Estimation of the temperature in the Earth’s interior from surface measurements of the electromagnetic field

The possibility of contactless remote estimation of the temperature in the Earth’s interior from surface magnetotelluric (MT) measurements is examined. The neuronet analysis of MT and temperature measurements in the Bishkek geodynamic research area (the Northern Tien Shan) showed that a contactless electromagnetic geothermometer can in principle be realized. An optimal method including MT measurements and treatment of available thermograms is developed. The method minimizes uncertainties of the remote temperature estimation. The use of six to eight thermograms for calibration of electromagnetic data is shown to provide a 12% relative error of prediction, and a priori geological information available for the region under study can reduce this error. Areas of practical application of a contactless electromagnetic geothermometer are outlined.     

Evaluation of the feasibility of recovering the magma chamber’s parameters by 3D Bayesian statistical inversion of synthetic MT data

Feasibility of recovering the magma chamber’s parameters by 3D Bayesian statistical inversion of magnetotelluric data is estimated for the simplified conductivity model of the Vesuvios volcano. The results indicate that in the lack of prior information and data, the most efficient approach may consist in successive estimation of the geometry and the depth of the anomaly followed by estimation of the electric conductivity distribution in it. The horizontal boundaries of the target could be outlined by the high gradients of the impedance determinant phase pseudosections determined by the upward analytical continuation of the anomalous electromagnetic fields from the relief surface to the artificial reference plane located above the summit of the volcano. The vertical boundaries and the target extension as well as the electric conductivity could be estimated successively by means of 3D Bayesian statistical inversion of the collected magnetotelluric data carried out in the domain delimited by the estimated horizontal boundaries.     

Array magnetotelluric soundings in the active seismic area of Northern Tien Shan

High-density array MT soundings of the crust in the seismically active northern Tien Shan were performed using Phoenix MTU-5 stations in the Bishkek Geodynamic Polygon, at the junction of the Chu basin and the Kyrgyz Range. The MT transfer functions were determined to an accuracy of 1–2% (amplitude) and about 0.5–0.8 deg (phase) in most of 145 soundings. Preliminary analysis of the collected data aimed at estimating the geoelectrical dimensionality. The Bahr decomposition analysis indicated the presence of local 3D structures in the crust of the area superposed on the regional 2D structure.     

The 1994 Shikotan earthquake tsunamis

The 1994 Shikotan earthquake was one of the greatest earthquakes in recent years with a magnitude ofM _s 8.0. A tsunami survey was conducted by Russian and U.S. geophysicists from October 16–30, 1994, less than two weeks after the earthquake. The survey results and a numerical hindcast simulation are reported. Tsunami focusing effect at locations supposedly sheltered by the island chain is discussed. Based on the obtained data, tsunamis which attacked Shikotan Island are characterized as long waves (the order of 10–20 min wave period) with a positive leading wave. Possible consequences of the positive leading wave form are discussed in relation to the observed minimal destruction of beach vegetation and relatively small transport of marine sediment onto the shore. The high-quality tide-gage record in Malokurilskaya Bay indicates the occurrence of a 53 cm subsidence at the site.     

Numerical modeling of EM fields over local anomalies with a vertical axis of symmetry

A method for numerical modeling of quasi-stationary electromagnetic fields in axially symmetric media is proposed. It is based on the direct finite-element method and the use of special basis functions. Assuming cylindrical coordinates r, φ, z, the three-dimensional solution is presented as a superposition of fields with the azimuthal dependence exp(inφ). For each case this results in a system of two equations of elliptical type in two scalar functions in the (r, z) plane.

The discretization leads to the conservative nine-points difference scheme. The system of linear equations is solved by means of the LU-decomposition technique, the band structure of the matrix being taken into account.

The program is tested using analytical results (DC asymptote) for a near-surface inhomogeneity. Comparison also is made with 2D results (H-polarization) for the model of a local well conducting inclusion in a three-layered Earth.     

Characteristics of high-mountain karst based on GIS and Remote Sensing

Spatial data were used to develop complex characteristics of a high-mountain karst. The numeric elaboration was conducted using the analytical capabilities of GIS software. Analysis was based on spatial data gained by elaborating aerial photography. The results were presented in map sets, as well as Geographic Information System format. The set of matched numerical methods used and the proposed algorithm for data analysis may be applied at other karst sites.     

Radiogenic lead mobility in the Shea Creek unconformity-related uranium deposit (Saskatchewan,Canada): migration pathways and Pb loss quantification

The average Pb/U ratio of the Shea Creek unconformity-type uranium deposit has been estimated at 0.071±0.015. The calculation was performed on a volume enclosing the orebody to take into account the possible radiogenic lead migration within the ore zone. Despite this precaution, this ratio is significantly lower than the expected ratio (0.211) assuming a main U deposition around 1315 Ma, as suggested by previous UPb isotopic dating. Although part of the radiogenic lead can be trapped as galena within the orebody, about 60% of Pb have migrated more than 700 m away from the orebody, preferentially along the unconformity. To cite this article: P. Kister et al., C. R. Geoscience 336 (2004).     

Alpine ecotone in the Siberian Mountains:vegetation response to warming

Birch (Betula tortuosa) is one of the tree-line forming species within the Siberian Mountains.We analysed the area dynamics of birch stands and the upslope clim...