Description: Integration of multiple geophysical data is a key practice to reduce model uncertainties and enhance geological interpretations. Electrical resistivity models resulting from inversion of marine magnetotelluric (MT) data, often lack depth resolution of lithological boundaries and distinct information for shallow model parts. This is due to the diffusive nature of electromagnetic fields, enhanced by deficient data sampling and model regularization during inversion. Thus, integrating data or models to constrain layer thicknesses or structural boundaries is an effective approach to derive better constrained and more detailed resistivity models. We investigate the different impacts of three cross-gradient coupled constraints on 3D MT inversion of data from the Namibian passive continental margin. The three constraints are a) coupling with a fixed structural density model; b) coupling with satellite gravity data; c) coupling with a fixed gradient velocity model. Here we show that coupling with a fixed model (a and c) improves the resistivity model the most. Shallow conductors imaging sediment cover are confined to a thinner layer in the resulting resistivity models compared to the MT-only model. Additionally, these constraints help to suppress vertical smearing of a conductive anomaly attributed to a fracture zone, and clearly show that the seismically imaged Moho is not accompanied by a change in electrical resistivity. All of these observations help to derive an Earth model, which will form the basis for future interpretation of the processes that lead to continental break-up during the early Cretaceous.

Description: When interpreting geophysical models, we need to establish a link between the models’ physical parameters and geological units. To define these connections, it is crucial to consider and compare geophysical models with multiple, independent parameters. Particularly in complex geological scenarios, such as the rifted passive margin offshore Namibia, multi-parameter analysis and joint inversion are key techniques for comprehensive geological inferences. The models resulting from joint inversion enable the definition of specific parameter combinations, which can then be ascribed to geological units. Here we perform a user-unbiased clustering analysis of the parameters electrical resistivity and density from two models derived in a joint inversion along the Namibian passive margin. We link the resulting parameter combinations to break-up related lithology, and infer the history of margin formation. This analysis enables us to clearly differentiate two types of sediment cover. Namely, one of near-shore, thick, clastic sediments, and a second one of further offshore located, more biogenic, marine sediments. Furthermore, we clearly identify areas of interlayered massive, and weathered volcanic flows, which are usually only identified in reflection seismic studies as seaward dipping reflectors. Lastly, we find a distinct difference in the signature of the transitional crust south of- and along the supposed hot-spot track Walvis Ridge. We ascribe this contrast to an increase in magmatic activity above the volcanic centre along Walvis Ridge, and potentially a change in melt sources or depth of melting. This characterizes a rift-related southern complex, and a plume-driven Walvis Ridge regime. All of these observations demonstrate the importance of multi-parameter geophysical analysis for large-scale geological interpretations. Furthermore, our results may improve future joint inversions using direct parameter coupling, by providing a guideline for the complex passive margins parameter correlations.

Description: Manors are an important component of the cultural-economic history of Northern Germany and Southern Scandinavia. We present the results of a geophysical prospection that led to the identification of a previously unknown manor near the village of Noer, Schleswig-Holstein, Northern Germany. Although magnetic gradiometry provides a fast way to cover large areas, it does not provide accurate depth estimates, is affected by magnetic blanking and is unable to detect differences in water content. Therefore, we applied a combination of different geophysical methods to optimize the non-invasive reconstruction of the target and its surroundings not only with respect to building structures but also in relation to the surrounding landscape. In particular, a combination of magnetics, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and soil samples were carried out to determine: (1) the object's exact location; (2) the building structure and state of preservation; and (3) any additional structures in the surrounding area. We detected a tripartite building of 22 by 27 m, with several inner walls, which was located underneath a topographic high on the surveyed field. The bulk structure is identifiable most clearly in the magnetic and EMI inphase component maps. GPR profiles and soil samples indicate flooring or foundations in part of the building. Their shallow depths of less than 2 m below the surface and debris clusters close to the surface indicate at least partial demolition. A surrounding wall was found about 5 m outside the building. The area in between shows no magnetic anomalies, lower resistivities in EMI and ERT, and low GPR reflection amplitudes. Soil samples suggest a moat or other water feature. Archaeological artifacts found at the location characterize the building as a 16th to 17th century brick manor. Other objects, like a suspected farmyard and access path could not be found. A comparison with historical sources suggest that the mansion is in relation to the manor Grönwohld. After a change of the owner it was degraded to a Meierhof, and subsequently the building decayed and was forgotten.

Description: For millennia, humans have gravitated towards coastlines for their resource potential and as geopolitical centres for global trade. A basic requirement ensuring water security for coastal communities relies on a delicate balance between the supply and demand of potable water. The interaction between freshwater and saltwater in coastal settings is, therefore, complicated by both natural and human-driven environmental changes at the land-sea interface. In particular, ongoing sea level rise, warming and deoxygenation might exacerbate such perturbations. In this context, an improved understanding of the nature and variability of groundwater fluxes across the land-sea continuum is timely, yet remains out of reach. The flow of terrestrial groundwater across the coastal transition zone as well as the extent of freshened groundwater below the present-day seafloor are receiving increased attention in marine and coastal sciences because they likely represent a significant, yet highly uncertain component of (bio)geochemical budgets, and because of the emerging interest in the potential use of offshore freshened groundwater as a resource. At the same time, “reverse” groundwater flux from offshore to onshore is of prevalent socio-economic interest as terrestrial groundwater resources are continuously pressured by overpumping and seawater intrusion in many coastal regions worldwide. An accurate assessment of the land-ocean connectivity through groundwater and its potential responses to future anthropogenic activities and climate change will require a multidisciplinary approach combining the expertise of geophysicists, hydrogeologists, (bio)geochemists and modellers. Such joint activities will lay the scientific basis for better understanding the role of groundwater in societal-relevant issues such as climate change, pollution and the environmental status of the coastal oceans within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Here, we present our perspectives on future research directions to better understand land-ocean connectivity through groundwater, including the spatial distributions of the essential hydrogeological parameters, highlighting technical and scientific developments, and briefly discussing its societal relevance in rapidly changing coastal oceans.