Modeling of self-potential anomalies near vertical dikes

The self-potential (SP) Green's function for an outcropping vertical dike is derived from solutions for the dc resistivity problem for the same geometry. The Green's functions are numerically integrated over rectangular source regions on the contacts between the dike and the surrounding material to obtain the SP anomaly. The analysis is valid for thermoelectrical source mechanisms. Two types of anomalies can be produced by this geometry. When the two source planes are polarized in opposite directions, a monopolar anomaly is produced. This corresponds to the thermoelectrical properties of the dike being in contrast with the surrounding material. When the thermoelectric coefficients change monotonically across the dike, a dipolar anomaly is produced. In either case positive and negative anomalies are possible, and the greatest variation in potential will occur in the most resistive regions. Examples of the effect of changing different model parameters are given for sources that have constant intensity throughout the rectangular source regions. For these patch models the depth to the top of the source region is approximately equal to the distance between the minimum (or maximum) of the anomaly outside of the dike and the edge of the dike. Field data collected over a hot intrusive fissure are presented which have been modeled by the technique described.