We started the WA Magnetotelluric (MT) program to map the conductivity of Western Australia. This program builds on a national survey called the Australian Lithospheric Architecture Magnetotelluric Project AusLAMP, which collects MT data across Australia. WA MT will use special long-period magnetotelluric (LPMT) equipment set up across on a 40 km by 40 km grid, to match the WA Array passive seismic survey sites. Each month, the equipment will rolled forwards to eventually cover the whole State.
A schematic diagram that shows the typical site setup for LPMT equipment.
WA-MT progress
Since Western Australia hasn’t been thoroughly mapped with this method before, WA MT will provide important new information about the State’s deep geology. The project will also support resource exploration and contribute to Australia’s geodynamic framework.
Key outcomes of the project include:
- More geoscience data to lower the risks of resource exploration.
- A world-class dataset to attract resource investment.
- A detailed model of the lithosphere (Earth’s outer shell) to complement the WA Array seismic project.
- Statewide conductivity data products to go along with recently collected airborne electromagnetic survey data.
The data collected will help explorers, researchers, and the community better understand what lies beneath the surface.
Phase 1
31 stations were collected in the region of Phase 1 by Geoscience Australia. Another 10 stations were collected by Moombarriga Geoscience contracted by GSWA. Initial observations using these datapoints are included in the WA Array Phase 1 Report which will be available soon. However, further models will be generated once the missing points have been infilled.
Access the data from Phase 1.
Phase 2
In order to best utilise the access to the land, WA MT moved with WA Array into Phase 2 region, Esperance – Goldfields - Geraldton. Deployment started in March 2024 and the final stations are being completed in March 2025.
Phase 3
The third phase of WA Array is planned for deployment in May 2025. This will be split between the Warburton area of the central east of Western Australia and the Mid-West. The Central East region is very remote, requiring both helicopter access and significant effort from ground crews. As of March 2023, discussions with Traditional Owners are ongoing to ensure the locations are agreed upon by all parties.
See this map for locations of WA Array Phase 3.
