Early time data processing in shallow AEM exploration

Abstract

For shallow exploration, high-frequency pseudo-random binary sequence is used in the time-domain airborne electromagnetic system. This system is working in the on-time and the earth response could be derived from system identification, which is different from the previous time-domain electromagnetic systems. The early time data is crucial for obtaining a detailed resolution. It could be severely disturbed by the primary field, the receiver response and noise. Here we present an approach for removing the primary field by matching subtraction in transformation of correlation calculation. The noise is suppressed as not correlated with the pseudo-random binary sequence. This approach is proved efficient by applying to simulation data based on forward modeling. The receiver influence is analyzed through the response of the equivalent electronic circuit. The 1D inversion results indicate that critical damping state and high cut-off frequency could reduce the adverse effect on the resolution of shallow exploration.