with rotational invariants of either the real part of the complex impedance tensor, or its imaginary part, or both. A comparison (based on earlier 3D numerical studies) has been made between the magnetotelluric images obtained in this way and the depths to the high‐resistivity basement, as known from boreholes and seismic investigations. The correlation coefficient between the series of basement depth values at 39 MT sites and the apparent‐resistivity values was found to be stronger and high correlation appeared at a shorter period when it was computed with apparent resistivities based on the real tensor rather than with apparent resistivities based on the imaginary tensor. In the light of our studies, ρ_{Re Z} and the impedance phase seem to be more informative than any other combination of magnetotelluric interpretation parameters.     

Annual variations in the electromagnetic field of the earth and electrical conductivity of the geological environment

Synchronous annual variations in the geoelectric and geomagnetic field are studied on the basis of long-term electromagnetic monitoring. It is shown that the annual geoelectric variations have intraterrestrial origin and are not related to the annual geomagnetic variations. Temporal variations in the magnetotelluric impedance and magnetic tipper, which characterize the electrical conductivity of the geological environment, are analyzed. It is established that annual variations in the magnetotelluric impedance mainly describe the variations in the electrical conductivity of surface crustal layers and are less sensitive to the deep electrical conductivity of the Earth. The annual variations in the imaginary magnetic tipper at the periods of 1000–3000 s probably reflect the changes in conductivity of a deep transversal low-resistive zone (the fault). It is suggested that annual variations in the geoelectrical and geomagnetic fields, as well as in the electrical conductivity of the geological environment, arise as a response to the changes in the geodynamical processes caused by the revolution of the Earth around the Sun.

     

Methods and results of monitoring of the natural telluric field in the Baikal rift zone

Variations in horizontal and vertical components of the telluric field are studied within the range of periods from a few tens of seconds to diurnal and longer variations. Variations caused by an external ionospheric source are used for studying the geoelectric heterogeneity of the medium. For this purpose, an electric tipper is introduced by analogy with the geomagnetic field and its frequency response is examined. The magnetotelluric impedance is studied using data of remote geomagnetic observatories. According to the data of monitoring of the electric tipper and magnetotelluric impedance, anomalous effects are revealed that can be related to earthquakes with K ≥ 12. A method is developed for the extraction of electric field anomalies produced by intraterrestrial electric sources.     

芦山MS7.0地震余震期间大地电磁视电阻率变

以2013年4月20日芦山M_S7.0地震震后5月3—24日距主震震中约7 km处所观测到的大地电磁数据为基础, 分析地下电阻率变化与较大余震(M_S>3.0)活动的关系． 为确保用于地震异常分析的观测数据的可靠性, 基于大地电磁方法的特点, 使用稳定估算(robust)技术和相干度因子约束等方法得到各频点一定数量的自功率谱和互功率谱, 再根据视电阻率和相位曲线的分布形态, 剔除引起视电阻率和相位曲线突变的谱值之后得到高质量的视电阻率和相位曲线． 此外, 根据曲线形态和误差分布来判断数据质量, 剔除可能受到干扰影响的数据, 以获得能够真实地反映地下电阻率变化的视电阻率分析结果． 结果显示: 观测期内的yx极化模式的视电阻率值总体呈非单调的增大趋势, 最大增幅达27%; yx极化模式的视电阻率值几乎在每个相对集中的较大余震丛集后均会出现高值, 而较大余震丛集期间对应的则是视电阻率低值． 从物理机制上分析地震的电阻率效应源于微裂隙内孔隙流体的变化, 故推测芦山地震余震期间电阻率的增加趋势是由于震后应变释放区应力恢复和孔隙度恢复所致．      

甘肃嘉峪关、瓜州地电场日变化与地电暴差异机理分析

通过甘肃省嘉峪关台地磁场观测资料,研究嘉峪关台、瓜州台磁静日地电场日变化的时频特征波;由地电场分钟值观测数据的时序叠加残差方法,研究嘉峪关、瓜州山的地电暴变化。结果表明:(1)两台地电场静日变化以两次起伏变化为主,无相位差,但两台之间日变幅差异较大;(2)地电场分量变化与地磁场正交分量变化显著相关;地电场与地磁场日变波形不同,极值时间有差异。2个台存在很明显的高频成分,在去除了高频变化后,其优势周期也相同,从大到小依次为12 h、8 h、24 h。地磁场H分量因存在磁暴影响,故高频变化较多,在去除了磁暴影响后,其优势周期从大到小依次为24 h、12 h、8 h;(3)当电磁暴扰动剧烈时,两台可以较清晰地记录到地电暴的完整变化。在发生电磁暴时,地电场与地磁场的相关性明显降低,且不同台、不同测向之间的变化幅度也不尽相同。两台东分量E_Y暴日的日变幅较静日明显增大,磁暴期间Y分量变化率与地电场东分量E_Y观测数据显著相关,由此说明:两台日变幅的不同与台站台址电导率有关,太阳风引起的电离层活动是引起了地电场日变化主因。引起电暴的原因可能不同于引起日变化的原因,主要是两台之间及不同测向之间的浅、深层电阻率和地质构造等诸多因素的结果。     

Three-dimensional geoelectrical model of metallogenic zones in the Kuznetsk-Alatau folded area

The three-dimensional (3D) geoelectric model of the Kuznetsk-Alatau folded area is reconstructed by magnetotelluric inversion using 3D fitting. It is established that the zones of ore mineralization within the Batenevsky massif are confined to the subvertical faults characterized by the electric resistivity of 100–300 Ω m. Blocks with ρ ≈ 10−100 Ω m are identified at a depth below 10 km in the western part of the model. The blocks are located close to the areas marked by the increased thermal flux, reduced seismic velocities, and elevated Moho boundary. This is probably associated with the presence of the rift zone in this area.

     

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR CAVITY RESEARCH WITH GEOELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHODS*

The exact localization of subterranean cavities and the determination of their dimensions is very important for the planning of geotechnical and mining activities. It is a complicated geophysical task often at the limit of detection. Nevertheless geophysical investigation is the only alternative to a dense and expensive grid of boreholes. This report tests the usefulness of geoelectrical resistivity methods for cavity detection under some new aspects. The basis for evaluation was a theoretical analysis of different conventional and focussing measuring arrays and of special arrays for a geoelectrical research between two boreholes. The limit of detectability of a cylindrical cavity of defined cross-section and depth was calculated for the different measuring arrays on the basis of computation of the apparent resistivity ρa. Furthermore, the influence of possible errors (current supply of the electrodes and the distance between the electrodes) is discussed for focussed systems. The second part of the article is directed at the behaviour of the apparent resistivity ρa, the disturbing potential δV_d caused by the cavity and the normal potential δV₀ of the measuring array all in relation to a homogeneous earth. Some new results are presented. In the last part of the article theoretical results are compared with some field measurements.     

3D joint inversion of magnetotelluric and airborne tipper data: a case study from the Morrison porphyry Cu–Au–Mo deposit,British Columbia,Canada

Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic and broadband magnetotelluric data were used to determine three‐dimensional electrical resistivity models of the Morrison porphyry Cu–Au–Mo deposit in British Columbia. Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic data are collected with a helicopter, thus allowing rapid surveys with uniform spatial sampling. Ground‐based magnetotelluric surveys can achieve a greater exploration depth than Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic surveys, but data collection is slower and can be limited by difficult terrain. The airborne Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic tipper data and the ground magnetotelluric tipper data show good agreement at the Morrison deposit despite differences in the data collection method, spatial sampling, and collection date. Resistivity models derived from individual inversions of the Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic tipper data and magnetotelluric impedance data contain some similar features, but the Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic model appears to lack resolution below a depth of 1 km, and the magnetotelluric model suffers from non‐uniform and relatively sparse spatial sampling. The joint Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic inversion solves these issues by combining the dense spatial sampling of the airborne Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic technique and the deeper penetration of the lower frequency magnetotelluric data. The resulting joint resistivity model correlates well with the known geology and distribution of alteration at the Morrison deposit. Higher resistivity is associated with the potassic alteration zone and volcanic country rocks, whereas areas of lower resistivity agree with known faults and sedimentary units. The pyrite halo and ≥0.3% Cu zone have the moderate resistivity that is expected of disseminated sulphides. The joint Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic inversion provides an improved resistivity model by enhancing the lateral and depth resolution of resistivity features compared with the individual Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic and magnetotelluric inversions. This case study shows that a joint Z‐axis tipper electromagnetic–magnetotelluric approach effectively images the interpreted mineralised zone at the Morrison deposit and could be beneficial in exploration for disseminated sulphides at other porphyry deposits.     

ELECTROMETRIC OBSERVATIONS OF ANTIFILTRATIONAL CEMENTATION CURTAINS *

Creation of antifiltrational cementation curtains needed to prevent increased seepage from water reservoirs is a rather labour-consuming and costly measure. High cost of such curtains necessitates careful checking of the quality of cementation as well as the strength and stability of the solidified cement which is being formed in the pores and fissures of injected rocks. The traditional methods of control are rather labour-consuming and do not allow observations during process of cementation. The advantage of electrometric observations of cementation curtains lies in the possibility of making measurements on the surface from the moment of pumping slurry into a borehole up to the termination of cement hardening. The laboratory investigations carried out by the authors demonstrate an increase in the specific electrical resistivity of a cement in the course of hardening as well as the existence of a functional dependence between the electrical and strength parameters which allows to use the resistivity method for checking the cement strength. Methods of electrometric observations of cementation curtains are dependent on the particular features of cementation and the curtain dimensions. The observations are usually conducted in a network of profiles parallel to the curtain axis. The cement slurry spreading in the space is studied on the maps of ρ_a and geoelectrical sections obtained at different distances from the feed line. Zones of the strongest absorption of cement slurry are indicated by resistivity minima. The electrometric observations should be compared with the data on cement expenditure in the boreholes. The cement strengthening is monitored by comparing the results of control observations consecutively conducted in 1-2 months following the cementation, with utilization of the ρ_a maps and graphs. If the specific resistivities of the skeleton of the enclosing rocks and the filler of cavities are known, one can approximately evaluate the changes in the cement strength in absolute units (kg/cm²). By way of example, the authors give the results of electrometric observations conducted to evaluate the quality of an antifiltrational curtain on one of the high-mountain water reservoirs in Armenia.     

FAST AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

The difficulty to use master curves as well as classical techniques for the determination of layer distribution (e_i, ρ_i) from a resistivity sounding arises when the presumed number of layers exceeds five or six. The principle of the method proposed here is based on the identification of the resistivity transform. This principle was recently underlined by many authors. The resistivity transform can be easily derived from the experimental data by the application of Ghosh's linear filter, and another method for deriving the filter coefficientes is suggested. For a given theoretical resistivity transform corresponding to a given distribution of layers (thicknesses and resistivities) various criteria that measure the difference between this theoretical resistivity transform and an experimental one derived by the application of Ghosh's filter are given. A discussion of these criteria from a physical as well as a mathematical point of view follows. The proposed method is then exposed; it is based on a gradient method. The type of gradient method used is defined and justified physically as well as with numerical examples of identified master curves. The practical use for the method and experimental confrontation of identified field curves with drill holes are given. The cost as well as memory occupation and time of execution of the program on CDC 7600 computer is estimated.     

基于自适应有限元的复电阻率法2.5维复杂构造电磁场模拟

复电阻率法在矿产、油气勘探调查中发挥着重要作用.为了认识复杂构造的复电阻率法电磁场的变化规律,本文基于自适应有限元方法,采用非结构化网格,引入Cole-Cole模型,实现了电偶源2.5D复电阻率法电磁场正演,可以模拟复杂地形和地电结构,正演结果更符合野外实际地质情况.通过将本文的计算结果与半空间模型解析解、层状介质和起伏模型结果进行对比,验证了本文算法的正确性.最后,基于复杂地电模型,通过正演模拟,系统分析了地形、激电参数、复杂构造对复电阻率法电磁场的影响特征.     

Electromagnetic 3D tomography of the Elbrus volcanic center according to magnetotelluric and satellite data

A geoelectric 3D model of the potentially active Elbrus volcano and its vicinities has been constructed using magnetotelluric data, which takes the volume model of the tectonic fragmentation field developed based on deciphering satellite photographs into account. An original method of searching for the correlation and determination of the character of the interrelation between the ground-based and satellite data has been used in this construction. The geoelectric 3D model constructed includes two conducting objects located at different depths. One of the objects, with a resistivity of 25–40 Ω m, located at depths of 0–10 km, is most intense at a depth of 5 km, where the object is quasi-isometric in shape and has a radius of 10 km along the 40–60 Ω m contour lines. Another object with a resistivity of 10–40 Ω m is located at a depth of ～45 km, where its dimensions along the contour line for 40 Ω m are 35 and 15 km in latitude and longitude, respectively. The thickness of the conducting core is approximately 20 km. The upper and lower objects can be interpreted as a volcano magma chamber and a volcano parent chamber, respectively.     

二维各向异性地电断面大地电磁场的有限元法解法

假定各向异性主轴之一与层面垂直,另一主轴与构造走向平行,本文给出这种条件下,二维各向异性地电断面的大地电磁场的变分方程。用有限单元法解变分方程。对区域进行三角单元剖分,在单元内进行二次函数插值,将变分方程转变为线性代数方程组。解方程组得各节点的场值,并可计算场的导数。由这些值可计算地表的视电阻率。 算例表明,对于H_x型波(x平行构造走向),各向异性体与各向同性体的大地电磁场有很大区别。      

Modelling the DC electrical response of fully and partially saturated Permo-Triassic sandstone

Results from a laboratory investigation into the electrical properties of fully and partially saturated Wildmoor Triassic Sandstone have been modelled using the Archie, Waxman–Smits and Hanai–Bruggeman equations. The results demonstrate the limitation of using simple relationships to describe samples when the matrix resistivity ρ_r is not significantly greater than the saturating electrolyte resistivity ρ_w. In these situations Archie's parameters m and n are not accurately determined. Conversely, the more sophisticated Waxman–Smits and Hanai–Bruggeman models provide parameters that better describe the electrical properties of the rock and are able to identify heterogeneity between samples that would otherwise be missed. The ranges of values for matrix resistivity (49 < ρ_r < 161 Ωm) and cementation factor (1.6 < m < 2.1) obtained from the Hanai–Bruggeman model indicate significant variation between samples. Comparison of laboratory‐determined values for cation exchange capacity (0.06 < Q_v < 0.51 meq/mL) and those obtained from the Waxman–Smits model (0.09 < Q_v < 0.55 meq/mL) indicates a very strong correlation, suggesting this model is appropriate for describing the rock. There is good agreement between parameters modelled using fully and partially saturated versions of both the Hanai–Bruggeman and Waxman–Smits equations, indicating that the data are consistent with these models and that the assumptions made are appropriate.     

Regional study of the anomalous change in apparent resistivity before the Tangshan earthquake (M=7.8, 1976) in China

Electrical resistivity measurements have been conducted as a possible means for obtaining precursory earthquake information. Before five great earthquakes (M>7,h<25 km) in China, the apparent resistivity _a showed systematic variations within a region 200 km from the epicenters. In particular, 9 stations in the Tangshan-Tianjin-Beijing region prior to the Tangshan earthquake (M=7.8,h=11 km, 27 July 1976) showed a consistent decrease of apparent resistivity around the epicenter, with a maximum resistivity change of 6% and a period of variation of 2–3 years. Simultaneous water table observations in this region showed a declining water table, and ground surface observations indicated a slight (5 mm) uplift in the epicenter region relative to its surroundings.In order to develop an explanation for the observed change of apparent resistivity associated with these great earthquakes, we have used Archie's Law to explore the effects of changes in rock porosity, water content and electrolyte resistivity on measured resistivity.Tentative conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) the apparent resistivity change is opposite to the effect expected from the simultaneous water table trend; (2) the dilatancy needed to give such resistivity variations (assuming Archie's Law holds) is much larger than that needed to explain the observed uplift (by 2–3 orders of magnitude); (3) salinity change in the pore electrolyte is a possible explanation for the variation in resistivity: an increase in the salinity would cause a proportional decrease in resistivity; the data needed to test this hypothesis, however, are lacking; and (4) the effect of changing geometry of rock pores or cracks due to pressure solution may provide an explanation for the decrease in apparent resistivity; it is different in nature from the effect of a volume change in response to stress although the geometry change is also closely related to the stress change.     

Results of the monitoring of geomagnetic field variations in the Kamchatka region

The transfer function between the vertical and horizontal components of geomagnetic field variations is studied and the frequency responses of its parameters are presented. The relation to geoelectric heterogeneities of the medium is analyzed. The coast effect is considered and a deep curve of the apparent electrical resistivity constructed on its basis is used for estimating the depth to the asthenospheric conducting layer. The behavior of the induction vectors in the frequency-time domain is studied. Specific features of the behavior of the real and imaginary parts of the induction vector related to geoelectric heterogeneities of the medium are determined. Monitoring results are compared with time moments of earthquakes of K = 13?14 at epicentral distances of up to 150 km.