I.M. Varentsov

Methods for modelling electromagnetic fields Results from COMMEMI—the international project on the comparison of modelling methods for electromagnetic induction

Copyright (c) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. This Special Edition is concerned with the present state of the art in methods of numerical modelling of geo-electromagnetic fields in inhomogeneous media. A theoretical overview is followed by specific applications of the various modelling methods and computer programs (developed throughout the world) to the geo-electric test models of the international project on the Comparison Of Modelling Methods for ElectroMagnetic Induction problems (commemi). Numerous tables and diagrams provide a comparison of the results obtained by these different approaches. This material is intended for geophysicists dealing with the modelling and interpretation of geo-electromagnetic fields, for scientists involved in the testing of related software, for specialists in the field of computational geophysics, and for graduate and senior undergraduate students studying this branch of geophysics.

Modern trends in the solution of forward and inverse 3D electromagnetic induction problems

The main results obtained during the last 5–8 yr in the solution of forward and inverse problems of 3D induction studies are summarized. The up-to-date status of 3D modelling is presented and prospective improvements in the formulation and numerical solution of forward problems are discussed. Approximate techniques and practical aspects of 3D modelling are specially considered.The general scheme of 3D interpretation of electromagnetic geophysical observations is outlined and realistic formalized approaches to solving 3D inverse problems, namely direct inversion and formalized model fitting, are studied.

Algorithm for solving 3-D problems of em induction by means of a vector integral equation

РезюмеПре¶rt;ложен aлzорumм решенuя зa¶rt;aчu элеmромazнumноŭ uн¶rt;укцuu ¶rt;ля zaрмонuческu nеременноzо возбуж¶rt;aющzо nоля в nолуnросmрaнсmве с mрехмерным возмущaющuм mелом. Иссле¶rt;овaны своŭсmвa элеменmов mензорноŭ функцuu nо элеменmaрным обьемным ячеŭкaм, нa коmорые рaз¶rt;елено возмущaющее mело. Полученные nрu вьчuсленuях резульmamы оmносяmся к nроmяженноŭ, высокоnрово¶rt;ящеŭ nрuзме, являющеŭся о¶rt;ноŭ uз мо¶rt;елеŭ nроекma COMMEMI.SummaryAn algorithm is presented for solving the problem of electromagnetic induction in a halspace with a 3-D perturbing body under a harmonically variable exciting field. There are analysed properties of the Greens tensor function elements as well as their integrals in elementary prismatic volumes into which the body is divided. The results, obtained from numerical computations, are given for a long highly conducting prism, which is one of the models in the COMMEMI project.

Geoelectric section of the Central Tien Shan: Analysis of magnetotelluric and magnetovariational responses along the Naryn geotraverse

During the past two decades, at the Research station (Bishkek) more than a hundred magnetotelluric and magnetovariational soundings were carried out on the Naryn geotraverse that intersects the Tien Shan region from Lake Balkhash to the Tarim Basin along the 76° E meridian. Integration and complex interpretation of the data of these soundings with improved resolution and reliability of the geoelectric model of the Central Tien Shan section became an urgent challenge. Our paper presents a complex of methods for processing and invariant analysis of the electromagnetic data developed for the solution of this problem. Its application allowed us to validate the choice of the 2D interpretation model for the Naryn Line and to form the adequate ensemble of the data to be inverted. The developed approaches will also be useful in similar studies in the other mountain regions.

Magnetotelluric dispersion relations in a two-dimensional model of the coastal effect

Numerical modeling is performed for seafloor magnetotelluric sounding in a 2-D offshore zone in a period range of 0.25–16 h. An anomaly of the seafloor longitudinal impedance observed at distances of 20–260 km from the shore is analyzed. Dispersion relations are violated for the longitudinal impedance within the anomalous zone.

Geoelectric section of the Central Tien Shan: Sequential inversion of the magnetovariational and magnetotelluric data along the Naryn Line

The paper presents the results of 2D inversion of deep magnetotelluric (MT) and magnetovariational (MV) soundings along the Naryn Line. The method of partial (sequential) inversions is used. According to this method, at the first stage, magnetovariation responses are used for the localization of deep anomalies of electrical conductivity, and then the magnetotelluric sounding data are invoked to refine the structure of the host medium and the structural details in the upper part of the section. It is shown that this approach enables one to estimate the informativeness of separate components of the electromagnetic field, to reduce the distorting influence of the near-surface geoelectric inhomogeneities, and to increase the stability of the final solution of the inverse problem.

Possibilities of magnetotelluric methods in geophysical exploration for ore minerals

In the past decade, the applications of magnetotelluric method in the electric prospecting for ore bodies have been rapidly progressing. In the present work, we summarize the first results on this way. We discuss the specificity of the geoelectrical models in the problems of mining prospecting for ore bodies. The state-of-the-art capabilities of the method, which rely on the synchronous observation systems and the procedure of joint inversion of magnetotelluric and magnetovariational responses, are considered in the context of ore mineral exploration. The results of modeling a typical mining audio-magnetotelluric survey for ore minerals are presented. On the basis of these simulations and the data provided by in-situ soundings, the efficient approaches to the processing, analysis, and inversion of these data are discussed and illustrated. The future trends in magnetotellurics as applied to the mining prospecting are analyzed.

Vertical fault systems in the tectonosphere geoelectrical section in petroliferous domains of Sakhalin Island (Russia) and Gulf of Tonkin (Vietnam): Evidence from magnetotelluric sounding

The transverse current anomalies evident from magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) data in the transition zone from the Asian continent to the Pacific Ocean and a geoelectrical model suitable for explaining these effects are discussed. Using simulation results and new MTS data on Sakhalin and northern Vietnam, ultra-deep fluid–fault system (UDFFS) models are constructed, comprising steeply dipping low-resistivity and high-resistivity linear bodies which penetrate through the whole section of the lithosphere, continuing deep into the asthenosphere. The structure of these systems reflects the development of deep and ultra-deep fault zones, along which mantle-originated fluids may migrate through sediments to reach the surface. This allows the anisotropic–conductive fractured structures adjacent to these faults to be considered as being most favorable for hydrocarbon accumulations.

Electromagnetic soundings of the sedimentary cover and consolidated crust in the transition zone from the Moscow syneclise to the Voronezh anteclise: Problems and prospects

The methods and results of electromagnetic soundings (EMS) performed in the transition zone from the Moscow syneclise to the Voronezh anteclise in the vicinity of the MSU geophysical base are considered. This base is located in the village of Aleksandrovka in the Yukhnov district of Kaluga area. The composite EMS curves characterizing rock complexes composing the sedimentary cover are constructed, and changes in these complexes within the specified transition zone are traced. The standard curves of magnetotelluric (MT) and magnetovariational (MV) soundings are constructed from the results of long-term measurements at the ALX observation point located at the Moscow State University’s (MSU) geophysical base. The maps of thickness and total longitudinal conductance of the sedimentary cover are constructed from the results of interpretation of MT data obtained in the region. A conductor in the consolidated Earth’s crust is identified within the Voronezh anteclise. Prospects for further investigations of the region are associated with the tracing of the crustal conductor within the Voronezh anteclise, as well as with the organization of an observatory at the MSU’s geophysical base in order to perform long-term measurements of the electromagnetic (EM) and other geophysical fields.

Electroconducting Elements of the Ultradeep Fluid–Fault Systems as Indicators of Seismically Active Zones of the Eastern Margin of the Eurasian Continent: Evidence from Magnetotelluric Data

A fundamentally new conclusion that zones of high seismic activity are controlled by electroconducting (fluid-saturated) fragments rather than by the entire deep fault is drawn. It is shown that the areal abundance of earthquake foci in geoelectric blocks of the Earth’s crust within Sakhalin and Vietnam containing electroconducting formations is mostly controlled by their roof occurring at a depth of ≤15 km.