An electromagnetic scale model study of the Rhinegraben anomaly.

Abstract

The behavior of time-varying geomagnetic fields in the Rhinegraben region is investigated using a laboratory scale model. The two dimensional geophysical model proposed by WINTER (1973WINTER ( , 1974, which consists of a thin sedimentary layer with nonuniform conductivity and a series of subsurface layers, is modelled in the laboratory. The study indicates good agreement between the scale model results and the field station observations. The model results have further established that the behavior of the surface geomagnetic fields observed in the Rhinegraben region is strongly influenced both by the near-surface sedimentary layer as well as by a highly conducting layer in the upper mantle.