Pseudo-3D constrained inversion of transient electromagnetic data for a polarizable SMS hydrothermal system in the Deep Sea

Abstract

Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are generated by high-temperature hydrothermal systems. Their precious resources have attracted global interest. A number of investigations with controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods have been implemented in recent years. There are three major problems with SMS surveying using EM methods. First, SMS imaging techniques for hydrothermal systems have a limited range. Simulations and applications have validated only simple layered models. Second, their inversion efficiencies must be improved further. Laterally constrained inversions and spatially constrained inversions are usually used to map geological structures. However, choosing their suitable weighting parameters is inefficient. Third, the effects of induced polarization (IP) on ore deposits are not considered in such inversions. A non-polarizable model is unable to accurately depict a polarizable model. To resolve these problems, an advanced strategy is used to improve the efficiency of the pseudo-3D inversion process. The proposed imaging method has the ability to map complex 3D geoelectrical structures, and therefore, it can both obtain information regarding surface ore deposits and distinguish between active and inactive hydrothermal systems. However, this method can also be used to depict the distributions of alteration zones and buried deposits. Furthermore, the influences of IP on the inversion are discussed with respect to the Cole- Cole model, and it is shown that the effects of IP on polarizable deposits cannot be ignored during the inversion.