Magnetotelluric studies of tectonics in the Tatry Mts. (Western Carpathians)

Understanding geological structures, particularly tectonic dislocations, is crucial for addressing various issues such as seismic hazards, slope instability, radon emission, and more. It also offers valuable insights into the tectonic evolution of the studied region. As part of the DISLOCAT project and bilateral project between Czech and Slovak Academy of Sciences, the magnetotelluric measurements with a focus on the Western Carpathians has been carried out. We focus on tectonic structures and their development in the area of the Tatry mountain range. Collected data were distributed in three groups, where the central group investigating structures through whole Tatry Mts. from north to south crossing structures of the Inner Carpathian Paleogene, crystalline complexes, and Tatric envelope units. The eastern group is imaging south - eastern boundary between Mesozoic units of Belianske Tatry Mts. and the Palaeogene. The last group is mapping contact zone or dislocation in the Western Tatry Mts. between crystalline  basement and Paleogene sediments and its relationship with the surrounding tectonic units.

Thanks to the contrasting electrical conductivity of tectonic structures such as faults, fracture structures, or deeper suture zones, magnetotellurics is a suitable method for mapping them to depth. Under favorable conditions, it is possible to identify conductive fluids accumulated in the fracture zone in the brittle part of the crust or detect the presence of conductive minerals, such as graphite, in these zones. According to preliminary results, the deepening of the main Tatry fault is steep to the South.

Keywords: magnetotellurics, fault zones and dislocations, Western Carpathians, Tatry mountains