Exploration of geothermal structure in Puga geothermal field, Ladakh Himalayas, India by magnetotelluric studies

To understand the crustal electric structure of the Puga geothermal field located in the Ladakh Himalayas, wide band (1000 Hz–0.001 Hz) magnetotelluric (MT) study have been carried out in the Puga area. Thirty-five MT sites were occupied with site spacing varying from 0.4 to 1 km. The measurements were carried out along three profiles oriented in east–west direction. After the preliminary analysis, the MT data were subjected to decomposition techniques. The one-dimensional inversion of the effective impedance data and the two-dimensional inversion of the TE (transverse electric) and TM (transverse magnetic) data confirm the presence of low resistive (5–25 Ω m) near surface region of 200–300 m thick in the anomalous geothermal part of the area related to the shallow geothermal reservoir. Additionally, the present study delineated an anomalous conductive zone (resistivity less than 10 Ω m) at a depth of about 2 km which is possibly related to the geothermal source in the area. A highly resistive basement layer separates the surface low resistive region and anomalous conductive part. The estimated minimum temperature at the top of conductive part is about 250 °C. The significance of the deeper conductive zone and its relation to the geothermal anomaly in the area is discussed.     

大地电磁法三维交错采样有限差分数值模拟

系统地论述了大地电磁三维交错采样有限差分数值模拟算法实现过程中交错网格剖分、积分公式离散化、边界条件、方程组求解、三维张量阻抗的计算等内容. 由于提出了简洁的边界条件，采用了解大型系数矩阵方程组的双共轭梯度稳定解法，所实现的三维交错采样有限差分数值模拟算法具有迭代收敛稳定、计算精度高、速度快等特点. 通过两个理论模型的计算结果检验了算法的正确性和计算精度. 所实现的三维交错采样有限差分数值模拟算法为研究三维反演问题奠定了基础.     

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.     

Geophysical images of the creeping segment of the San Andreas fault: implications for the role of crustal fluids in the earthquake process

High-resolution magnetotelluric (MT) studies of the San Andreas fault (SAF) near Hollister, CA have imaged a zone of high fluid content flanking the San Andreas fault and extending to midcrustal depths. This zone, extending northeastward to the Calaveras fault, is imaged as several focused regions of high conductivity, believed to be the expression of tectonically bound fluid pockets separated by northeast dipping, impermeable fault seals. Furthermore, the spatial relationship between this zone and local seismicity suggests that where present, fluids inhibit seismicity within the upper crust (0–4 km). The correlation of coincident seismic and electromagnetic tomography models is used to sharply delineate geologic and tectonic boundaries. These studies show that the San Andreas fault plane is vertical below 2 km depth, bounding the southwest edge of the imaged fault-zone conductor (FZC). Thus, in the region of study, the San Andreas fault acts both as a conduit for along-strike fluid flow and a barrier for fluid flow across the fault. Combined with previous work, these results suggest that the geologic setting of the San Andreas fault gives rise to the observed distribution of fluids in and surrounding the fault, as well as the observed along-strike variation in seismicity.     

3D model of Svecofennian Accretionary Orogen and Karelia Craton based on geology,reflection seismics,magnetotellurics and density modelling: Geodynamic speculations

A 3D model of deep crustal structure of the Archaean Karelia Craton and late Palaeoproterozoic Svecofennian Accretionary Orogen including the boundary zone is presented. The model is based on the combination of data from geological mapping and reflection seismic studies, along profiles 1-EU, 4B, FIRE-1-2a-2 and FIRE-3-3a, and uses results of magnetotelluric soundings in southern Finland and northern Karelia. A seismogeological model of the crust and crust–mantle boundary is compared with a model of subhorizontal velocity-density layering of the crust. The TTG-type crust of the Palaeoarchaean and Mesoarchaean microcontinents within the Karelia Craton and the Belomorian Province are separated by gently dipping greenstone belts, at least some of which are palaeosutures. The structure of the crust was determined mainly by Palaeoproterozoic tectonism in the intra-continental settings modified by a strong collisional compression at the end of the Palaeoproterozoic. New insights into structure, origin and evolution of the Svecofennian Orogen are provided. The accretionary complex is characterized by inclined tectonic layering: the tectonic sheets, ~15 ​km thick, are composed of volcanic-sedimentary rocks, including electro-conductive graphite-bearing sedimentary rocks, and electro-resistive granitoids, which plunge monotonously and consecutively eastward. Upon reaching the level of the lower crust, the tectonic sheets of the accretionary complex lose their distinct outlines. In the seismic reflection pattern they are replaced by a uniform acoustically translucent medium, where separate sheets can only be traced fragmentarily. The crust–mantle boundary bears a diffuse character: the transition from crust to mantle is recorded by the disappearance of the vaguely drawn boundaries of the tectonic sheets and in the gradual transition of acoustically homogeneous and translucent lower crust into transparent mantle. Under the effect of endogenic heat flow, the accretionary complex underwent high-temperature metamorphism and partial melting. Blurring of the rock contacts, which in the initial state created contrasts of acoustic impedance, was caused by partial melting and mixing of melts. The 3D model is used as a starting point for the evolutionary model of the Svecofennian Accretionary Orogen and for determination of its place in the history of the Palaeoproterozoic Lauro-Russian intracontinental orogeny, which encompassed a predominant part of the territory of Lauroscandia, a palaeocontinent combining North American and East European cratons. The model includes three stages in the evolution of the Lauro-Russian Orogen (~2.5, 2.2–2.1 and 1.95–1.87 ​Ga). The main feature of the Palaeoproterozoic evolution of the accretionary Svecofennian Orogen and Lauroscandia as a whole lay in the causal link with evolution of a superplume, which initiated plate-tectonic events. The Svecofennian–Pre-Labradorian palaeo-ocean originated in the superplume axial zone; the accretionary orogens were formed along both continental margins due to closure of the palaeo-ocean.     

Three‐dimensional modelling of magnetotelluric data to image Sehqanat hydrocarbon reservoir in southwestern Iran

A detailed magnetotelluric survey was conducted in 2013 in the Sehqanat oil field, southwestern Iran to map the geoelectrical structures of the sedimentary Zagros zone, particularly the boundary between the Gachsaran Formation acting as cap rock and the Asmari Formation as the reservoir. According to the electrical well logs, a large resistivity contrast exists between the two formations. The Gachsaran Formation is formed by tens to hundreds of metres of evaporites and it is highly conductive (ca. 1 Ωm–10 Ωm), and the Asmari Formation consists of dense carbonates, which are considerably more resistive (more than 100 Ωm). Broadband magnetotelluric data were collected along five southwest–northeast directed parallel lines with more than 600 stations crossing the main geological trend. Although dimensionality and strike analysis of the magnetotelluric transfer functions showed that overall they satisfied local 2D conditions, there were also strong 3D conditions found in some of the sites. Therefore, in order to obtain a more reliable image of the resistivity distribution in the Sehqanat oil field, in addition to standard 2D inversion, we investigated to what extent 3D inversion of the data was feasible and what improvements in the resistivity image could be obtained. The 2D inversion models using the determinant average of the impedance tensor depict the main resistivity structures well, whereas the estimated 3D model shows significantly more details although problems were encountered in fitting the data with the latter. Both approaches resolved the Gachsaran–Asmari transition from high conductivity to moderate conductivity. The well‐known Sehqanat anticline could also be delineated throughout the 2D and 3D resistivity models as a resistive dome‐shaped body in the middle parts of the magnetotelluric profiles.     

大地电磁测深在火山区地热研究中的应用

大地电磁测深(MT)由于勘探深度范围较大,且对温度、流体、岩浆房和岩性等与热储相关的地质条件的敏感度较高,因而成为火山区地热勘探和岩石圈结构研究中常用的一种地球物理勘探手段。地壳和上地幔的电性结构与热结构之间存在着密切的联系,通过解读二者的关系,可以刻画更为精细的岩石圈结构模型,进而掌握火山区的构造特征和热演化过程,了解其岩石圈地球动力学机制。本文着重介绍了MT方法的原理以及从野外数据采集到后期数据处理的过程,综述了MT法的应用特点以及电导率与温度之间的关系,通过实例分析,介绍了国际上这一方法在火山区地热勘探和岩石圈热结构研究中的应用进展,展示了MT法在新西兰Taupo火山区Ngatamariki高温地热田0~3km地热资源勘探中的应用;以埃塞俄比亚Afar省的Tendaho地热田和Badi火山为例,分别讨论了0~20km和0~50km不同深度的电性结构特征及其与温度存在的内在联系,探讨了形成火山的驱动机制;以日本九州岛的Shinmoe-dake火山为例,介绍了大地电磁测深和温度监测在火山监测方面的应用。最后简述了国内MT法在火山区的应用进展以及存在的问题,并利用上地幔电导率与温度的关系以及岩石圈内硅酸盐熔体不同含水量引起的电导率随温度的变化关系,初步估算了长白山天池和阿尔山火山区的莫霍面以下的温度以及长白山天池火山区的高温岩浆房温度。     

南北地震带南段川滇黔接壤区电性结构特征和孕震环境

本文利用大地电磁测深数据,对穿过兰坪-思茅地块和川滇菱形地块以及进入扬子地块的云南兰坪-贵州贵阳大地电磁测深剖面展开了深部电性结构研究.采用大地电磁数据处理分析以及反演技术,对观测资料进行了由定性到定量全面地分析,通过二维非线性共轭梯度反演得到了沿剖面的较为详细的地壳上地幔电性结构,结合其他地质和地球物理资料的分析,对该剖面的二维电性结构进行解释,确定了主要断裂带和边界带的位置以及深部延伸情况,同时确定了壳内低阻层的分布位置,最后进行了区域动力学和孕震构造环境的探讨.研究表明:剖面壳幔电性结构分块性特征与区域地质构造分布特征基本一致,不同地块的电性结构存在显著差异,其中川滇菱形地块的结构相对复杂,上地壳的电性结构为高低阻相间分布特征,电阻率的突变带与地表断裂具有很好的对应关系;兰坪-思茅地块存在中上地壳低阻层,川滇菱形地块中西部存在下地壳低阻层,川滇菱形地块东部和华南地块西部存在中上地壳的低阻层;川滇菱形地块中部攀枝花附近的低阻层埋深最深,而华南地块西部会泽附近的低阻层埋深则最浅;兰坪-思茅地块和川滇菱形地块的中下地壳的低阻层可能与青藏高原物质的东南逃逸有关;华南块体的宣威以东的下地壳不存在低阻层,华南块体下地壳和上地幔的电阻率较高;攀枝花附近的高阻体可能是峨眉山玄武岩喷发导致底侵作用及幔源物质上侵的结果.     

冈底斯成矿带东段的电性结构特征研究

冈底斯成矿带为我国著名的成矿区域,其东段存在一系列规模较大的矿床.为了研究冈底斯成矿带东段的电性结构特征,对覆盖主要矿集区的大地电磁测深数据进行全面的处理分析,通过二维与三维反演的综合对比得到了可靠的电性结构模型.结合其他地质与地球物理资料,对电性结构模型进行分析得到冈底斯成矿带东段的矿床分布规律：矿床主要分布在地壳浅表的电性分界面附近;中地壳高导体可能通过上地壳隐伏的南-北向断裂控制着与地壳伸展作用有关的矿床;南-北向张性构造与东-西向逆冲-推覆构造的交汇部位可能是冈底斯成矿带东段重要的成矿区域;下地壳可能受到软流圈物质上涌的影响发生部分熔融,从而与中地壳的高导体共同影响地壳浅部的成矿作用.

     

基于交叉梯度耦合的大地电磁与地震走时资料三维联合反演

为了有效解决目前大地电磁和地震走时资料单方法反演结果一致性不好的问题,同时克服基于岩石不同物性参数间关系耦合约束联合反演的局限性,本文研究了基于交叉梯度耦合约束的大地电磁与地震走时资料的三维联合反演算法.以较为成熟的天然地震走时资料三维正反演和大地电磁三维正反演算法为基础,实现了具有共同的反演网格,以交叉梯度结构耦合约束,并能同时获得电阻率和速度模型的三维联合反演算法.分别利用单棱柱体模型和双棱柱体模型合成数据进行了联合反演试算.结果表明:无论是单棱柱体模型还是双棱柱体模型,联合反演结果比单独反演对异常体的空间形态都有更好的恢复,其中单棱柱体模型反演的异常体电阻率更接近于真实电阻率,双棱柱体模型的联合反演结果不仅消除了围岩的部分电阻率假异常,而且增强了对异常体深部速度结构特征的恢复程度.联合反演还能同时改善电阻率和速度反向变化异常体的单独反演结果,进一步证明交叉梯度耦合不依赖于岩石物性关系,而强调地下结构的相似性,具有更普遍的适用性.