Structural features and tectonic evolution of the Nenjiang–Balihan fault in the western margin of the Songliao Basin, NE China, inferred from 2D inversion of magnetotelluric data

•Three magnetotelluric profiles were obtained at the western margin of Songliao Basin.•Two low-resistivity strips with opposite dips are developed in this region.•The Nenjiang-Balihan fault is arranged in en echelon pattern in the plane.•The formation of Nenjiang–Balihan fault was controlled by two main tectonic events.