@article{Beka_Smirnov_Bergh_Birkelund_2015, title={The first magnetotelluric image of the lithospheric-scale geological architecture in central Svalbard, Arctic Norway}, volume={34}, url={https://polarresearch.net/index.php/polar/article/view/3212}, DOI={10.3402/polar.v34.26766}, abstractNote={<p>Magnetotelluric data, collected from 30 stations on Spitsbergen as part of a reconnaissance geothermal resource assessment along a profile with 0.5–3-km spacing in 0.003–1000-s period range, were used to develop a lithospheric-scale two-dimensional (2D) resistivity model, heretofore unavailable for the region. Inverting the determinant of the impedance tensor in 2D, we found the smoothest model fitting the data within a specified tolerance level. We justified the model by perturbing it, performing sensitivity analysis and re-running the inversion with a different algorithm and starting models. From our final model, we constructed a crustal-scale stratigraphic framework, using it to estimate the depth of major geological features and to locate structural deformations. The 2D resistivity model indicates a shallow low resistive (&lt;100 Ωm) Paleozoic–Mesozoic sedimentary sequence, varying laterally in thickness (2–4 km), obstructed by a gently dipping Permian–Carboniferous succession (&gt;1000 Ωm) east of the Billefjorden Fault Zone. Underneath, a (possibly Devonian) basin is imaged as a thick conductive anomaly stretching &gt;15 km downwards. Beneath a deformed Paleozoic–Mesozoic successions, an uplifted pre-Devonian shallow basement (&gt;3000 Ωm) is revealed. We estimated a thin lithosphere, in the range of ca. 55–100 km thick, that could explain the area’s elevated surface heat flow (ca. 60–90 mW/m<sup>2</sup>), consistent with the calculated depth of thermal lithosphere heat-base boundaries for a partially melting mantle. The model indicates a possible replenishment pathway of upward heat transport from the shallow convective mantle to the composite crustal conductive units. This is encouraging for low-enthalpy geothermal development.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>Magnetotellurics; 2D modelling; lithosphere architecture; geothermal; Svalbard.</p><p>(Published: 17 December 2015)</p><p><strong>Citation:</strong> <em>Polar Research</em> 2015, <em>34</em>, 26766, <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v34.26766" target="_base">http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v34.26766</a></p&gt;}, journal={Polar Research}, author={Beka Thomas I. and Smirnov Maxim and Bergh Steffen G. and Birkelund Yngve}, year={2015}, month={Dec.} }