At the center of the Republic of Djibouti, an eroded rift called Asal is located where tectonic and magmatic activities can be observed at the surface. Multiple studies were carried out with different exploration methods, such as structural, geophysical and hydrogeological, to understand rifting processes and characterize the subsurface of this rift. Among these subsurface exploration methods, the deep geoelectrical structures need to be better defined with the magnetotelluric (MT) method to better delineate the deep resistivity structures. With the objective of improving our understanding of the deep rift structure, magnetotelluric (MT) data acquired in the Asal rift were analyzed and inverted to build a 2D electrical conductivity model of the hydrothermal system. To achieve this, a dimensionality analysis of the MT data along a 2D profile perpendicular to the rift axis was carried out. Results of this analysis justify the approximation of 2D conductivity structure. Then, 2D inversion models were achieved to build models of the conductive structures. Dimensionality analysis results revealed the existence of electrical anisotropy. Consistent correlation between geoelectric strike and electrical anisotropy direction was suggested. Electrical anisotropy direction determined from the ellipticity of the phase tensor for the short periods was interpreted as the consequence of tectonic activity and horizontal deformation of the rift. Moreover, electrical anisotropy direction for the long periods was assumed to be related to the effects of combined magmatic-tectonic activities with predominant magma/dyke intrusion, which implies the vertical deformation and the subsidence of the rift and may imply the alignment of Olivine. Moreover, the variation and rotation of paleo and recent stress fields direction of plate motion in Asal rift located at the junction of three diverging plates—Arabia, Nubia and Somalia—over geological time can generate both magmatic and tectonic activities which in turn can induce a preferred direction of electrical anisotropy which is the direction of the highest conductivity. While the north-south electrical anisotropy direction is parallel to the direction of Red Sea Rift propagation, the north-east electrical anisotropy direction is aligned with the extension direction between Arabia and Somalia plates. Results of the 2D inversion models presented for the Asal rift allowed to identify two superimposed conductive units close to the surface and are interpreted as a shallow aquifer and a wide potential hydrothermal system. These conductive mediums are overlying a relatively resistive medium. The latter is associated with a magmatic system likely containing hot and/or partly molten rocks. The 2D conductivity model developed in this study could be considered as conceptual model of Asal rift prior to modeling multiphase fluid flow and heat transfer and/or could be used to identify the hydrothermal system for future drilling target depth of geothermal exploration.
