Combining CSAMT and MT in difficult exploration environments

Abstract

The application of electromagnetic tools has become an important part of exploration for natural resources, particularly in environments (such as areas with volcanic or carbonate cover) where collection of seismic data is difficult. A commonly applied alternative to seismic, particularly when searching for hydrocarbons or deep geothermal resources, is the natural source magnetotelluric (MT) method. Since this method’s depth of investigation is independent of the set‐up geometry, soundings can be made to several kilometers. This is significantly more than logistically reasonable sounding limits when using time‐domain or DC electrical methods.