Three-dimensional magnetotelluric modeling in the spherical and Cartesian coordinate systems: A comparative study

With the increase in coverage area of magnetotelluric data, three-dimensional modeling spherical coordinates and its differences with respect to traditional Cartesian have gradually attracted attention. To fully understand influence Earth’s curvature map projection deformations on modeling, qualitative quantitative analyses based realistic models need be examined. Combined five representative projections, a type model conversion method that transforms original electrical conductivity is described this study. Then, apparent resistivity between western United States corresponding are compared. The results show cylindrical equal distance has smallest error. A meridian convergence correction resulting from deformation introduced rotate impedance tensor gird north geographic north, which reduces results. On basis field applicability coordinate system contiguous quantitatively evaluated. Precise interpretations were found require coordinates.