Rapport Technique NTB 84-13

A pilot study has been undertaken to determine the contributions which might be expected from the magnetotelluric method in the search for and evaluation of sites suitable for the permanent disposal of radioactive nuclear wastes. Magnetotellurics usually yields structural information concerning the electrical conductivity but needs the help of other methods to fully resolve the structure. There are instances, however, where it is well suited to localize geological faults or fractures, e.g., when the crushed rock within the fault takes up water and becomes a much better conductor than the compact matrix. Unfortunately such favorable conditions were not found in the area of the present study as the hostrock was itself already a good conductor of electricity.