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Dimensionality and directionality analysis of magnetotelluric data by using different techniques: A case study from northern part of Saurashtra region, India

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Abstract

Abstract

Magnetotelluric (MT) data has been collected along 32 stations along E–W profile in northern part and eight LMT (long period MT) stations in north-central part of Saurashtra region. Dimensionality analysis is carried out prior to MT modelling for obtaining the subsurface dimension as well as the direction of the underlying substructures. To estimate the subsurface dimensionality from MT data, different techniques Swift skew, Bhar’s skew, normalized weights, phase tensor (PT) analysis and Wall’s rotational invariant approach have been applied. These results suggest 1D structure for lower periods (0.01–1 s) and 3D structure for higher periods (1–10000 s) along two different profiles indicating that the study area is highly heterogeneous. Regional strike has been estimated through phase tensor (PT) and Groom–Bailey (GB) techniques suggests N40°E regional strike direction that correlates well with the Delhi–Aravalli tectonic trend. 2D modelling of MT/LMT data sets brings out different resistivity and conductivity blocks. Basaltic magmatic intrusion and its recrystallization have resulted in resistivity blocks with conductivity anomalies (trapped fluids) in between them. It has been reflected as 3D structures at higher periods. Different sedimentary basins at shallow depth are observed as 1D structure in dimensionality analysis.

Research Highlights

  • Magnetotelluric (MT)/long period Magnetotelluric (LMT) survey is carried out in northern part of Saurashtra. Different dimensionality techniques were used to assess the structural dimensionality of the electrical conductivity of the earth and were compared.

  • Analysis of MT sites by using various methods indicates the electrical conductivity structure is less complex at the shallowest depths with mixed 1D and 2D cases that are affected by galvanic distortion. Both MT/LMT denote complex 3D nature from middle and lower depths.2D inversion of MT/LMT data brings out large-scale heterogeneities in the crust. This is attributed to different resistive and conductive blocks present at mid-crustal depths and extending up to lower crustal depths and correlates with dimensionality analysis.

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Acknowledgements

The authors are very much grateful to Prof D S Ramesh, Director, IIG, for his constant encouragement and permission to publish this paper. We would like to thank Dr Prasanta K Patro, CSIR-NGRI for fruitful discussions. We thank anonymous reviewers and editor for their constructive comments that have enhanced the quality of the manuscript. Special thanks to Mr N K Gadai and other colleagues of Rajkot Magnetic Observatory, Saurashtra University, for logistic support during the entire field journey. Field support received from Mr D Nagarjuna is gratefully acknowledged.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, Panvel, Navi Mumbai, 410 218, India

    P V Vijaya Kumar, P B V Subba Rao, A K Singh & Amit Kumar

  2. Centre for Studies on Bay of Bengal, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, 530 003, India

    P Rama Rao

  3. Presently at NGRI, Hyderabad, India

    P V Vijaya Kumar

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  1. P V Vijaya Kumar
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Contributions

Both PVVK and PBVSR selected the datasets, performed the statistical analysis and carried out 2D inversion and drafted the manuscript. PRR has supervised the work. AKS and AK have taken part in MT field work.

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Correspondence to P V Vijaya Kumar.

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Communicated by Saibal Gupta

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Kumar, P.V.V., Rao, P.B.V.S., Singh, A.K. et al. Dimensionality and directionality analysis of magnetotelluric data by using different techniques: A case study from northern part of Saurashtra region, India. J Earth Syst Sci 130, 102 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-021-01596-0

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