Airbore electromagnetic methods

Method Type:
Electromagnetic Methods
Assigned Problems:
+
Regional Mapping
Regional Mapping
0
Foundations of ancient structures
Buildings and Structures
0
Location of buried materials
Hazardous Waste
0
UXO detection
Hazardous Waste
'+' = Technique applicable; '0' = Application possible/limited use.

Principle:
Airborne electromagnetic methods cover several techniques (i.e., frequency domain, time domain
methods, VLF) for investigating the subsurface conductivity. They can be applied from airplanes
or helicopters and provide a quick aerial picture of the gross subsurface structures.
Keywords:
Airborne geophysics; airborne geophysical methods; electromagnetic field; frequency and time
domain; VLF; map of electromagnetic field;
Prerequisites:
- Target must be characterized by a resistivity contrast to surrounding
- High-voltage power lines, train power lines, radio antennas
- Metallic surface objects (e.g., vehicles)
- Urban areas might cause high noise level
- Steep topography
- Weather conditions
- Atmospheric disturbances / magnetic storms
Resolution:
Depth of investigation, accuracy and resolution depend on the aircraft speed, survey line spacing,
and tolerances for altitude and positional deviations. Forward modelling may be required to
determine the detectability of a particular anomaly.
Expected Results:
- Measured parameter: time varying magnetic fields are recorded with induction coils [mV]
- Data analysis: data corrections (aircraft speed, aircraft altitude etc.). Data are plotted in form of
apparent resistivities as profiles or contour maps. Conductive areas can be distinguished from
less conductive areas. Refined, quantitative analysis can be performed by inverting the data
- Interpretation: individual resistivities are related to different geological units. Additional
geological or geophysical surface data may be required for reliable interpretation
Combination with other Methods:
- Required additional information: geological information for reliable interpretation
- Related add-on information: airborne magnetic data; ground electromagnetic data
- Independent additional information: seismic data; airborne gravity data
Operation Expense:
- Crew size: flight crew (normally 2 persons); processing and interpretation: 1 key person
- Aquisition speed: 30 - 500 km2 per day, dependent on aircraft type, line spacing and instruments
- Processing: 2 - 3 days per measuring day
- Equipment rental costs: high

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Parameters to specify:
- Line spacing (traverse and control lines)
- Line direction
- Sampling rate
- Flight altitude or height above ground
- Tolerances for altitude and positional deviations
- Instrument parameters
- General rules for survey design are: Choose the line spacing as small as possible (typical
values are 50 to several hundreds of m); choose the flight height above ground as small as
possible (few tens of m)
QC Documents:
- Field notes (e.g., all activities, effective time schedule, present personnel)
Products:
- Profiles or contour maps
- Inversion results (resistivity - depth functions)

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