Spatial structural characteristics of the Deda ancient landslide in the eastern Tibetan Plateau:Insights from Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics and the Microtremor Survey Method

It is of crucial importance to investigate the spatial structures of ancient landslides in the eastern Tibetan Plateau’s alpine canyons as they could provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of the landslides and indicate the potential for future reactivation.This study examines the Deda ancient landslide,situated in the Chalong-ranbu fault zone,where creep deformation suggests a complex underground structure.By integrating remote sensing,field surveys,Audio-frequency Magnetotellurics(AMT),and Microtremor Survey Method(MSM)techniques,along with engineering geological drilling for validation,to uncover the landslide’s spatial feature s.The research indicates that a fault is developed in the upper part of the Deda ancient landslide,and the gully divides it into Deda landslide accumulation zoneⅠand Deda landslide accumulation zoneⅡin space.The distinctive geological characteristics detectable by MSM in the shallow subsurface and by AMT in deeper layers.The findings include the identification of two sliding zones in the Deda I landslide,the shallow sliding zone(DD-I-S1)depth is approximately 20 m,and the deep sliding zone(DD-I-S2)depth is 36.2-49.9 m.The sliding zone(DD-Ⅱ-S1)depth of the DedaⅡlandslide is 37.6-43.1 m.A novel MSM-based method for sliding zone identification is proposed,achieving less than 5%discrepancy in depth determination when compared with drilling data.These results provide a valuable reference for the spatial structural analysis of large-deepseated landslides in geologically complex regions like the eastern Tibetan Plateau.

Intra-continental Orogeny:Insights from Magnetotelluric Data into the Mesozoic Uplift History of the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen in South China

Despite extensive efforts to understand the tectonic evolution of the Jiangnan Orogen in South China,the orogenic process and its mechanism remain a matter of dispute.Previous geodynamic studies have mostly focused on collisional orogeny,which is commonly invoked to explain the Jiangnan Orogen.However,it is difficult for such hypotheses to reconcile all the geological and geophysical data,especially the absence of ultrahigh-pressure metamorphic rocks.Based on the magnetotelluric data,we present a group of resistivity models produced through the combination of two-dimensional and three-dimensional inversions,revealing the geo-electrical structures of Jiangnan and a typical collisional orogen.In our models,the resistive crust is separated into three parts by a prominent conductive layer with opposite dipping directions on both sides.A special thrust-nappe system,which is different from that developed in a typical collisional process,is revealed in the Jiangnan Orogen.This structure suggests a process different from the simple collisional orogeny.To interpret our observations,an'intra-continental orogeny'is proposed to address the development of the Jiangnan Orogen in the Mesozoic.Furthermore,this'reworked'process may contain at least two stages caused by the decoupling of the lithosphere,which is revealed by an extra conductive layer beneath Jiangnan.

Three-dimensional magnetotelluric modeling in the spherical and Cartesian coordinate systems:A comparative study

With the increase in the coverage area of magnetotelluric data,three-dimensional magnetotelluric modeling in spherical coordinates and its differences with respect to traditional Cartesian modeling have gradually attracted attention.To fully understand the influence of the Earth’s curvature and map projection deformations on Cartesian modeling,qualitative and quantitative analyses based on realistic three-dimensional models need to be examined.Combined with five representative map projections,a type of model conversion method that transforms the original spherical electrical conductivity model to Cartesian coordinates is described in this study.The apparent resistivity differences between the spherical western United States electrical conductivity model and the corresponding five Cartesian models are then compared.The results show that the cylindrical equal distance map projection has the smallest error.A meridian convergence correction resulting from the deformation of the map projection is introduced to rotate the Cartesian impedance tensor from grid north to geographic north,which reduces differences from the spherical results.On the basis of the magnetotelluric field data,the applicability of the Cartesian coordinate system to western and contiguous United States models is quantitatively evaluated.Precise interpretations of the contiguous United States model were found to require spherical coordinates.

3D joint inversion of controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric and magnetotelluric data

Different geophysical exploration methods have significant differences in terms of exploration depth,especially in frequency domain electromagnetic(EM)exploration.According to the definition of skin depth,this difference will increase with the effective detection frequency of the method.As a result,when performing three-dimensional inversion on single type of EM data,it is not possible to effectively distinguish the subsurface geoelectric structure at the full scale.Therefore,it is necessary to perform joint inversion on different type of EM data.In this paper we combine the magnetotelluric method(MT)with the controlled-source audio-magnetotelluric method(CSAMT)to study the frequency-domain three-dimensional(3D)joint inversions,and we use the unstructured finite-element method to do the forward modeling for them,so that the numerical simulation accuracies of different electromagnetic methods can be satisfied.By combining the two sets of data,we can obtain the sensitivity of the electrical structure at different depths,and depict the full-scale subsurface geoelectric structures.In actual mineral exploration,the 3D joint inversion is more useful for identifying subsurface veins in the shallow part and blind mines in the deep part.It can delineate the morphological distribution of ore bodies more completely and provide reliable EM interpretations to guide the mining of minerals.

Analysis on statistic characteristics of magnetotelluric signal

For magnetotelluric sounding (MT), many processing methods based on power spectrum have put forward lots of hypotheses, such as MT signals are Gaussian, linear and minimum-phase. If practical signals do not satisfy these requirements, the results will have a few problems as follows. Firstly, when signals are non-linear and non-Gaussian, the information of the earth contained in the MT signals cannot be sufficiently extracted; Secondly, when signals are non-Gaussian and non-minimum phase, the processed results cannot reflect the minimum phase characteristics of the signals. Hence, it is necessary for us to do further research on characteristics of MT signals (YAO, SUN, 1999; LI, CHENG, 2002; Nikias, Petropulu, 1993; ZHANG, 1996). Otherwise, we cannot judge the reliability of the processed results based on power spectrum.……

Magnetotelluric investigation of lithospheric electrical structure beneath the Dharwar Craton in south India:Evidence for mantle suture and plume-continental interaction

Broad-band and long period magnetotelluric measurements made at 63 locations along -500 km long Chikmagalur-Kavali profile,that cut across the Dharwar craton (DC) and Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt (EGMB) in south India,is modelled to examine the lithosphere architecture of the cratonic domain and define tectonic boundaries.The 2-D resistivity model shows moderately conductive features that intersperse a highly resistive background of crystalline rocks and spatially connect to the exposed schist belts or granitic intrusions in the DC.These features are therefore interpreted as images of fossil pathways of the volcanic emplacements associated with the greenstone belt and granite suite formation exposed in the region.A near vertical conductive feature in the upper mantle under the Chitradurga Shear Zone represents the Archean suture between the western and eastern blocks of DC.Although thick (-200 km) cratonic (highly resistive) lithosphere is preserved,significant part of the cratonic lithosphere below the western DC is modified due to plume-continental lithosphere interactions during the CretaceouseTertiary period.A west-verging moderately conductive feature imaged beneath EGMB lithosphere is interpreted as the remnant of the Proterozoic collision process between the Indian land mass and East Antarctica.Thin (-120 km) lithosphere is seen below the EGMB,which form the exterior margin of the India shield subsequent to its separation from East Antarctica through rifting and opening of the Indian Ocean in the Cretaceous.

ELECTRICAL STRUCTURES OF THE CRUST AND UPPER MANTLE OF TIBETAN PLATEAU FROM MAGNETOTELLURIC PROFILING OF INDEPTH-MT

To extend our successful Magnetotelluric(MT) experiments in the area from Yadong to Bamocuo in 1995 (Chen et al., 1996), two new Magnetotelluric(MT)experiments have been carried out along two main profiles in the central and Northern Tibetan Plateau in the summer of 1998 and 1999. While the 1995 MT work mainly focused on the study of the electrical structure of the Yarlung\|Zangbo River Suture , the 1998 and 1999 experiments have been designed with following purpose:(1) Study whether partially molten layer widely exists in the crust of the central and northern Tibet.(2) Study the electrical structures of crust and upper mantle in central and northern Tibet which may relate to the attenuated Shear Seismic waves.(3) Study the detail electrical structures of Bangong\|Nujiang Suture and Jinsha Suture.In 1998, the MT team (China University of Geosciences, University of Washington and Geological Survey of Canada) recorded MT data along the Tibet 500 Line which extends about three hundred and eighty kilometers from Deqing to Longweicuo. We used LIMS system to record the long period(20～20000s) MT data at twenty\|six sites and used MT24 to record broadband(320Hz,2000s) MT data at fifty\|eight sites.

Electrical Structure of Wulingshan and Middle Jiangnan Orogen by Three-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Data Inversion

Funded by The National Key Research and Development Program of China,China Deep Exploration(Sinoprobe)and The China Geological Suvery Project on 2009–2019,a large scale magnetotelluric sounding(MT)survey grid(Fig.1)has covered whole south China.

High resolution tomography of the Tanlu fault zone near Hefei with passive seismic and magnetotelluric linear array data

As the largest fault trending NNE-SSW to NE-SW in the eastern Eurasia Continent,the Tanlu fault zone(TLFZ)extends over 2,400 km within China,roughly from Wuxue,Hubei Province,to Russia.Since the Quaternary period,the TLFZ has been an earthquake-prone area in eastern China where several major earthquakes resulted by tectonic compression occurred,causing tremendous casualties and significant economic losses.Many studies on different segments of the TLFZ have been carried out in the past few decades.However,numerous key questions regarding the fault zone remain unanswered due to a lack of clear subsurface characterization and fault delineation.In this study,we present high-resolution tomographic results across the TLFZ to the east of Hefei,where one 22-km-long passive seismic array with densely spaced short-period nodes,and a 24-km-long magnetotelluric array were deployed adjacent to each other.We find the velocity and resistivity variations are highly consistent with known surface geology.Sharp property contrasts in both the seismic shear wave velocity and electrical resistivity profiles clearly delineate the Tanlu F1 fault(TLF-1)near Hefei.More interestingly,an upwelling with distinct high velocity is imaged within the Hefei Basin to the west of the TLF-1,whereas a slanted block with lowvelocity and low-resistivity seems to cut into or thrust upon the high-grade to low-grade middle-pressure rocks in the Zhangbaling uplift right below the Tanlu F2 ductile shear fault(TLF-2).The presented results show a new approach to characterize deep subsurface structure of the TLFZ beyond 2-km depths using passive data,which it is often difficult for active seismic surveys with refracted and reflected waves to image.

Proterozoic tectonothermal processes imaged with magnetotellurics and seismic reflection in southern Australia

Over the last two decades,co-located seismic and magnetotelluric(MT) profiles provided fundamental geophysical data sets to image the Australian crust.Despite their complimentary nature,the data are processed and often interpreted separately without common processes in mind.We here qualitatively compare 2 D resistivity inversion models derived from MT and seismic reflection profiles across a region of Archean-Proterozoic Australia to address the causes of variations in seismic response and anomalous conductivity in the crust.We find that there exists a spatial association between regions of low reflectivity in seismic sections and low resistivity in co-located2 D MT modelled sections.These relationships elucidate possible signatures of past magmatic and fluid-related events.Depending on their diffuse or discrete character,we hypothesize these signatures signify fossil melting of the crust due to mafic underplating,magma movement or hydrothermal fluid flow through the crust.The approach discussed herein is a process-oriented approach to interpretation of geophysical images and a significant extension to traditional geophysical methods which are primarily sensitive to a singular bulk rock property or state.

Magnetotelluric study of the Xuefeng mountain area,Hu'nan Province,China

A magnetotelluric study was carried out in the Xuefeng mountain uplift belt and its western margins. A detailed investigation was made of the resistivity of the formations, and reliable data were obtained. The sedimentary cover and basement structure of the Xuefeng mountain area and the deep geological structure were analyzed in detail using magnetotelluric data from the twodimensional inversion of the resistivity profile data in combination with regional gravity and magnetic data. It was concluded that the tectonic movements were characterized by basement detachment, and north-south ramp.The study area can be divided into a southern uplift zone, a southern thrust-faulted zone, a central uplift zone, and a northern depression zone. This work has provided geophysical evidence that can be used in future studies of the tectonics and petroleum geology of this region.

Comparisons,processing and interpretation of the surveyed data by GMS-06 and other magnetotelluric sounding sys-tems

In recent years, the data collecting and processing of magnetotelluric sounding （MT） have progressed greatly. How to improve the quality of field surveyed data and obtain the high quality parameters such as apparent resistivity and phase is the most important link during the overall flow. It is closely related to the signal-to-noise ratio of magnetic sensors, the resolution of data collecting units and relevant processing methods as well. Produced by Germany Metronix Measurement Instruments and Electronics Ltd., the new type multi-channel geophysical measurement system GMS-06 was already adopted and used by domeslic units such as Institute of Geology and Geophysics of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Tongji University. Based on the brief introduction of GMS-06, this paper will give the comparisons and analyses of the synchronous surveyed MT data by GMS-06, MMS-03 MT system which was also produced by Metronix and V5-2000 MT system produced by Canada Phoenix Geophysics Ltd.. Then the preliminary processing and interpretation results of the long period MT data observed by GMS-06 in the area of Shanghai and Zhejiang are also discussed in the paper.

3D Step-by-step inversion strategy for audio magnetotellurics data based on unstructured mesh

A three-dimensional(3D)step-by-step inversion strategy for audio magnetotellurics(AMT)is investigated in this study.The objective function is minimized by iteratively solving the Gauss-Newton normal equation,and the inversion region is discretized with unstructured tetrahedral elements.The inversion proceeds step-by-step from a coarse mesh to a fine mesh.In the inversion iteration process,a mesh is adaptively optimized according to the spatial gradient information about the model resistivity to fine delineate the boundaries of abnormal bodies.In the early stage of inversion execution,a coarse mesh is used for inversion,and the inversion stability is improved by reducing the number of inversion elements.In addition,mesh refinement is performed in the iterative inversion process.The inversion results obtained from the previous mesh are used as the reference and initial models for the next mesh iterative inversion.The step-by-step inversion strategy can ensure that the inversion is performed in the correct direction,improving the inversion stability and results gradually.Synthetic results show that the step-by-step inversion strategy with a Gauss-Newton method for 3D AMT inversion is stable and reliable,which lays a foundation for further practical 3D AMT data inversion.

Crustal Electrical Structure and Deep Metallogenic Potential in Northern Wuyi Area(South China),based on Magnetotelluric Data

The northern Wuyi area,which is located in the northern Wuyi metallogenic belt,has superior mineralization conditions.The Pingxiang-Guangfeng-Jiangshan-Shaoxing fault(PSF)extends across the whole region regardless of whether or how the PSF relates to the near-surface mineralization.We carried out an MT survey in the region and obtained a reliable 2D model of the crustal electrical structure to a depth of 30 km.In the resistivity model,we inferred that a continuous high conductivity belt that ranges from the shallow to deep crust is a part of the PSF.Then,we estimated the fluid content and pressure gradient to identify the deep sources of fluid as well as its pattern of motion pattern.Finally,we proposed a model for the deep metallogenic migration processes that combines geological data,fluid content data,pressure gradient data,and the subsurface resistivity model.The model analysis showed that the Jiangnan orogenic belt and the Cathaysia block formed the PSF during the process of com.The deep fluid migrated upward through the PSF to the shallow crust.Therefore,we believe that the PSF is an ore-forming fluid migration channel and that it laid the material basis for large-scale mineralization in the shallow crust.

Application of high-frequency magnetotelluric method in porphyry copper deposit exploration：a case study of Duobaoshan deposit area

The Duobaoshan mine area in Heilongjiang is located in the northeast section of Xingmeng orogenic belt and is in the west side of Hegang Mountain-Heihe fault zone. There exist many deposits in this area,and its metallogenic conditions are superior,which has been one of the hotspots in geological prospecting and metallogenic research in Northeast China. On the basis of previous studies,the authors used the EH-4 electromagnetic imaging system to carry out the data acquisition of three survey lines in Woduhe Village,Duobaoshan Town,Nenjiang County. Through the analysis of apparent resistivity section under TE and TM polarization modes,integrating regional geological data,it is concluded that:(1) the electrical characteristics of the metal ore in this area show a relatively low resistance,and according to its resistivity difference with surrounding rocks,the geometrical structures and apparent resistivity parameters of the low resistivity bodies in the lower section of the survey line are defined,and the electrical anomalies can be identified;(2)faults F1 and F2 may have a good metallogenic environment,so they are recommended for further exploration;(3) low resistance metal ore bodies have good correlation with local small structures or faults,which may play an iconic role for the delineation of key target areas;(4) in the process of using apparent resistivity to define the geometric structures of ore bodies underground,comprehensive analysis integrating the advantages of TE and TM models should be carry out to achieve more reliable inversion results.

Two-Dimensional Magnetotelluric Forward Research for the Vertical Anisotropy

When we study and process magnetotelluric data, the earth's interior structure is usually equated with isotropic medium in the existing approaches. When the underground structure is complex, there is serious resistivity anisotropy in macroscopic view, and then the traditional processing and interpretation methods often produce wrong results. For that we must establish the study method based on the anisotropy in order to explain the measured data exactly. In this paper, by considering the change of resistivity in three electrical spindle directions, we deduce two-dimensional magnetotelluric variational equation for vertical anisotropy. The study region is divided into many rectangular units, and it is dealt with linear interpolation in each of them. By comparing with former achievements including the results of the isotropic and anisotropic models, it demonstrates the validity of the program. The pseudosection map of vertical anisotropic body shows that we can’t ignore the anisotropy effect and provides a solid foundation for the further inversion study.

FAST APPROXIMATE INVERSION OF MAGNETOTELLURIC(FAIMT) DATA FOR A HORIZONTALLY LAYERED EARTH WITH NEAR-SURFACE INHOMOGENEITIES

This paper discusses use of approximations and the Integral Mean Value Theorem to show that 6 coefficients approximately describe the distortions of near surface inhomogeneities on the MT field of a horizontally layered earth model. When these 6 coefficients are considered together with those of the magnetic field of a horizontally layered earth model,the analytic and approximate wave impedance equations can be derived for the MT response of a horizontally layered earth model with near-surface 2-D and 3-D inhomogeneities. These approximate wave impedance equations are used with inverted MT data for 2-D and 3-D forward modelling. Although these 6 coefficients cannot be determined before inversion,initial estimates can be used. The 6 coefficients and the asistivity and thickness of each layer of a horizontally layered earth can be obtained by using published inversion methods. The 6 coefficients give important informaion (depths and resistivities) on the near-surface inhomogenelties.The authors inverted 2-D and 3-D theoretical models for Fast Approximate Inversion of Magnetotelluric (FAIMT) data for a horizontally layered earth with near-surface inhomogeneities compares favorably with traditional invrsion methods, especially for inverting regional or basin structures. This method simplifies computation and gives a reasonable 1 -D geological model with fewer nonuniquenas problems.

Electrical Structure of Yarlung Zangbo Suture from Magnetotelluric Profiling of INDEPTH-MT

The INDEPTH MT results show that there are no electrical features of deep fractures along the Yarlung Zangbo River, but a large high conductivity body exists in the area between Gyangze and Rinbung. It dips northward, extends downward up to the depth of about 55 km and indicates the exposure of the possible real position of the Yarlung Zangbo suture. There are three sets of electrical gradient and distorted zones reflecting the structure of faults in the high conductivity region. These three fault belts, which dip northward and gradually converge downward to the main fault belt, and a series of south dipping faults in the north side form the exhaled structural characteristics of the Yarlung Zangbo suture. There is a close relationship between the large high conductivity body and the underground thermal state.

Magnetotelluric data inversion with seismic data constraint

In the paper we present a new method to invert the interior structure in the basement or ancient hidden hill by using magnetotelluric (MT) data with seismic data constraint. We first obtain the thickness and resistivity of each layer above the basement or buried hill by the inversion of seismic and log data and create a geoelectrical model for the layers above the basement or hidden hill. Then with the reference to the inversion of 1D MT data, a geoelectrical model for the layers below the basement or hidden hill is created. On the basis of the above initial model, we present an effective and practical forward method, i.e., a model-matched approach to conduct forward inversion arithmetic. Finally, by the method of conjugate gradient iteration, a forward and backward iterative calculation is made. Taking No. 618 profile of Shengli Oil Field as an example, we have found out that the tectonic information that is unreflective in the seismic data below the basement is better reflected in the inversion result.

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,4 B,FIRE-1-2 a-2 and FIRE-3-3 a,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 intracontinental 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 3 D 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.