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Louise Pellerin

Publications and source records attributed to Louise Pellerin.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
USGS2026

The United States Magnetotelluric Array and the National Impedance Map

The United States Magnetotelluric Array (USMTArray) data set, collected in the years 2006–2024, consists of more than 1,700 long-period magnetotelluric stations covering the entirety of the contiguous United States on a quasi-regular 70 km grid. Funding across multiple federal agencies was critical to sustaining this effort to its completion. Important components of the project included active guidance and participation from the MT community, the open and timely availability of all data, and the application of consistent instrumentation and robust data processing. Together with parallel advancement in the development of publicly available three-dimensional (3D) inversion codes, the USMTArray has revitalized the US magnetotelluric community and increased the visibility of magnetotellurics within the Earth-science community. Taken as a whole, these data are visualized as the National Impedance Map, which, together with a 3D synthesis conductivity model of the nation, reveals the electrical architecture of the contiguous US. USMTArray data are used by researchers worldwide for fundamental and applied studies, including investigations of continental architecture and evolution, estimation of hazards to critical infrastructure due to geomagnetic storms, and assessment of the nation's undiscovered geothermal and mineral resources. We here review the history and development of the project, discuss the challenges and successes in its execution, present the National Impedance Map and synthesis conductivity model, and highlight the breadth of research stemming from this rich data set.

conterminous United States↗
USGS2019

Two-dimensional inverse and three-dimensional forward modeling of MT (magnetotelluric) data to evaluate the mineral potential of the Amphitheater Mountains, Alaska, USA

As part of an integrated geological and geophysical study to assess the mineral potential in the Amphitheater Mountains of south-central Alaska, USA, two magnetotelluric (MT) profiles were acquired during the summer of 2002. The two parallel MT lines, along with helicopter electromagnetic (HEM) and magnetic data acquired by the State of Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys and new detailed U.S. Geological Survey gravity data, are being used to investigate a feeder system to a Late Triassic flood basalt, the Nikolai Greenstone. The platinum-group-element-bearing, layered, and mafic-ultramafic sills of the Fish Lake and Tangle complexes and the geophysical responses suggest the presence of a substantial root of ultramafic material below the Amphitheater synform and several conductive, dense, magnetic, and possibly sulfide-bearing lenses within the surrounding Tangle Formation. The Amphitheater synform was defined by a prominent magnetic anomaly and the repetition of geologic units. Data from the HEM survey were used to assess and correct static shifts in the MT data. A striking conductivity anomaly was observable in the MT apparent resistivity data at sites on each line. Two-dimensional (2-D) inversion was used to model the geometry of the synform structure, electrical properties related to possible mineralization in the top few kilometers, and a feeder root to the magmatic system substantiated with potential field and geological models. The synform plunges to the west with the highly conductive zone ranging from depths of roughly 1.5 to 3.5 km where sampled. Two sensitivity analyses were performed to aid in assessment decisions. First, 2-D models were evaluated from several algorithms, including the rapid-relaxation inversion, the conjugate-gradient method, and Occam?s inversion with the use of different combinations of the apparent resistivity and phase for the transverse electric and magnetic modes. Second, a three-dimensional forward model, developed from the 2-D MT models and other geophysical and geological information, was constructed to further understand the response that could not be fit with the 2-D models.

Alaska↗
USGS2015

Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (SAGE): Training for our future geoscientists

Energy and natural resources are crucial to the sustainability of worldwide economies, security, and overall well-being. However, the future workforce in the energy and natural-resources sector is at risk, and meeting the challenges of this dwindling workforce requires well-educated geoscientists in exploration and applied geophysics and related geoscience and technology disciplines. Programs such as geophysical field courses that are supported by SEG and industry, in partnership with academic institutions and government laboratories, are important approaches to maintaining and enhancing expertise in exploration geophysics. One example of a geophysical field course devoted to educating our future workforce is the Summer of Applied Geophysical Experience (SAGE), a four-week program based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, designed to actively engage students in all phases of applied geophysical research. SAGE is a unique educational experience that combines teaching and research as a partnership among universities, industry, government agencies, and professional societies. SAGE teaches the principles and applications of refraction and reflection seismology, magnetics, gravity, GPS, heat flow, several electromagnetic (EM) methods, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) in a field-based, hands-on setting. More than 850 students and qualified professionals have attended SAGE, many of whom have gone on to become leaders in academia, industry, and government. SAGE students are exposed to the exciting challenges that face earth scientists today, and they develop skills that are necessary to address the world's growing energy demands. Examples of SAGE research projects include mapping archaeological sites and tectonic structure and investigating water and geothermal resources in the Rio Grande rift.

Leading Edge (Tulsa, OK)↗
USGS2012

Resistivity imaging in eastern Nevada Using the audiomagnetotelluric method for hydrogeologic framework studies

Inversion of audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) sounding data collected in eastern Nevada shows significant structure within the upper kilometer of the subsurface that defines the geologic framework from which hydrologic models will be developed. We collected AMT data along two profiles in Spring and Cave valleys in 2004–2005, using the Geometrics StrataGem EH4 system, a four‐channel, natural and controlled‐source tensor system recording in the range of 10–92,000 Hz. Profiles were 12 and 3 km in length with station spacing of 200–400 m. Two‐dimensional inverse models show detailed structure within the alluvial basin including clear transitions between unsaturated and saturated alluvium/volcanic rocks, highly‐resistive (>1000 ohm‐m) carbonate rocks, and the locations of range‐front and intra‐basin faults. In addition, our results define the shape of and the depth to the basement surface, which correlates well with depth to basement estimates derived from the inversion of gravity data.

Conference Paper↗
USGS2008

An integrated geophysical approach for groundwater and seismic hazard management in Joshua Tree National Park, southern California

Two‐dimensional inversion of audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) sounding data define buried resistivity distributions that reflect subsurface geology and structure within the upper kilometer beneath Pleasant Valley, a 1–2 km‐deep pull‐apart basin in Joshua Tree National Park, southern California. The Park lies within the Eastern California Shear Zone just east of the San Andreas Fault, and is surrounded by developing desert communities. Understanding the subsurface in and around the Park is important for management of groundwater resources, for mitigation of seismic hazards, and for unraveling the tectonic evolution of the region. Our resistivity models, interpreted in conjunction with gravity inversions, show transitions between coarse‐grained and fine‐grained alluvium, resistive (> 400 ohm‐m) crystalline rocks, and the locations of range‐front and intra‐basin faults.

California↗
USGS2008

Audiomagnetotelluric data and preliminary two-dimensional models from Spring, Dry Lake, and Delamar Valleys, Nevada

This report presents audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) data along fourteen profiles in Spring, Delamar, and Dry Lake Valleys, and the corresponding preliminary two-dimensional (2-D) inverse models. The AMT method is a valuable tool for estimating the electrical resistivity of the Earth over depth ranges from a few meters to less than one kilometer, and it is important for revealing subsurface structure and stratigraphy within the Basin and Range province of eastern Nevada, which can be used to define the geohydrologic framework of the region. We collected AMT data by using the Geometrics StrataGem EH4 system. Profiles were 0.7 - 3.2 km in length with station spacing of 50-400 m. Data were recorded in a coordinate system parallel to and perpendicular to the regional geologic-strike direction with Z positive down. We show AMT station locations, sounding curves of apparent resistivity, phase, and coherency, and 2-D models of subsurface resistivity along the profiles. The 2-D inverse models are computed from the transverse electric (TE), transverse magnetic (TM), and TE+TM mode data by using a conjugate gradient, finite-difference method. Preliminary interpretation of the 2-D models defines the structural framework of the basins and the resistivity contrasts between alluvial basin-fill, volcanic units, and carbonate basement rocks.

Nevada↗
USGS2007

Audiomagnetotelluric Data and Two-Dimensional Models from Spring, Snake, and Three Lakes Valleys, Nevada

Audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) data along thirteen profiles in Spring, Snake, and Three Lakes Valleys, and the corresponding two-dimensional (2-D) inverse models, are presented. The AMT method is a valuable tool for estimating the electrical resistivity of the Earth over depth ranges of a few meters to roughly one kilometer. It is important for revealing subsurface structure and stratigraphy within the Basin and Range province of eastern Nevada that can be used to define the geohydrologic framework of the region. We collected AMT data using the Geometrics StrataGem EH4 system. Profiles were 1.2 to 4.6 km in length with station spacing of 100-400 m. Data were recorded in a coordinate system parallel to and perpendicular to the assumed regional geologic strike direction. We show station locations, sounding curves of apparent resistivity, phase, and coherency, and 2-D models. The 2-D inverse models are computed from the transverse electric (TE), transverse magnetic (TM), and TE+TM mode data using the conjugate gradient, finite-difference method of Rodi and Mackie (2001). Preliminary interpretation of these models defines the structural framework of the basins and the resistivity contrasts between alluvial basin-fill, volcanic units, and carbonate/clastic rocks.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2006

Audiomagnetotelluric data from Spring, Cave, and Coyote Spring Valleys, Nevada

Audiomagnetotelluric (AMT) data along four profiles in Spring, Cave, and Coyote Spring Valleys are presented here. The AMT method is used to estimate the electrical resistivity of the earth over depth ranges of a few meters to greater than one kilometer. This method is a valuable tool for revealing subsurface structure and stratigraphy within the Basin and Range of eastern Nevada, therefore helping to define the geohydrologic framework in this region. We collected AMT data using the Geometrics StrataGem EH4 system, a four-channel, natural and controlled- source tensor system recording in the range of 10 to 92,000 Hz. To augment the low signal in the natural field, an unpolarized transmitter comprised of two horizontal-magnetic dipoles was used from 1,000 to 70,000 Hz. Profiles were 1.4 - 12.6 km in length with station spacing of 100-400 m. Data were recorded with the electrical (E) field parallel to and perpendicular to the regional geologic strike direction. Station locations and sounding curves, showing apparent resistivity, phase data, and coherency data, are presented here.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2004

Geophysical investigation of the Denali fault and Alaska Range orogen within the aftershock zone of the October–November 2002, M = 7.9 Denali fault earthquake

The aftershock zone of the 3 November 2002, M = 7.9 earthquake that ruptured along the right-slip Denali fault in south-central Alaska has been investigated by using gravity and magnetic, magnetotelluric, and deep-crustal, seismic reflection data as well as outcrop geology and earthquake seismology. Strong seismic reflections from within the Alaska Range orogen north of the Denali fault dip as steeply as 25°N and extend to depths as great as 20 km. These reflections outline a relict crustal architecture that in the past 20 yr has produced little seismicity. The Denali fault is nonreflective, probably because this fault dips steeply to vertical. The most intriguing finding from geophysical data is that earthquake aftershocks occurred above a rock body, with low electrical resistivity (>10 Ω·m), that is at depths below ∼10 km. Aftershocks of the Denali fault earthquake have mainly occurred shallower than 10 km. A high geothermal gradient may cause the shallow seismicity. Another possibility is that the low resistivity results from fluids, which could have played a role in locating the aftershock zone by reducing rock friction within the middle and lower crust.

Alaska↗
USGS2004

Geophysical data reveal the crustal structure of the Alaska range orogen within the aftershock zone of the Mw 7.9 Denali fault earthquake

Geophysical information, including deep-crustal seismic reflection, magnetotelluric ( mt ), gravity, and magnetic data, cross the aftershock zone of the 3 November 2002 M w 7.9 Denali fault earthquake. These data and aftershock seismicity, jointly interpreted, reveal the crustal structure of the right-lateral-slip Denali fault and the eastern Alaska Range orogen, as well as the relationship between this structure and seismicity. North of the Denali fault, strong seismic reflections from within the Alaska Range orogen show features that dip as steeply as 25° north and extend downward to depths between 20 and 25 km. These reflections reveal crustal structures, probably ductile shear zones, that most likely formed during the Late Cretaceous, but these structures appear to be inactive, having produced little seismicity during the past 20 years. Furthermore, seismic reflections mainly dip north, whereas alignments in aftershock hypocenters dip south. The Denali fault is nonreflective, but modeling of mt , gravity, and magnetic data suggests that the Denali fault dips steeply to vertically. However, in an alternative structural model, the Denali fault is defined by one of the reflection bands that dips to the north and flattens into the middle crust of the Alaska Range orogen. Modeling of mt data indicates a rock body, having low electrical resistivity (>10 Ω·m), that lies mainly at depths greater than 10 km, directly beneath aftershocks of the Denali fault earthquake. The maximum depth of aftershocks along the Denali fault is 10 km. This shallow depth may arise from a higher-than-normal geothermal gradient. Alternatively, the low electrical resistivity of deep rocks along the Denali fault may be associated with fluids that have weakened the lower crust and helped determine the depth extent of the aftershock zone.

Alaska↗