MAGNETOTELLURIC MODELLING BY THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD*

Abstract

A bstract The finite element method, here viewed as a special case of the Galerkin projective method, is applied to the modelling of magnetotelluric problems, and its adaptation to geological profiles is outlined. A novel method for obtaining surface field values, involving matrix representation of the normal derivative operator, is presented in detail. Results obtained by this method are compared with well‐known infinite series solutions for the vertical fault and the outcropping dyke. Two profiles containing sulphide zones are also modelled, the results being compared with field data; satisfactory agreement is obtained.