New study defines resistivity anomalies in central and eastern Tasmania

A research team has created a series of 3D models of the Midlands of Tasmania, with the aim of placing improved constraints on low resistivity anomalies in the upper crust. The models enabled an appraisal to be made regarding which anomalies were robust features. The research made use of numerous available geological and geophysical datasets and models, proposing undercover structural controls and crustal processes that give rise to a series of low resistivity anomalies.

Low resistivities were found to occur at the intersection of Devonian granite roof topography with inferred fault planes, and were attributed to fracture-induced porosity. Further robust low resistivity structures were found to be spatially correlated with some parts of the upper crustal fault network. The interpretations provide support for continued exploration, in the Midlands of Tasmania, for resources related to crustal fluid movement such as geothermal energy and critical minerals.

The research was a collaboration between University of Tasmania, University of Adelaide and Geoscience Australia enabled by the Australian Government NCRIS through AuScope, with additional support from Mineral Resources Tasmania and was published in Exploration Geophysics.

Find the full paper here.