Verständnis geophysikalischer Abbilder von Sutur Zonen: hohe elektrische Leitfähigkeit gekoppelt mit Anisotropie

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Ute Weckmann
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 2004 to 2006
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5424426

High resolution images of structures from the Earth's interior remain a major challenge for geophysics. The general objective of the proposed work is to develop the magnetotelluric (MT) method into such a tool with the deep imprints of active and fossil sutures zones (SZs) serving as the prime target. Associated with SZs are thrusts and shear zones which can penetrate the entire lithosphere. A fundamental results of the German deep drilling project (KTB) was that graphite enrichment on shear planes can cause high conductivity which is sustained over long time spans. With modern MT studies from the Namibian Damara Belt, it was possible to trace a fossil SZ as a zone of electrical anisotropy in the crust. In the short term, I intend to (i) soundly study this phenomenon with existing MT data sets from different SZs (ii) participate in new field experiments with a similar perspective (iii) further develop my imaging methods and combine these incorporate relevant geophysical data, such as seismic shear wave anisotropy, to derive a more integrated geodynamic interpretation. On a long term basis a new working group will focus on integrated MT - seismic modelling of major tectonic systems.

• DFG Programme: Emmy Noether International Fellowships