Research on the forward modeling of controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics in three-dimensional axial anisotropic media

Controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT) has developed rapidly in recent years and are widely used in the area of mineral and oil resource exploration as well as other fields. The current theory, numerical simulation, and inversion research are based on the assumption that the underground media have resistivity isotropy. However a large number of rock and mineral physical property tests show the resistivity of underground media is generally anisotropic. With the increasing application of CSAMT, the demand for probe accuracy of practical exploration to complex targets continues to increase. The question of how to evaluate the influence of anisotropic resistivity to CSAMT response is becoming important. To meet the demand for CSAMT response research of resistivity anisotropic media, this paper examines the CSAMT electric equations, derives and realizes a three-dimensional (3D) staggered-grid finite difference numerical simulation method of CSAMT resistivity axial anisotropy. Through building a two-dimensional (2D) resistivity anisotropy geoelectric model, we validate the 3D computation result by comparing it to the result of controlled-source electromagnetic method (CSEM) resistivity anisotropy 2D finite element program. Through simulating a 3D resistivity axial anisotropy geoelectric model, we compare and analyze the responses of equatorial configuration, axial configuration, two oblique sources and tensor source. The research shows that the tensor source is suitable for CSAMT to recognize the anisotropic effect of underground structure.