A magnetotelluric study of the Damara Belt in Namibia: 2. MT phases over 90° reveal the internal structure of the Waterberg Fault/Omaruru Lineament

Magnetotelluric (MT) observations at some sites in the vicinity of the Waterberg Fault/Omaruru Lineament (WF/OL), a major tectono-stratigraphic zone boundary in the Central Zone of the Damara Belt, show evidence for strong three-dimensional (3D) effects. We observe very high skew values, phases over 90°, and a strong correlation of parallel components of the electric and magnetic fields at long periods. Because of the dense site spacing and good spatial coverage, we can positively attribute these effects to local geology and are able to resolve structural detail within the WF/OL. Mapping LaTorraca’s electric characteristic vectors in form of ellipses proved particularly useful in identifying key elements of the conductivity structure for subsequent modelling. 3D and 2D anisotropic modelling can reproduce most of the observed 3D effects. The conductivity anomalies revealed in the area are: (i) a conductive ring structure in the shallow crust along the northern part of the profile; (ii) an anisotropic region in the upper crust with high conductivity parallel to the WF/OL; (iii) anisotropy in the lower crust with a different but undetermined strike direction; and (iv) a shallow elongated conductor sub-normal to the WF/OL. Modelling studies further suggest that the (anisotropic) fault zone is approximately 10 km wide and may reach down to a depth of 14 km or more.