Inversion of electromagnetic data: An overview of new techniques

This paper explores some of the newer techniques for acquiring and inverting electromagnetic data. Attention is confined primarily to the 2d magnetotelluric (MT) problem but the inverse methods are applicable to all areas of EM induction. The basis of the EMAP technique of Bostick is presented along with examples to illustrate the efficacy of that method in structural imaging and in overcoming the deleterious effects of near-surface distortions of the electric field. Reflectivity imaging methods and the application of seismic migration techniques to EM problems are also explored as imaging tools. Two new approaches to the solution of the inverse problem are presented. The AIM (Approximate Inverse Mapping) inversion of Oldenburg and Ellis uses a new way to estimate a perturbation in an iterative solution which does not involve linearization of the equations. The RRI (Rapid Relaxation Inverse) of Smith and Booker shows how approximate Fréchet derivatives and sequences of 1d inversions can be used to develop a practical inversion algorithm. The overview is structured to provide insight about the latest inversion techniques and also to touch upon most areas of the inverse problem that must be considered to carry out a practical inversion. These include model parameterization, methods of calculating first order sensitivities, and methods for setting up a linearized inversion.     

Sensitivity of AUV added mass coefficients to variations in hull and control plane geometry

The sensitivity of the added mass coefficients of a typical autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) to changes in geometric parameters was investigated. Qualitative deductions were made concerning the effect of geometric variations. Then the added mass coefficients for several configurations of body geometry were generated for the Canadian Self-Contained Off-the-shelf Underwater Testbed (C-SCOUT) vehicle using the computer program Estimate Submarine Added Mass (ESAM). The changes in the added mass coefficients have direct relationships to the varied parameter. The results presented here are specific to the C-SCOUT, but may be extended to similar axisymmetric bodies.     

Assessment of wind-forcing impact on a global wind-wave model using the TOPEX altimeter

The study presents assessment of an operational wave model (Wavewatch III), focusing upon the model sensitivity to wind-forcing products. Four wind fields are used to drive the model, including the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis and three other products that assimilate various satellite wind measurements having high spatial resolution, including the QuikSCAT scatterometer. Three wave field statistics: significant wave height, mean zero-crossing wave period, and mean square slope are compared with collocated TOPEX altimeter derivatives to gauge the relative skill of differing wind-forced model runs, as well as to demonstrate an extended use of the altimeter beyond simply supplying wave height for wave model validation and assimilation. Results suggest that model output is critically sensitive to choice of the wind field product. Higher spatial resolution in the wind fields does lead to improved agreement for the higher-order wave statistics.     

A Multivariate Correlation Analysis of High- Frequency Bottom Backscattering Strength Measurements With Geotechnical Parameters

Sound backscattered from the seabed has been measured in a 10x10-nmi² region of the North Sea, characterized by a variety of bottom types, including mud, sand, and gravel. The backscattering strength measurements are made by a forward-looking sonar, operating at 100 kHz and tilted at an angle of 30deg from the horizontal. Fifty bottom-grab samples, representative of the uppermost 20 cm, were taken and analyzed for gravel content, shell content, and grain-size distribution. The backscatter measurements are correlated with the gravel percentage, shell percentage, and median grain size. A strong positive correlation of the measured backscatter strength with shell and gravel percentage is observed. Additionally, a small positive correlation between the backscatter strength and the median grain size of the sand and mud part exists. The derived values for the backscatter strength compare well to those presented in the recent literature. From a least squares curve-fitting analysis, an empirical expression is obtained giving backscatter strength as a function of gravel percentage, shell percentage, and the median grain size of the sand and mud part.     

Lithium isotopes in Guatemalan and Franciscan HP-LT rocks: Insights into the role of sediment-derived fluids during subduction

High-pressure, low-temperature (HP-LT) rocks from a Cretaceous age subduction complex occur as tectonic blocks in serpentinite mélange along the Motagua Fault (MF) in central Guatemala. Eclogite and jadeitite among these are characterized by trace element patterns with enrichments in fluid mobile elements, similar to arc lavas. Eclogite is recrystallized from MORB-like altered oceanic crust, presumably at the boundary between the down-going plate and overlying mantle wedge. Eclogite geochemistry, mineralogy and petrography suggest a two step petrogenesis of (1) dehydration during prograde metamorphism at low temperatures (<500 °C) followed by (2) partial rehydration/fertilization at even lower T during exhumation. In contrast, Guatemalan jadeitites are crystallized directly from low-T aqueous fluid as veins in serpentinizing mantle during both subduction and exhumation. The overall chemistry and mineralogy of Guatemalan eclogites are similar to those from the Franciscan Complex, California, implying similar P-T-x paths.Li concentrations (?90 ppm) in mineral separates and whole rocks (WR) from Guatemalan and Franciscan HP-LT rocks are significantly higher than MORB (4-6 ppm), but similar to HP-LT rocks globally. Li isotopic compositions range from −5‰ to +5‰ for Guatemalan HP-LT rocks, and −4‰ to +1‰ for Franciscan eclogites, overlapping previous findings for other HP-LT suites. The combination of Li concentrations greater than MORB, and Li isotopic values lighter than MORB are inconsistent with a simple dehydration model. We prefer a model in which Li systematics in Guatemalan and Franciscan eclogites reflect reequilibration with subduction fluids during exhumation. Roughly 5-10% of the Li in these fluids is derived from sediments.Model results predict that the dehydrated bulk ocean crust is isotopically lighter (δ⁷Li ? +1 ± 3‰) than the depleted mantle (∼+3.5 ± 0.5‰), while the mantle wedge beneath the arc is the isotopic complement of the bulk crust. A subduction fluid with an AOC-GLOSS composition over the full range of model temperatures (50-600 °C) gives an average fluid δ⁷Li (∼+7 ± 5‰ 1σ) that is isotopically heavier than the depleted mantle. If the lowest temperature steps are excluded (50-260 °C) as too cold to participate in circulation of the mantle wedge, then the average subduction fluid (δ⁷Li = +4 ± 2.3‰ 1σ, is indistinguishable from depleted mantle. Because of the relatively compatible nature of Li in metamorphic minerals, the most altered part of the crust (uppermost extrusives), may retain a Li isotopic signature (∼+5 ± 3‰) heavier than the bulk crust. The range of Li isotopic values for OIB, IAB and MORB overlap, making it is difficult to resolve which of these components may contribute to the recycled component in the mantle using δ⁷Li alone.