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Consider a plane, polarized, electromagnetic wave that is normally incident on the Earthair interface. A transmitted wave will enter the Earth and diffuse downwards, while a
reflected wave will travel upwards.
Incident wave
The incident wave is polarized in the x-direction has an amplitude Ei , frequency and
wave number k0 and since the conductivity of the air is zero, this wave will not be
damped and the wavenumber is real and defined as
k 0 0 0
(1)
E xi ( z , t ) E i e ik0 z e it
(2)
Reflected wave
This will have an amplitude Er and can be described by a very similar equation to the
incident wave. Since it travels in the opposite direction (upwards), the sign of the spatial
term will be the opposite to the incident wave.
E xr ( z , t ) E r e ik0 z e it
(3)
Transmitted signal
This will have an amplitude Et and since the Earth conductivity is relatively large, it will
propagate in the Earth by diffusion. This assumes that displacement current is
negligible compared to conduction current, as discussed previously.
k1 (1 i )
2
Thus the transmitted signal can be described by:
(4)
(5)
Note that the wavenumber (k1) is a complex number. The real part will cause exponential
decay with depth, while the imaginary part causes an oscillation.
The signal will decay with a characteristic skin depth, where
503
(m)
Assuming that Ei is known, we now need to derive values for Et and Er to describe the
energy partition at the Earths surface. This requires two equations which are obtained
from imposing boundary conditions at z = 0
Boundary condition 1
Continuity of the horizontal electric field (Ex ) requires that
E xi ( z , t ) E xr ( z , t ) E xt ( z , t )
(6)
Ei Er Et
(7)
Boundary condition 2
1 E x ( z , t )
H y ( z, t )
i
z
is also continuous at z = 0
Incident wave
Reflected wave
Transmitted wave
E xi ( z , t )
E i (ik 0 )e ik0 z e it
z
E xr ( z , t )
E r (ik 0 )e ik0 z e it
z
t
E x ( z , t )
E t ( k1 )e k1 z e it
z
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(15)
Now re-arrange to express the transmitted amplitude as a ratio of the amplitude of the
incident wave.
2ik 0
Et
(
)
(16)
i
ik 0 k1
E
Consider some typical numbers for a magnetotelluric survey:
= 1 rad / s, 1 = 0.01 S/m, 0 = 4 10-7 H/m, 0 = 8.85 10-12 F/m
k0 = 3.33 10-8 m-1
Thus it is clear that |k0| << |k1| which is a consequence of the displacement current
being much less than conduction current. Equation (16) simplifies to
2ik
Et
( 0)
(17)
i
k1
E
Et
0.00006 , which shows that only
Ei
a small fraction of the incident energy is transmitted across the Earth-Air boundary. Most
is reflected back into the air. However, we will see that enough energy is transmitted for
the MT method to be able to determine the resistivity of the Earth from surface
measurements.
Ext ( z, t ) E t e k1z e it
(18)
and
H yt ( z , t )
E t ( k1 )e k1 z e it
(19)
i
The impedance is defined as
E ( )
Z xy ( ) x
(20)
H y ( )
and it can be shown that it contains information about the conductivity of the Earth.
i 0
k1
i 0
i 0 1
i 0
0
(1 i ) 0
i
1
1
2
Note that Zxy ( ) depends only the properties of the Earth, and not the air. The
impedance is a complex number with magnitude:
2
E ( )
0
Z xy ( ) x
H y ( )
1
2
(21)
Z xy
0
Ex
Hy
(22)
This expression can also be written in terms of the resistivity of the Earth (1) as:
Z xy
Ex
0 H y
1
(23)
Note that all terms on the right hand side of (23) can be measured, and this shows how
surface measurements of electric and magnetic fields can be used to measure the
resistivity of the Earth.
It is important to consider which part of the Earth is being sampled in such a
measurement. Since the EM fields attenuate in the Earth with a length scale of a skin
depth (), this measurement samples a hemisphere around the observation site, radius .
Apparent resistivity
In reality, the resistivity of the Earth will not be constant over the hemisphere. In this case
it is usual to define the apparent resistivity as a function of frequency ( ) as:
E x ( )
a ( )
0 H y ( )
1
(24)
If the Earth has a uniform resistivity, then the analysis above shows that a = 1
In general, the resistivity will not be constant with depth. In this case, the apparent
resistivity can be considered as the average resistivity over a hemisphere with radius
equal to the skin depth.
Martyn Unsworth, University of Alberta, 2014
Phase
E ( )
( ) tan 1 Z xy ( ) tan 1 x
H y ( )
(25)
Ex (, t ) | Ex () | eiE eit
H y (, t ) | H y ( ) | ei H eit
Z xy ( ) | Z xy ( ) | e i ( E H )
For an electromagnetic wave traveling in free space Ex and Hy will be in phase with ()
=0
http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/glossary/index_e.php?id=3104
( ) Z xy ( ) tan 1
4
1
2
(26)
This phase angle will be observed at all frequencies over a uniform Earth (halfspace)
You should be able to repeat this derivation from first principles, without using
notes.
Note that the absolute value of the incident EM wave amplitude is not important.
This is because the impedance depends on the ratio of electric and magnetic
fields. This makes MT easy to apply as the amplitude of the incoming wave does
not need to be known.
f = 10 Hz
(2) f = 1 Hz
At high frequency, the skin depth is much less than the thickness of the layer.
Average resistivity over a hemisphere, radius = is the resistivity of the upper layer.
(3) f = 0.1 Hz
= 5000 m in upper layer
Hemisphere dominated by lower layer, so apparent resistivity close to 100 m
(4) f = 0.01 Hz
= 15800 m in upper layer
Apparent resistivity approaches 100 m asymptotically
E x ( z , t ) A1e iko z e it
Up going wave
E x ( z , t ) A2 e iko z e it
E x ( z , t ) B1e
k1 z
E x ( z , t ) B2 e
k1 z
1
2
it
e it
E x ( z , t ) Ce
k2 z
2
2
it
To compute the impedance at z = 0, we can specify the incident wave amplitude (A1) and
need to compute A2, B1, B2 and C. Thus we should apply four boundary conditions.
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
After a modest amount of algebra, you can show (see Assignment 1) that:
2 A1iko (k1 k 2 )
B2
[(iko k1 )(k1 k 2 )e 2 k1h (iko k1 )(k1 k2 )]
and
2 A1iko (k1 k2 )e 2 k1h
B1
[(iko k1 )(k1 k2 )e 2 k1h (iko k1 )(k1 k2 )]
Now we can calculate the impedance (Zxy) at the surface of the Earth (z=0)
Martyn Unsworth, University of Alberta, 2014
We can write Ex B1 B2
Thus Z xy
and
Hy
k
1 Ex
1 ( B1 B2 )
i z i
Ex i ( B1 B2 )
Hy
k1 ( B1 B2 )
Now we need to substitute for the values of B1 and B2 that were previously defined. Note
that they have the same denominator. After some algebra (also in Assignment!) can show
that:
E
i [(k1 k2 )e 2 k1h (k1 k2 )]
Z xy x
Hy
k1 [(k1 k2 )e 2 k1h (k1 k2 )]
To check this expression, consider the high and low frequency limits. What answers
would you expect?
(1) High frequency limit of Zxy
As becomes large, k1 becomes large. Thus e 2 k1 h becomes very large and
Z xy
E x i [(k1 k2 )e 2 k1h ] i
Hy
k1 [(k1 k2 )e 2 k1h ]
k1
Comparing this with the result derived in D1.1, we see that this is the result for a
halfspace of conductivity 1. Is this as expected? Why?
The apparent resistivity can be calculated as:
Z xy
k1
1
1 1
Thus the impedance (computed from field measurements of Ex and Hy) depends only
on the properties of the upper layer.
(2) Low frequency limit of Zxy
When becomes very small, k1 becomes small. Thus e 2 k1h 1
Z xy
Hy
k1 [(k1 k2 ) (k1 k2 )]
k1 [2k2 ]
k2
Comparing this with the result derived in C4.1.1, we see that this is the result for a
halfspace of conductivity 2. Is this as expected? Why?
Martyn Unsworth, University of Alberta, 2014
10
Z xy
k2
2
2 2
At low frequency the impedance (computed from field measurements of Ex and Hy)
depends only on the properties of the lower layer.
Example
Consider 1= 100 ohm-m, 2= 10 ohm-m and h =1000 m. Sketch the shape of the
apparent resistivity curve that would be expected as a function of frequency (f).
11
and ( Z xy )
k1
4
i
and again ( Z xy )
k2
4
(1
log a
) where T is the period of the EM signal (T=1/f)
log T
In this example a decreases with T (since decreases with depth). Thus the derivative
Summary
The magnetotelluric phase is sensitive to changes in resistivity with depth
When resistivity increases with depth, phases are less than
12
13
At short periods (T < 0.01 s) the apparent resistivity equals that of the upper layer
(100 m).
Between periods of T = 0.01 and T = 0.1 s the apparent resistivity increases
slightly. This is a resonance phenomenon that occurs when the skin depth is
approximately equal to the thickness of the layer. It is rarely seen in field MT
data. Note that this is also evident as slight decrease in phase.
At period of T = 0.1 s the apparent resistivity starts to decrease rapidly as the
conductive layer (10 m) is detected by the EM signals.
For the 2 layer model, the apparent resistivity then asymptotes at 10 m at long
periods.
For the 3 layer model the apparent resistivity increases at T > 1 s as the
electromagnetic signals enter the third layer (100 m ) below 2 km depth.
Can you confirm that decreasing apparent resistivity with increasing period
corresponds to > 45 and vice versa?
14
This is identical to the previous example, except that the second layer is a resistor
compared the first layer.
Resonance phenomena is observed again, but in opposite sense.
Can you confirm that decreasing apparent resistivity with increasing period corresponds to
> 45 and vice versa?
Compare a second layer with resistivity contrast of 10 compared to the 1st and 3rd layers.
Effect of second layer is observed at the same period in each case (T = 0.01 s)
Apparent resistivity at long period is same in each case (T ~ 10000 s)
Model with conductive second layer has greater effect on apparent resistivity. This is
because MT signals are strongly attenuated by the conductor and this makes a significant
change at the surface, where the impedance is computed. In contrast, the EM signals travel
through the resistive layer with minimal attenuation. Thus the resistive layer does not
significantly change the surface impedance.
15
As depth to the layer increases, the period at which it is detected increases. This is as
expected from the skin-depth equation. Can you verify that the graphs above are correct
for the 1 km thick layer that that resistivity = 100 m
The magnitude of the response decreases as the layer becomes deeper. This is because the
apparent resistivity represents an average resistivity from the surface to the maximum
depth of exploration.
MT is good at determining the depth of a conductive layer. With typical quality field MT
data (errors of 1-2 % in apparent resistivity), this can be determined within 10%
16
17
18
Upper layer has a conductance of 100 S, while the lower layer has a variable conductance.
The lower layer can only be detected with MT when its conductance is greater than that
of the upper layer.
19
So far we have only considered the MT forward problem. This involves making
a prediction of the MT data that would be observed over a given (1-D) resistivity
model.
In general, geophysical data analysis requires that we also solve the inverse
problem. This requires that a resistivity model is found that will fit a given MT
dataset.
The inverse problem is non-unique with the non-uniqueness arising from two
distinct issues.
20
Consider a simple MT curve with apparent resistivity data defined at three periods as
(1, 2, 3) and shown by the blue circles. A resistivity model has been found that fits the
data and the forward response has been computed as (m1 , m2 , m3) and is plotted as the
red line. This figure was generated with the MATLAB function rms_defm.m
Now consider the misfit function
( 1 m1 ) 2 ( 2 m 2 ) 2 ( 3 m3 ) 2
This provides a measure of the misfit. Note that the squared terms are needed since the
response (m) can be greater or less than the data point (d).
This misfit measure does not allow for the fact that some data points will have larger
uncertainties (error bars) than others. Clearly, we should pay more attention to the points
with smaller error bars. If the three data points have uncertainties of (e1 e2 e3) then the
misfit can be written in terms of the residual
m1
r1 ( 1
)
e1
which is a normalized misfit. In an ideal case the residual should be in the range -1 to +1,
with the model response passing through the error bar.
21
1 m1
e1
)2 (
2 m2
e2
)2 (
3 m3
e3
)2
It is useful to normalize this equation by the number of points, and take the square root so
for a statistically acceptable fit (within 1 residual), the misfit is 1. This function is the
root-mean-square misfit, usually abbreviated to the r.m.s. misfit , and can be written as:
rms
m 2 2 3 m3 2
1 1 m1 2
) ( 2
) (
)
(
3
e1
e2
e3
1 i N i mi 2
)
(
N i 1
ei
Notes
(1) The figure above illustrates the danger of judging the fit by a single number!
Ideally the residuals should have a Gaussian distribution and not have any system
variation. In the example above, the residuals show a systematic variation with
period.
(2) There are other ways of estimating misfits
Could add some figures generated with MATLAB script rms_plot_v1.m to demonstrate
this and other aspects of data fitting.
22
Example 1 : TBT180
This MT station is located in Southern Tibet and data was collected in 1995
Fit data with a trial-and-error approach using the MATLAB code MT1Dfit.m
Note that the error bars are plotting as the dashed lines above, and below, the
actual data points.
23
Before starting to fit the data, decide what is the minimum number of layers
needed to fit the data.
24
Figure 6.27 from Telford shows a number of MT apparent resistivity curves collected in
Central Alberta. Instruments used at the University of Alberta in the 1970s had a limited
bandwith (signal period recorded was in the range 10 to 1000 s). The increasing
resistivity in this period range corresponds to the transition from the sedimentary rocks of
the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin (low resistivity) to the crystalline PreCambrian basement rocks (high resistivity).
25
An MT sounding made near Rocky Mountain House at station FH025 in 2002 shows the
apparent resistivity curve at shorter period (higher frequency). This is quite close to
Station 1 from Reddy and Rankin (1973) shown above.
The flat section of the apparent resistivity curve (100 0.3 Hz) corresponds to the low
resistivity sedimentary rocks of the WCSB. More details of the survey can be found in
Xiao (2004) and Xiao and Unsworth (2006). The dip in resistivity between 0.3 and 0.1
Hz is likely due to low resistivity in the Cretaceous strata in the deeper part of the basin,
where saline aquifers occur. It is probably not a resonance phenomena (D1.4).
Compare Station 1 and FH025. They both pass through the point 100 m, T = 100 s.
Considering the 30 years between the two measurements, and differences in technology,
this is quite impressive.
Note : Interpretation of MT data from Station FH025 has featured on several mid-term
and final exams in Geophysics 424 in recent years .
26
MT station 1
Z xy
Ex
Hy
MT station 2
Z yx
Ey
Hx
E x Z xx
E Z
y yx
Z xy H x
Z yy H y
We can visualize this as the magnetic field (input) being applied to the Earth and
producing an electric field (output) through electromagnetic induction.
In a 1-D case, no electric field is induced parallel to the inducing field, and thus
E x Z xx H x 0 and E y Z yy H y 0
Z xy H x
0 H y
Ex 0
E Z
y yx
Over a 1-D Earth, we will measure the same impedance, regardless of the orientation of
the x and y axes. Thus in the example above we can write that
Z xy Z yx Z
Ex 0
E
y Z
Z H x
0 H y
27
D1.9 References
Cagniard, L., Basic theory of the magnetotelluric method of geophysical prospecting,
Geophysics, 18, 605-635, 1953.
Mareschal M, RD Kurtz, M Chouteau, R Chakridi, A magnetotelluric survey on
Mantoulin Island and Bruce Peninsula along GLIMPCE seismic line J : black shales
mask the Grenville Front, Geophysical Journal International, 105, 173-183, 1991.
Parker RL, KA Whaler, Numerical Methods for Establishing Solutions to the Inverse
Problem of Electromagnetic Induction, Journal of Geophysical Research, 86, 95749584, 1981.
Reddy IK and D Rankin, Magnetotelluric measurements in Central Alberta, Geophysics,
36, 739-753, 1971.
Tikhonov, A. N., Determination of the electrical characteristics of the deep strata of the
Earths crust, Dok. Akad. Nauk., USSR, 73:2, 295-297, 1950.
Wei W, MJ Unsworth, AG Jones, JR Booker, H Tan, KD Nelson, L Chen, S Li, K
Solon, PA Bedrosian, S Jin, M Deng, J Ledo, D Kay, B Roberts, Detection of
widespread fluids in the Tibetan crust by magnetotelluric studies, Science, 292, 716718, 2001
Xiao W, Magnetotelluric exploration in the Rocky Mountain Foothills, MSc thesis,
Department of Physics, University of Alberta, 2004.
Xiao W and MJ Unsworth, Structural imaging in the Rocky Mountain Foothills
(Alberta) using magnetotelluric exploration, AAPG Bulletin, 90, 321-333, 2006.
Yungul, S.H., Magnetotelluric sounding three-layer interpretation curves, Geophysics,
26, 465-473, 1961.
Zhang P and Pedersen LB, Can MT data resolve lower crustal conductors? Physics of the
Earth and Planetary Interiors, 65, 248, 1991.
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