Imaging the electrical lithosphere of South Australia - 2D profiles and preliminary results of AusLAMP SA

Abstract

The Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project (AusLAMP) has the goal of mapping the electrical resistivity of the Australian lithosphere to constrain the geodynamic framework of the continent. Between August 2014 and May 2015, 125 long-period magnetotelluric (MT) data will be collected across the Gawler Craton and the south-eastern part of South Australia at intervals of 50 km. Results will be compared to existing 3D models highlighting enhanced conductivity in the sub-lithospheric mantle of the Gawler Craton. Initial results of 1D depth transformations show a significant change in resistivity at mantle lithosphere depths (100 km). The results will also be tied to the newly acquired Eucla MT line and a new 1000 km NS MT profile extending north from the central Gawler Craton into the Arunta Province, NT.