Deep crustal electromagnetic structure of central India tectonic zone and its implications

Magnetotelluric data at 45 locations along the Mahan–Khajuria Kalan profile in the central India tectonic zone are analysed. This 290 km long profile yields data in the period range 0.001–1000 s across the tectonic elements of the study region bounded by Purna fault, Gavligarh fault, Tapti fault, Narmada South fault and Narmada North fault. Multi-site, multi-frequency analysis suggests N70°E as the geo-electric strike direction. Data rotated into the N70°E strike direction are modelled using a non-linear conjugate gradient scheme with error floors of 10% for both apparent resistivity and phase components. Two-dimensional magnetotelluric model yields conductors that correlate with known faults in the study region and regional seismicity. Presence of a −30 mgal gravity high together with the observed conductive bodies (less than 20 ohm m) in the deep crust beneath the Purna graben and Tapti valley is explained by the process of magmatic underplating. The conductive bodies beneath the Mahakoshal rift belt and Vindhyans accompanied by regional gravity lows of the order −70 mgal are attributed to the presence of deep crustal fluids. Following the re-activation model proposed for the entire region, the conductors (20 ohm m) at various depth levels correspond to mafic magmatic and/or fluid intrusions controlled by deep-seated faults that seem to tap reservoirs beyond the crust–mantle boundary. The shallow depth localized faults also seem to have facilitated further upward movement of these underplated material and fluids release during this process.