Magnetotelluric interpretation of crustal and mantle structure in the Grenville Province

Summary Accurate determinations of depths and conductivities of electrical structures in shield regions are often difficult because of the inhomogeneity of the uppermost crust. A magnetotelluric (MT) station (BAT) in the Grenville Province of the Precambrian Shield in eastern Canada has been in operation since 1975 for time‐dependency studies of electrical resistivity changes related to earthquakes. The MT response of the station displays low skew with small to moderate anisotropy. One‐dimensional inversion of the apparent resistivity and phase reveals two well‐defined conductors in the crust, one at 10 km and the second at the base of the crust. The latter has a resistivity less than 50 Ω m. These results are substantiated by three additional MT stations located up to 40 km distant. Data from other new MT stations and from stations previously published in the literature are compared with two‐dimensional computer model results and with the three‐dimensional analogue scale model results of Dosso et al. While additional data for periods less than 100 s would be desirable the results from a number of the MT stations are not inconsistent with a widespread occurrence of a conducting zone at the base of the crust in the Grenville. The inversion analysis also indicates the existence of a conductor at some depth greater than 100 km with a resistivity less than 30 Ω m. This may coincide with a seismic low‐velocity zone observed in the mantle under the Canadian Shield.