Seismic reflections and electrical conductivity: A case of Holmes's curious dog?

Abstract

Research Article| February 01, 1995 Seismic reflections and electrical conductivity: A case of Holmes's curious dog? Frederick A. Cook; Frederick A. Cook 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Alan G. Jones Alan G. Jones 2Geological Survey of Canada, 1 Observatory Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0Y3, Canada Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1995) 23 (2): 141–144. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0141:SRAECA>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Frederick A. Cook, Alan G. Jones; Seismic reflections and electrical conductivity: A case of Holmes's curious dog?. Geology 1995;; 23 (2): 141–144. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1995)023<0141:SRAECA>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract “Is there any other point to which you wish to draw my attention?”“To the curious incident of the dog in the night time.”“The dog did nothing in the night time.”“That was the curious incident,” remarked Sherlock Holmes.—Arthur Conan DoyleIn the Purcell anticlinorium of the Canadian Cordillera, prominent upper-crustal seismic reflectors and areas of high electrical conductivity coincide over a wide area. Reflective layers traceable to outcrop and to a drill hole are caused mostly by impedance contrasts between Proterozoic gabbroic sills and metasedimentary rocks. Layers with high electrical conductivity are zones enriched in magnetic sulfide (probably pyrrhotite) within the sedimentary rocks. Attempts to interpret reflectivity and high conductivity in terms of a single geologic process, although tempting and certainly satisfying by appealing to Occam's razor, must be done with care. We speculate that some explanations for crustal reflectors and conductors may be unrealistic and propose an alternative paradigm of interlayered sills and (meta)sedimentary rocks rich in high-conductivity minerals to explain both. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.