Hidden faults revealed by magnetotelluric method in urbanized region of Guangdong Province, China

This research delves into the exploration of Guangdong’s urban subsurface using magnetotelluric (MT) surveys, with a specific focus on uncovering hidden fault structures for the planning of land resources. Despite challenges posed by the region’s economic activities, meticulous data processing techniques were employed to refine raw data for the subsequent 3D inversion. The successful application of these methods resulted in reliable inverted resistivity models, effectively delineating fault structures at depth. Alignment with prior geologic surveys validated the credibility of our findings. Notably, the location and flatly dipping angle of the fault imaged beneath specific MT stations, particularly near Luokeng, Xinhui, provide crucial insights into subsurface dynamics.