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Exploration Geophysics Exploration Geophysics Society
Journal of the Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
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Exploration Geophysics

Exploration Geophysics

Volume 46 Number 1 2015

6th International Conference in Airborne Electromagnetics (AEM 2013)


Spectral 3D approximations of the EM response can efficiently model vortex induction and current gathering for simple geological target geometries. This paper presents results of a spectral model fitting algorithm to automatically pick, locate and define a sulphide target from VTEM data at the Forrestania test range, Western Australia.


ZTEM data acquired across a magnetic anomaly of almost 30 000 nT were analysed for the presence of a magnetic gradient response and the effects from elevated magnetic susceptibilities. Modelling results indicate distortions in the conductivity structure recovered by 3D inversion when elevated magnetic susceptibility values are ignored during the inversion.

EG14022Regional TEMPEST survey in north-east Namibia

Geoffrey Peters, Gregory Street, Ivor Kahimise and David Hutchins
pp. 27-35

A regional scale low-cost TEMPEST208 survey in north-east Namibia has provided a geo-electric map of the area, including an indication of Kalahari cover thickness. While there are limitations in terms of detail and depth penetration, the results will assist explorers in selecting areas of shallow cover to reduce costs.


Magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) results from both time-domain (VTEM and AFMAG (ZTEM) helicopter EM surveys are compared over the Nuqrah sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) massive sulphide deposit in Saudi Arabia. The magnetic and EM data map major controlling structures but only the EM surveys are able to define the Nuqrah deposits.

EG14027MULTIPULSE – high resolution and high power in one TDEM system

Tianyou Chen, Greg Hodges and Philip Miles
pp. 49-57

The MULTIPULSE technology airborne TEM system transmits a high power pulse and low power pulse(s) (trapezoid or square) within a half-cycle. The high power pulse ensures good depth of exploration and the low power pulse allows higher near-surface resolution and better sensitivity to weak conductors as confirmed by field results.


Operational use of frequency domain HEM for sea ice thickness mapping was the driving force for developing new purpose-designed systems. We present improvements in decreasing noise levels by one to two orders of magnitude, and implemented control signals to eliminate system drift. Ground tests and airborne field data confirmed the achievement of these goals.

EG14045Airborne electromagnetic modelling options and their consequences in target definition

Alan Yusen Ley-Cooper, Andrea Viezzoli, Julien Guillemoteau, Giulio Vignoli, James Macnae, Leif Cox and Tim Munday
pp. 74-84

Given the range of geological conditions under which airborne EM surveys are conducted, there is an expectation that 2D and 3D methods used to extract models of geological significance would be favoured over 1D inversion and transforms. We analyse data from the Musgrave province, South Australia, used for mineral and for hydro-geological prospecting.


In mountainous areas, the airborne electromagnetic system can be at an angle with regard to the ground. We analyse how the data and the eddy current are affected in such a context. We also suggest a simple correction for the data and for the sensitivity function that reduces topography effects.


In the last 20 years, sphere and plate models have been integrated in parametric inversion programs which are used today for interactive interpretation of airborne electromagnetic surveys on powerful workstations. Different problems encountered in the implementation and application of these models are discussed and a case history from Abitibi, Canada, is presented.

EG14046Rapid approximate inversion of airborne TEM

Peter K. Fullagar, Glenn A. Pears, James E. Reid and Ralf Schaa
pp. 112-117

Two algorithms have been developed to perform rapid approximate 3D inversion of airborne TEM. VPem1D performs 1D inversion at each data location above a 3D model. Interpretation of cover thickness is a natural application. VPem3D performs 3D inversion of resistive limit data. Conversion to resistive limits delivers a massive increase in speed. Both programs can operate on geological models to foster integrated interpretation.

EG14005Modelling the superparamagnetic response of AEM data

Daniel Sattel and Paul Mutton
pp. 118-129

VTEM data flown at different system elevations across a known sulphide body and surface cover with elevated superparamagnetic (SPM) properties were analysed. The results indicate that SPM responses can be distinguished from deep conductor responses if the vertical AEM gradient is measured, with EM sensors being offset vertically by 2–40 m.


In conductive areas, the in-line component of an offset transmitter–receiver EM system can be more sensitive to the near-surface than the vertical component. Using estimated noise levels, this paper calculates the expected uncertainty on the inverted parameters of a bathymetry model and compares this to inversion results from field data.


The Spectrem AEM transmitter has no off-time; secondary signals are recorded at the same time as the transmitter primary. By assuming the secondaries have decayed away by the last window, the signal value is used as an estimate of the primary. The result is underestimation of the secondary amplitudes if the target is highly conductive. This paper describes a method to compute a better estimate of the primary amplitude.