name: mtpy
description: |
Magnetotelluric data processing and modelling. Read EDI files, analyze MT
responses, perform inversions, and visualize resistivity models. Use when
Claude needs to: (1) Read/write EDI files, (2) Process MT impedance tensors,
(3) Analyze phase tensors and dimensionality, (4) Plot apparent resistivity
and phase curves, (5) Create pseudosections, (6) Perform strike analysis,
(7) Run 1D inversions, (8) Prepare data for 2D/3D modelling.
version: 1.0.0
author: Geoscience Skills
license: MIT
tags: [Magnetotellurics, MT, EDI, Impedance Tensor, EM, Geophysics]
dependencies: [mtpy>=2.0.0, numpy, matplotlib]
complements: [simpeg, pyvista]
workflow_role: analysis
mtpy - Magnetotelluric Analysis
Quick Reference
from mtpy import MT, MTCollection
# Read single station
mt = MT('station001.edi')
# Access data
Z = mt.Z # Complex impedance tensor
freq = mt.frequency # Frequency array
rho_xy = mt.apparent_resistivity[:, 0, 1] # Apparent resistivity
# Station info
print(mt.station, mt.latitude, mt.longitude)
# Write EDI
mt.write_edi('output.edi')
Key Classes
| Class |
Purpose |
MT |
Single station MT data container |
MTCollection |
Multiple stations management |
PlotMTResponse |
Plot impedance, resistivity, phase |
PlotPhaseTensor |
Phase tensor ellipse visualization |
PlotPseudoSection |
Profile pseudosection display |
PlotStrike |
Strike direction analysis |
Essential Operations
Load and Inspect EDI
from mtpy import MT
mt = MT('station001.edi')
print(f"Station: {mt.station}")
print(f"Location: ({mt.latitude}, {mt.longitude})")
print(f"Frequencies: {len(mt.frequency)} points")
print(f"Period range: {1/mt.frequency.max():.2f} - {1/mt.frequency.min():.0f} s")
Load Multiple Stations
from mtpy import MTCollection
mc = MTCollection()
mc.from_edis('survey_data/*.edi')
print(f"Loaded {len(mc)} stations")
for station in mc:
print(f" {station.station}: ({station.latitude:.4f}, {station.longitude:.4f})")
Plot MT Response
from mtpy import MT
from mtpy.imaging import PlotMTResponse
mt = MT('station001.edi')
plot = PlotMTResponse(mt)
plot.plot() # Apparent resistivity and phase
Phase Tensor Analysis
from mtpy import MT
from mtpy.imaging import PlotPhaseTensor
mt = MT('station001.edi')
# Get phase tensor parameters
phi_min = mt.phase_tensor.phimin
phi_max = mt.phase_tensor.phimax
skew = mt.phase_tensor.skew # 3D indicator
# Plot
pt = PlotPhaseTensor(mt)
pt.plot()
Rotate Impedance Tensor
from mtpy import MT
mt = MT('station001.edi')
mt_rotated = mt.rotate(30) # 30 degrees clockwise
mt.rotate_to_strike() # Auto-rotate to geoelectric strike
Create Pseudosection
from mtpy import MTCollection
from mtpy.imaging import PlotPseudoSection
mc = MTCollection()
mc.from_edis('profile/*.edi')
ps = PlotPseudoSection(mc)
ps.plot(plot_type='apparent_resistivity', mode='te') # or 'tm', 'det'
Export Data
from mtpy import MT
import pandas as pd
mt = MT('station001.edi')
# Export to CSV
df = pd.DataFrame({
'frequency': mt.frequency,
'rho_xy': mt.apparent_resistivity[:, 0, 1],
'rho_yx': mt.apparent_resistivity[:, 1, 0],
'phase_xy': mt.phase[:, 0, 1],
'phase_yx': mt.phase[:, 1, 0]
})
df.to_csv('mt_data.csv', index=False)
# Export for ModEM
mt.write_modem('station001.dat')
Impedance Tensor Components
| Component |
Description |
Mode |
| Zxx |
Ex/Bx response |
Diagonal (usually small) |
| Zxy |
Ex/By response |
TE mode |
| Zyx |
Ey/Bx response |
TM mode |
| Zyy |
Ey/By response |
Diagonal (usually small) |
Phase Tensor Parameters
| Parameter |
Description |
Interpretation |
| phi_min |
Minimum phase |
Relates to resistivity gradient |
| phi_max |
Maximum phase |
Relates to resistivity gradient |
| skew |
Skew angle |
>5 suggests 3D structure |
| ellipticity |
(phi_max-phi_min)/(phi_max+phi_min) |
2D/3D indicator |
When to Use vs Alternatives
| Tool |
Best For |
Limitations |
| mtpy |
Full MT workflow in Python, EDI I/O, visualization, modelling prep |
Complex API, evolving between v1 and v2 |
| EMTF |
USGS time-series to impedance processing |
Fortran-based, processing only |
| WinGLink |
Commercial integrated MT processing and inversion |
Expensive commercial license |
Use mtpy when you need end-to-end MT analysis in Python: reading EDI files,
QC, phase tensor analysis, pseudosections, and preparing data for ModEM or other
inversion codes.
Consider alternatives when you need time-series to impedance processing from raw
field data (use EMTF), or a fully integrated commercial inversion package with GUI
(use WinGLink).
Common Workflows
Load, QC, and analyze MT station data
Common Issues
| Issue |
Solution |
| No tipper data |
Check mt.has_tipper before accessing |
| Bad data points |
Use mt.Z_err / np.abs(mt.Z) > threshold to mask |
| Static shift |
Apply correction before interpretation |
| Wrong rotation |
Verify coordinate system (N vs E convention) |
References
Scripts