Analysis of source location errors for a magnetic dipole buried in a laterally inhomogeneous conducting earth

Abstract

A numerical model is used to simulate a vertical magnetic dipole (VMD), with time harmonic excitation, buried under a segmented overburden. Results are presented in terms of readily measured field quantities. Of special interest are the ellipticities of the magnetic field in the vertical and horizontal planes. These turn out to be very sensitive to the lateral variation of the conductivity structure. Other parameters, such as the vertical magnetic field on the surface, are much less influenced. It is suggested that the combination of such measurements should lead to an optimum system for source location in application to mine rescue operations.