Multi-order vector finite element modeling of 3D magnetotelluric data including complex geometry and anisotropy

Abstract

Abstract We introduce MoVFEM, a computational algorithm for the modeling of three-dimensional magnetotelluric (MT) data using a vector finite element method of specific order from multiple elements’ orders. Our algorithm allows complex geometries, topography, and anisotropic resistivity structures. The software calculates secondary electric and magnetic fields for a plane-wave primary magnetic field. Accurate calculation of fields in the boundary regions of the computational domain are ensured by the implementation of the Generalized Perfect Matched Layers method. We validate the MoVFEM algorithm by applications to various scenarios, which allow a comparison with analytical or accepted numerical solutions where available. The respective results of our algorithm are in good agreement with existing solutions.

Keywords

• Numerical modeling
• Electrical resistivity anisotropy
• Finite element method
• Edge elements
• Magnetotellurics