Mar Geophys Res
DOI 10.1007/s11001-008-9057-6
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Ocean coast effect on magnetotelluric data: a case study
from Kachchh, India
Dhananjai Pandey Æ Martin Sinha Æ
Lucy MacGregor Æ Satish Singh
Received: 7 May 2008 / Accepted: 12 August 2008
Ó Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008
Abstract The effects of the ocean coast on magnetotelluric
(MT) data have been studied and results are described in
this article. MT soundings from various sites along coastal
plains of Kachchh were acquired where volcanic rocks
overlie Mesozoic sediments having potential resource
prospects. The region of our study lies in the proximity of
Gulf of Kachchh and Arabian Sea. This article describes the
effects the presence of a conductive body on the acquired
MT data. With the help of synthetic MT modelling and
induction arrows we demonstrate the influence of shallow
conductive body on the MT data. The modelling results
when compared to the field observations show that much of
the high frequencies are unaffected by the coast, however
low frequencies of the data do seem to be distorted by
onshore–offshore resistivity contrasts. The least affect on
high frequencies can be attributed to very shallow water
depth as well as to the fact that the onshore–offshore
resistivity contrasts are not large enough to influence the
high frequency data badly. The results presented here report
for the first time the effect of the coast on the analysis on
MT data from Kachchh. Due to several academic as well as
D. Pandey
Bullard Laboratories, University of Cambridge, Madingley
Road, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, UK
D. Pandey (&)
M. Sinha
SOES, National Oceanography Centre, Southampton SO14 3ZH,
UK
e-mail: dyp@noc.soton.ac.uk
L. MacGregor
Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping Plc., Aberdeen AB23 8GD, UK
S. Singh
Laboratoire de Géosciences Marines, IPG Paris 4 Place Jussieu,
75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
industrial onshore–offshore MT experiments presently
being carried out to explore its hydrocarbon potential, our
results have an important bearing on designing and acqui-
sition of future MT surveys in this region.
Keywords Magnetotelluric
Deccan traps
Coast effect
Introduction
Kachchh, is the westernmost extension of the Deccan traps
of India, bounded by Arabian Sea and Gulf of Kachchh.
The shallow (*50 m) coastal waters separate Kachchh
mainland from the Saurashtra peninsula, in the south.
Kachchh evolved as marginal pericontinental basin of
western India and has major structures trending from
NW-SE to E-W directions (Fig. 1). The dominant tectonic
features include NW-SE to E-W trending faults namely:
Kachchh Mainland Fault (KMF), Katrol Hill Fault (KHF)
etc (Fig. 1). Broadly the regional stratigraphy of Kachchh
can be divided into four major parts. Massive lava flows at
the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary divide the Mesozoic and
Quaternary sediments. The Mesozoic rocks, which range
from Middle Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous occur conspi-
cuously in various major uplifts (Biswas 1987) residing
above Precambrian basement. The basement rocks are
exposed in the northern parts near KMF and generally dip
southward towards the coast. The ‘‘Median High’’ is a
pronounced structural feature that divides the depositional
pattern within the Kachchh basin (Biswas 1982). The
coastal regions are covered with Recent sediments
(*0.5 km) underlain by basaltic rocks. Seismic imaging of
Mesozoic sediments (lower seismic velocity rocks) in
Kachchh having prominent hydrocarbon potential has been
a challenging task due to variable basaltic cover (higher
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 Mar Geophys Res

Fig. 1 Map of the survey area M

with MT sounding stations LEGEND A N
I

H
(solid triangles). The solid circle Major/minor faults N
corresponds to the drill well. L

I G
VI
A
The induction log from this well Suthari well N

GO
MT stations D
was incorporated in this study.

H
DI
23.5 F A U
Geographical north (pointing L T

F
upwards on this map) was

N
A
chosen as the X-axis for the MT

U
L

I A
data acquisition. The gray

T
KATROL HILL FAULT

Latitude (deg)
dashed thin/thick lines Jakhau

E D
correspond to minor/major NAIRA RIVER FAULT
faults in the region, respectively
Line1_003

M
Line1_002
Line1_001
23.0
Mandvi Mundra
Line2_001 Line2_003
Line2_002 Line2_004

India Ara
bian chh
Sea ach

t
lif
K
of

Up
lf
Gu

ar
iaw
th
Ka
22.5
68.5 69.0 69.5 70.0 70.5
Longitude (deg)

seismic velocity rocks) above. On the other hand, good
resistivity contrasts can be expected between the Mesozoic
strata comprising of sandstones/shales and the overlying
basaltic extrusives. The parametric wells drilled in the
region confirm such observations (Fig. 3). Therefore
employing MT method, which utilizes sub-surface resis-
tivity distributions, for resource exploration in this case
may offer an alternative solution to sub-basalt imaging
problem.
Apart from exploratory focus, Kachchh, has a history of
repeated tectonism in the past. One of the most devastating
earthquake in India (Bhuj Earthquake, January 26, 2001;
Mw = 7.7) and its aftershocks were concentrated in the
zone of intersection of the regional thrust faults (Mainland
Fault—Fig. 1) and associated minor faults. This significant
activity invited global attention from geoscientists to study
an intra-plate earthquake (Bodin and Horton 2004; Bilham
et al. 2003; Mandal and Johnston 2006; Mandal 2006).
Ever since, several geophysical studies (standalone as well
as integrated experiments) have been initiated (Mishra
et al. 2005; Gupta et al. 2001). Based on seismological
studies (Bodin and Horton 2004; Mandal and Johnston
2006) the focal depth *22 km of the main event and its
aftershocks extending through the entire lower crust,
indicate its nucleation within the lower crust. However
causes of such stress concentration in this zone are still
elusive and underline the need to study its tectonic
framework using multiple geophysical approach. Thus,
there exists a growing tectonic as well as prospective
research interest in Kachchh (particularly southern part) for
detailed geophysical investigations.
The MT method utlizes naturally occurring electro-
magnetic energy to determine electrical resistivity
variations within the sub-surface. The broad spectrum
available for MT studies offers one to choose desired fre-
quency ranges depending upon the depths of interests.
Using MT to investigate deeper parts of the crust would
mean acquiring long period MT data. However, since
southern part of Kachchh lies very close to the Arabian sea
as well as Gulf of Kachchh, it is vital to evaluate the effect
of the coastal conductive body on the MT data. In this
article we examine the coast effect on the MT data from
southern Kachchh and aim to provide a benchmark for
future MT data acquisition in this region.
Data acquisition
Magnetotelluric soundings were carried out in Kachchh as
shown in Fig. 1 (solid triangles) along Line 1 and Line 2.
There are three stations along Line 1 (orthogonal to the coast
line) and four along Line 2 (parallel to the coast line). The
X-axis during this acquisition was chosen in the geographic
North-South (N-S) direction whereas the East-West (E-W)
direction was defined as the Y-axis. A five component MT
recording system was used to record three magnetic field
components Hx, Hy and Hz along the X, Y and Z axes and two
electric field components Ex and Ey along X and Y, respec-
tively. Data were recorded in single station mode over a wide
period range (0.001–1000 s). Induction log from a borehole
along Line 1 was also available and is shown in Fig. 3. The
resistivity-depth profile from the induction log clearly

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Mar Geophys Res

demarcates four major stratigraphic sub-divisions. Near-
surface conductive sediments are underlain by high resis-
tivity basaltic rocks. It is further evident that thick
sedimentary sequences prior to the basaltic eruptions reside
above the basement rocks. Later, the borehole location was
treated as an individual site for computing synthetic MT
response for modelling purpose. The borehole data were
smoothed over an interval of 3 m before computing its
synthetic MT response. The following section describes the
basic MT data processing which was carried out to obtain the
apparent resistivity and phase curves for each site.
Elementary data processing
The time-series data were processed using built-in software
package (PROCMT) along with the field instrument. The
elementary data processing included computation of MT
impedance curves from the observed spectra. Further, the
Groom–Bailey (GB) decomposition (Groom and Bailey
1989) for possible distortions (Fig. 2) and subsequent
rotation of the impedance curves were performed. The GB
decomposition was used to determine the geoelectric strike
direction as well as to estimate distortion effects from the
MT impedance. The Groom–Bailey’s method assumes
two-dimensionality for the undistorted impedance. Distor-
tion may be expressed by a simple real tensor operated to
the impedance in general. This method models observed
impedance tensor (Zobs) in terms of distortion parameters
twist (T), shear (S) angles and regional 2D impedance
tensor (Z2D) as follows,
Zobs ¼ RðhÞTSZ2D RT ðhÞ ð1Þ
where R(h) is a rotation matrix with angle h, as geoelectric
strike direction. This factorization allows separation of
determinable distortions in terms of twist and shear angles
from the observed impedance tensor. The limiting values of
twist and shear angles is ±45°. The distortion parameters
twist (T), shear (S), the geoelectric strike and the regional
impedance tensor (Z2D) are estimated using statistical
approach by fitting the observed impedance tensor with the
decomposition model. In order to obtain consistent estimates
of the geoelectric strike direction in this study, GB decom-
position with unconstrained twist and shear parameters was
used. During the decomposition process impedances were
rotated to minimize the diagonal components. A fairly stable
twist and shear values at most frequencies were obtained
(Fig. 2). Despite using twist and shear values to constrain the

Fig. 2 MT response curves for Apparent Resistivity (GB) Line1_003 Phase (GB) Line1_003
site Line1_003 after GB
decomposition. The XY (circles) 90

and YX (squares) components 2 XY (GB)

75
correspond to the N-S and the YX (GB)
PHASE ANGLE (DEG)
LOG RHO (OHM-M)

E-W axes, respectively. After

XY (GB) 60
GB decomposition (rotated to YX (GB)
maximise ZXY and ZYX
45
impedance components), the XY
1
and YX axes refer to the E and H 30
polarised directions,
respectively 15

0
0

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz) LOG Frequency (Hz)

Groom Bailey Parameters Line1_003

90 Strike GB
Twist
Shear
DEGREES (CW FROM NORTH)

45

-45

-90

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz)

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 Mar Geophys Res

decomposition processes, the data however, could not reveal Electrical resistivity (ohm-m)
a consistent strike direction at most of the sites. The lack of a 1 10 100 1000
0
consistent, frequency independent strike direction and very
low twist and shear values were attributed to the possibility
200
of reasonably simple sub-surface. An in-depth description of
Groom–Bailey decomposition of the data is provided in 400
Pandey (2003).
Another important issue associated with MT method is that 600
the non-inductive galvanic disturbances (due to surficial
bodies lying smaller than high frequency skin depth) can cause 800
serious interpretational errors. These frequency independent
distortions result in parallel offset between the apparent 1000

resistivity curves known as ‘static shift’ (Bahr 1991). Esti-

mation and removal of the static shift effect is critical to 1200

Depth(m)
complete a viable interpretation of MT data as it would affect
1400
the estimation of ‘true’ resistivity and depth values after
inversion of the data. It can be overcome by applying shallow
1600
probing methods to estimate the near surface resistivity and
then appropriate adjustment of the short period end of curves 1800
to that value. Commonly, the near surface information from
other complementary studies (such as resistivity, TEM, 2000
borehole data) may be utilized to correct the responses against
possible static shift. In present scenario, apparent resistivity 2200
data obtained after the GB analysis for the two orthogonal
components were examined for possible static shift. Synthetic 2400
MT response using resistivity-depth variations from borehole
data (Fig. 3) were obtained and used for static shift determi- 2600

nation. The two orthogonal components of apparent resistivity

and phase curves were further compared with synthetic
response to examine any parallel offset (particularly at high
frequencies). The comparisons did not show any significant
parallel offset between the two orthogonal apparent resistivity
curves at high frequencies ([10 Hz).
Thus, most of the MT sites in this survey, appear to suggest
a fairly simple and layered Earth structure with no dominant
GB strike direction (Fig. 2). The low shear and twist para-
meters are suggestive of a fairly low level of distortion at each
site. In general, the YX components (B-polarised or current
flowing across the regional structure) exhibit higher apparent
resistivities than those for the XY (E-polarised or currents
flowing along the regional structure) components. At lower
frequencies, however, the data seem to suggest a more com-
plex sub-surface structure at most sites. In what follows next
we discuss the use of induction arrows (Parkinson 1959) to
determine the influence of local conductive anomalies
(in form of an ocean coast) on the MT data.
Induction arrows
For plane electromagnetic waves, the vertical and hori-
zontal components of total magnetic fields are linearly
related and can be expressed as:
2800
Fig. 3 Resistivity-depth variations obtained from induction log data
from nearby well (Fig. 1). The well log data were smoothed over 3 m
depth interval prior to computing its synthetic MT response. The
computed MT responses were preserved as an additional site during
the coast effect modelling for qualitative comparison (see Fig. 6)
 

Hx
Hz ¼ Tx Ty ð2Þ
Hy
where Tx and Ty are the components of the ‘magnetic
transfer function’ (or tipper). The tipper magnitude (T) is a
measure of the tipping of the magnetic field out of the
horizontal plane.
The ‘induction arrows’ as defined by Parkinson (1959)
are expressed as the ratio of vertical to horizontal magnetic
fields. These arrows are often used as an important tool to
infer the directional character of the ocean coast effect.
Their magnitudes and orientations are obtained using real
and imaginary parts of the above mentioned ratio, respec-
tively. Induction arrows superimposed on the regional
geological map can often provide clues about the causative
source behind the anomalous feature. The ocean coast
adjacent to an onshore MT site may produce an anomalous
response depending upon the onshore–offshore conduc-
tivity distribution and its proximity to the site. Induction

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Mar Geophys Res
arrows in such cases are highly useful as diagnostic tool to
detect possible distortions in the data. The real induction
arrows for all the sites in this survey are plotted for low
(0.05 Hz) and high (80 Hz) frequencies on a regional tec-
tonic map and are shown in Fig. 4. For plotting these
arrows, standard Parkinson’s convention (Parkinson 1959)
are used where arrows point towards the current concen-
tration. At high frequencies (smaller skin depths),
induction arrows do not show any preferred direction and
have smaller magnitudes. The low frequency (larger skin
depths) induction arrows on the other hand indicate strong
alignment towards the coastal water suggesting the effect
of the sea-land boundary at all MT sites.
Coast effect estimation
Conventionally, the term ‘coast effect’ was used to
describe the effect of induced currents flowing along land/
ocean boundary on the real induction arrows. In case of
strong conductivity discontinuities between a land-ocean
boundary, the amount of induced currents flowing along
this interface would be altered. This leads to the modifi-
cation of vertical magnetic field distribution in the region
and hence distortion in the data. In observations on-land,
this effect is observed mainly in the vertical component,
since the anomalous currents do not remain beneath the site
but are deflected in the near surface conductive region
(Dosso and Meng 1992). Subsequently, coast effect in MT
data were observed where the onshore electric field
(orthogonal to the coast line) was enhanced because of the
mismatch in the conductivities of the ocean and land (e.g.
Beamish et al. 2002, Menvielle et al. 1982; Raval et al.
1981; Dosso and Meng 1992; Santos et al. 2001; Padilha
et al. 2002). Depending upon the conductivity contrasts
across such an interface, the electric field component
perpendicular to the coast would be modified. The electric
field discontinuity results in a significant distortion effect
on the landward side of the boundary. Such distortions in
magnetotelluric prospecting are caused by anomalous field
variations due to the concentration of induced currents in
the ocean where the conductivity is generally higher than
the surrounding coastal rocks. Oceanic influences on
onshore MT data depend on the distance of the MT sites
are from the coast, and the frequencies used for sounding.
Steep coasts and water depths (contributing to the con-
ductance) close to the MT sites may cause severe
distortions in the data because of the coastal sediments and
land conductivity contrasts.
Estimation of such effects and appropriate corrections, if
required, are therefore essential before further processing.
Since first observed in Australia (Parkinson 1959),
numerous case studies have been made worldwide to
analyse such effects (e.g. Raval et al. 1981; Menvielle
et al. 1982; Santos et al. 2001). At a given location, the
coast effect can be primarily visualised by the induction
arrows (Parkinson 1959). In present study, the low fre-
quency induction arrows (Fig. 4) point towards the coast
suggesting the influence of the conductive sea water. Fur-
ther, 2D finite element modelling (Wannamaker et al.
1987) was carried out to obtain synthetic data and to
examine possible coast effect on the observed field data.
Synthetic MT modelling
Since there was not much prior information available
regarding electrical resistivity-depth structure in this
region, we used previously published structural informa-
tion (using seismic, gravity as well as borehole data) in
association with the available induction log data (Mishra
et al. 2005; Pandey 2003) to construct the resistivity-depth
model for the present study. A hypothetical 2D ocean-land
model used for the coast effect study is shown in Table 1
and Fig. 5. The ocean was modelled using constant con-
ductivity and a gradual increase in depth away from the
coast. The shallow continental resistivity model was con-
structed using nearby well data (Fig. 3). In general, a
seaward dip in sub-surface layers is incorporated which is
consistent with the local geology of the region (Biswas
1982).
In present study, MT sites were chosen along 2D
transacts. Since there are very few MT stations in this
study, a 2D modelling was considered to be robust for
evaluating the coast effect. MT sites along Line 1 were
projected onto an orthogonal straight line to construct a 2D
model through these sites. The drill well is also considered
as an additional site in this 2D model. The 2D resistivity-
depth model was used to compute the MT response curves
with the forward modelling algorithm described by
Wannamaker et al. (1987). The GB decomposed apparent
resistivity and phase data acquired from different sites
along the profile were used to compare with the synthetic
response of the 2D model. For the 2D resistivity-depth
model shown in Table 1, the X axis was orthogonal to the
coast line (SW-NE). It is usually assumed that the con-
ductivity of sea-water may be considered constant when
compared with the large variations in geological conduc-
tivity (Beamish et al. 2002). The shallow sea on the left
hand side of the MT sites was introduced into this 2D
model with a gradual seaward increase in water depth with
q = 0.25 X-m. Standard bathymetric maps (ETOPO2)
provided information on the sea water depth near the coast.
Landward, a four layered model was constructed whereas
oceanward a very shallow conductive sea water layer is
underlain by the layered structure (Table 1). Since the
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 Mar Geophys Res

Fig. 4 Representation of real A

induction arrows (Parkinson N Induction vectors ( ) for Line 1 and Line 2 MT sites at frequency = 80 Hz
1959) at different frequencies. 0 20 40 60 km
The arrows point towards |______|______|______| 1 unit Induction vector : 100 km
conductive body. Note that at 23.8 M
high frequency (80 Hz) arrows A

G H
have smaller magnitude with no I N
L

VI
fixed alignment. However, at A

H I
23.6
N

GO
low frequency (0.05 Hz) they D
are strongly aligned towards the F A U

DI
L T
23.4

F
sea suggesting a possible ocean

A
U
coast effect

L
KATROL HILL FAULT

A N
23.2 NAIRA RIVER FAULT
Lin
e1

D I
Latitude (deg)
Line1_003
Line1_002
Line1_001

M E
23.0 2 3 4
00 _00 _00
2_ 2 2
ne ne ine h
Li Li
Line2_001 L
hch
of Kac
22.8 Line 2 G ulf

22.6

22.4
Arabian Sea

plift
war U
22.2 Kathia

68.0 68.2 68.4 68.6 68.8 69.0 69.2 69.4 69.6 69.8 70.0 70.2 70.4
Longitude (deg)

B N Induction vectors ( ) for Line 1 and Line 2 MT sites at frequency = 0.05 Hz

0 20 40 60 km
|______|______|______| 1 unit Induction vector : 100 km

23.8 M
A
I N G H
L
VI

A
H I
23.6
N
GO

D
F A U
DI

L T
23.4
F
A
U
L

KATROL HILL FAULT

T

A N

23.2 NAIRA RIVER FAULT

Lin
e1
D I
Latitude (deg)

Line1_003
Line1_002
Line1_001
M E

23.0 2 3 4
00 _00 _00
2_ 2 2
ne ne ine
Line2_001 Li Li L chh
fK ach
22.8 Line 2 Gu lf o

22.6

22.4
Arabian Sea

plift
war U
22.2 Kathia

68.0 68.2 68.4 68.6 68.8 69.0 69.2 69.4 69.6 69.8 70.0 70.2 70.4
Longitude (deg)

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Mar Geophys Res

Table 1 Parameters used in 2D ocean-coast model for synthetic MT observed field responses. This particular line was chosen
modelling mainly for two reasons: Firstly, the profile was orthogonal
No. Depth Oceanward Landward Remarks to the coast and secondly due to additional constraints on
(km) resistivity resistivity near-surface resistivity variations from borehole data were
(Xm) (Xm) available. The borehole control was very important in
1 0–0.5 0.25 0.5–2 Seawater/ providing the initial resistivity-depth variations of the sub-
sediments surface model. The Line 2 sites however, are parallel to the
2 0.5–1.2 10 10 Basalts coast (i.e. a coastal body could not be incorporated in 2D
3 1.2–2.5 5 5 Mesozoic profile) as well as further seawards. Therefore, any likely
sediments coast effect, if observed along Line 1, would be expected to
4 2.5–10 35 35 Basement contaminate Line 2 data even further. Moreover, a distinct
coast effect is already observed on the larger induction
arrows at these sites. In this situation, Line 1 was consid-
002 003
ered more suitable for the characteristic analysis.
001| well |
0 Sea water
| | Frequencies of interest have been chosen in the same
Quaternary sediments
range as those observed in the field data (200–0.001 Hz).
1000 Basalt
The nearest MT site along Line 1 to the ocean is about
2000 Mesozoic sediments 5 km from the coast. The comparison of forward responses
Ohm-M
with the amplitude and phase data from all these sites along
Depth (METERS)

3000 0.25
0.1 this profile are shown in Fig. 6. Results show that the low
4000 0.5 frequency data (\0.01 Hz) may suffer from coast-effect
Basement 1
5000 2
contamination. The two (XY and YX) apparent resistivity
3 and phase curves for the synthetic data clearly diverge from
6000
5 each other below these frequencies. Similar behaviour in
10
7000
35
the observed data can be seen at low frequencies. At high
8000
frequencies, the synthetic and observed data both seem to
be unaffected by the coast. The coast effect modelling was
9000 METERS

0 20000 40000 60000 80000

SW (Seaward)
Fig. 5 Two dimensional resistivity-depth model for the coast effect
modelling. The model is constructed based on information from drill
well as well as previous studies (Table 1). The NW end of the model
represents seaward side whereas SE end represents landward side.
Distributions of three MT sites as well as the drill well are shown on
the diagram. Various sub-surface layers are labelled on the diagram.
The resistivity values used for different layers are shown using colour
code as shown above. The XY and YX components correspond to
telluric currents flowing orthogonal and parallel to the coast
directions, respectively. A comparison of the apparent resistivity
and phase data for this model with those for each site is presented in
Fig. 6
modelling algorithm was very efficient, dense grids could
be incorporated while constructing the 2D synthetic model.
Since the depositional environments in Kachchh in general
dip southwards (Biswas 1987), and are exposed on land
(Biswas 1987), a gentle seaward dip in all the layers in the
model was assumed. The layer boundaries were con-
strained based on the induction log and published seismic
models (Pandey 2003). Layers were modelled with resis-
tivity increasing with depth except for the Mesozoic
sediments.
Apparent resistivity and phase responses at MT sites
along Line 1 were computed and compared with the
found to be consistent with the observed induction arrows
shown in Fig. 4. Synthetic response curves in general show
NE (Landward)
good agreement with the observed curves at each of the
MT sites along the 2D model.
Discussions and conclusions
The coast effect on magnetotelluric data acquired near the
southern part of Kachchh have been investigated using 2D
synthetic modelling. The modelling shows that the ocean
coast effect is dominant at longer periods, affecting the
modelled impedance curves. The high frequency data
however seem to have been unaffected by the coast. This is
mainly attributed to the lack of strong resistivity contrasts
between shallow water body and the coastal plains of
Kachchh which contain deltaic deposits. An important
implication of these results would be that MT data from the
coastal plains may be useful for the shallow prospecting.
This study demonstrates that the deeper information,
derived from MT data from coastal areas of Kachchh could
produce erroneous results due to severe coast effect. The
induction arrows plotted on the regional geological map
provide an important precursory information about possible
distortions due to the coastal body. The synthetic modelling
results are substantiated by the induction arrows as well as

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 Mar Geophys Res

Fig. 6 Comparison of the Apparent Resistivity Line1_001 Apparent Resistivity Line1_002

modelled apparent resistivity
Modelled (black) Modelled (black)
response curves (black) for the 2
Observed (gray)
2
Observed (gray)
2D model (Table 1 and Fig. 5) RhoXY RhoXY
RhoYX RhoYX
and the observed MT data

LOG RHO (OHM-M)

LOG RHO (OHM-M)

(gray) along Line 1. The XY and
YX orientations for the model 1 1
correspond to the strike parallel
and strike perpendicular
directions
0 0

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz) LOG Frequency (Hz)

Apparent Resistivity Suthari Apparent Resistivity Line1_003

2 Modelled (black) 2 Modelled (black)

Well response (gray) Observed (gray)
RhoXY RhoXY
RhoYX RhoYX
LOG RHO (OHM-M)

LOG RHO (OHM-M)

1 1

0 0

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz) LOG Frequency (Hz)
Phase Line1_001 Phase Line1_002
180 180
Modelled (black) Modelled (black)
135 PhsXY 135 PhsXY
Observed (gray) Observed (gray)
PhsYX PhsYX
90 90
PHASE ANGLE (DEG)

PHASE ANGLE (DEG)

45 45

0 0

-45 -45

-90 -90

-135 -135

-180 -180

2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz) LOG Frequency (Hz)
Phase Suthari Phase Line1_003
180 180
Modelled (black) Modelled (black)
135 PhsXY 135 PhsXY
Well response (gray) Observed (gray)
PhsYX PhsYX
90 90
PHASE ANGLE (DEG)

PHASE ANGLE (DEG)

45 45

0 0

-45 -45

-90 -90

-135 -135

-180 -180
2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3
LOG Frequency (Hz) LOG Frequency (Hz)

123
Mar Geophys Res
impedance curves derived from observed MT data. The
modelled and observed impedance curves were found to be
consistent.
In this study MT data (rotational variants of the response
curves) were used primarily for shallower targets (such as
basalt layer). However, the ocean-coast effect modelling
described here brings out an important concern for future
MT data acquisitions in this area. Of late, several inter-
disciplinary studies (including MT as a component) have
been initiated in this region. Therefore, above results allow
one to carefully select the desired set of frequencies while
MT data acquisition and processing in this region. If
required, appropriate corrections (Santos et al. 2001)
should be incorporated during the interpretation of long
period MT data in this region.
Acknowledgements The authors thank ONGC India for providing
the data as a part of LITHOS consortium at University of Cambridge.
DP is grateful to Cambridge Commonwealth Trust, Schlumberger
Cambridge Research and Darwin College, Cambridge for financial
support towards his research. Comments by anonymous reviewers
helped to improve the manuscript.
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