Long-period (30 days-1 year) electromagnetic sounding and the electrical conductivity of the lower mantle beneath Europe

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    The C-response connects the magnetic vertical component and the horizontal gradient of the horizontal components of electromagnetic variations and forms the basis for deriving the conductivity-depth profile of the Earth. Time-series of daily mean values at 42 observatories typically with 50 years of data are used to estimate C-responses for periods between 1 month and 1 yr. The Z:y method is applied, which means that the vertical component is taken locally whereas the horizontal components are used globally by expansion in a series of spherical harmonics. In combination with results from previous analyses, the method yields consistent results for European observatories in the entire period range from a few hours to 1 yr, corresponding to penetration depths between 300 and 1800 km. 1-D conductivity models derived from these results show an increase in conductivity with depth z to about 2 S m(-1) at z = 800 km, and almost constant conductivity between z = 800 and z = 2000 km with values of 3-10 S m(-1), in good agreement with laboratory measurements of mantle material. Below 2000 km the conductivity is poorly resolved. However, the best-fitting models indicate a further increase in conductivity to Values between 50 and 150 S m(-1).
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalGeophysical Journal International
    Volume138
    Issue number1
    Pages (from-to)179-187
    ISSN0956-540X
    Publication statusPublished - 1999

    Keywords

    • electrical conductivity
    • mantle
    • geomagnetic variations
    • electromagnetic induction

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Long-period (30 days-1 year) electromagnetic sounding and the electrical conductivity of the lower mantle beneath Europe'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this