Edge-based finite-element modeling of 3D frequency-domain electromagnetic data in general dispersive medium

Abstract

The geophysical electromagnetic (EM) theories are commonly based on the assumption that the conductivity of underground media is frequency independent. However, due to the existence of induced polarization (IP) effect, many earth materials are dispersive, and their electrical conductivity varies significantly with frequency. Therefore, the conventional numerical techniques are not proper for EM forward modeling in general dispersive medium. We present a new algorithm for modeling three-dimensional (3D) EM data containing IP phenomena in frequency domain by using an edge-based finite element algorithm. In this research, we describe the dispersion behavior of earth media by using a Cole–Cole complex conductivity model. Our algorithm not only models land and airborne EM surveys but also provides more flexibility in describing the surface topography with irregular hexahedral grids. We have validated the developed algorithm using an analytic solution over a half-space model with and without IP effect. The capabilities of our code were demonstrated by modeling coupled EM induction and IP responses in controlled-source audio magnetotelluric (CSAMT) and airborne electromagnetic (AEM) examples. This algorithm will have important guiding significance for survey planning in the dispersive areas, and it could be taken as a forward solver for practical 3D inversion incorporated IP parameters.