Comparison of analogue model and field station EM responses on Southern Vancouver Island

Abstract

Abstract Measurements of geomagnetic induction responses for a laboratory analogue model, that includes a simulation of the subducting Juan de Fuca Plate, are compared with those obtained at three sites on Vancouver Island. Good agreement between model and field responses at the central Vancouver Island site is observed over the period range 3–60 min, while at the east and west coastal sites, good agreement is achieved only for periods greater than 20 min. At shorter periods, departures of the observed responses from those of the model are possibly the result of upper crust inhomogeneities not replicated in the simulation, and the complex strait with its numerous small islands and its irregular coastlines inadequately simulated in the course model. Nevertheless, the analogue model results are consistent with the premise of a Juan de Fuca plate, underlain by the conductive asthenosphere, subducting at a shallow depth beneath Vancouver Island.