The development of Linxi Formation in the depth of Zhalute basin: Evidence from magnetotelluric sounding

In order to further understand the development of Linxi Formation in Zhalute basin, Inner Mongolia, the authors arranged several magnetotelluric sounding (MT) profiles and audio magnetotelluric sounding (AMT) profiles. The residue thickness, buried depth and distribution of Linxin Formation were calculated based on the MT profile survey, and the results show that the strata of Linxi Formation are developed extensively in the basin, which can be further divided into five secondary segments, i.e., the north depression, the middle uplift, the middle depression, the south uplift and the south depression; among them the middle depression occpies the largest area of about 300km2. Linxi Formation is well developed in depression zones, covered by early Mesozoic strata which become thinner in the west and thicker in the east, and the thickness of Linxi Formation is estimated to be generally over 1000m. In combination with other geological and geophysical data, it is held that Linxi Formation in Zhalute basin has great potential for the exploration of hydrocarbon resources, especially for the exploration of unconventional hydrocarbon resources such as shale gas.