Distribution of Electrically Conductive Sedimentary Layer in Jeju Island Derived from Magnetotelluric Measurements

Abstract

Abstract:We investigate the spatial distribution of highly conductive layer using the one-dimensional inversions of the new magnetotelluric (MT) measurements obtained at the mid-mountain (400~900 m in elevation) western area of Jeju Island and the previous MT data over Jeju Island, Korea. The conductive layer indicates the sedimentary layer comprised of Seoguipo Fomation and U Formation. There is a definite positive correlation between the top of conductive layer and the earth surface in elevation. On the contrary, the bottom of conductive layer has a negative correlation with the surface elevation. In other words, the conductive layer has a shape of convex lens, which is thickest in the central part. The basement beneath the conductive layer could be concave in the central part of Jeju Island. A kriging considering the correlation between the layer boundary and the surface elevation provides a reliable geoelectric structure model of Jeju Island. However, further studies, i.e. three-dimensional modeling and interpretation integrated with other geophysical or logging data, are required to reveal the possible presence of three-dimensional conductive body near the subsurface vent of Mt. Halla and the causes of the bias in the depths of layer estimated from MT and core log data.