Three-Dimensional Analytical Solution of Self-potential from Regularly Polarized Bodies in Layered Seafloor Model

Abstract

Abstract. The self-potential (SP) method is a sensitive geophysical means to locate seafloor polymetallic sulfide deposits. A reasonable SP forward modeling can provide a good foundation for inversion and interpretation of the measured data. We propose a method to solve the analytical solution of the SP generated by regularly polarized bodies in layered media. Based on the mirror image current theory, a new analytical formula was derived and clarified in detail for the models. We also discussed the analytical solution of layered models with different numbers of layers through numerical computation. Furthermore, a lab-based oxidation-reduction experiment was conducted to record the SP data. These data were used to simulate the SP generated by seafloor massive sulfide(SMS) deposits and assess the analytical solution previously. The result shows that the measured SP data matches the analytical solution well. That demonstrates the correctness of the proposed method and the corresponding analytical solution. It is significant to fast and precise forward modeling and inversion for SMS explorations.