Conductive Overburden Research Articles

Airborne Electromagnetic Survey over the Touro Copper VMS World Class Deposit (NW Spain): Geological and Geophysical Correlation

Electromagnetic (EM) methods belong to the main geophysical techniques used in the mineral exploration of massive sulphides. For selecting EM anomalies as possible massive sulphide targets, it is important to combine the geophysical results with other geological and/or geochemical techniques. In 2015, Atalaya Mining started a new mineral exploration project in the Touro Cu deposit, combining geological, geochemical (ore over 0.2% Cu), and geophysical techniques. The geophysical survey consisted of helicopter-borne EM using the versatile time-domain electromagnetic (VTEM™) max system operated by Geotech Ltd. with full-waveform processing. In total, 509 line-km of geophysical data were acquired during the survey that was completed in 2018. The results showed the massive sulphide Touro ore to be typically of the order of 0.25 ohm·m (4S/m conductivity) and host rock in the range of 1000–30,000 ohm·m, measured directly on the drill core. This modelling agreed well with the sub-horizontal dips observed for the known Touro ore bodies. The conductance modelled by the plate estimation of the VTEM data were also in good agreement with those provided by Geotech Ltd. and the resistivity/conductivity measurements we made on the massive sulphide samples from several Touro ore bodies. The combination of flat dips, good conductance, shallow depth, and, lastly, lack of conductive overburden or noneconomic conductive stratigraphy, i.e., graphitic shales and sulphide iron formation make the Touro project an ideal target for airborne electromagnetic prospecting. This paper presents the excellent correlation observed between the EM airborne anomalies and the massive sulphide blocks of the Touro copper deposit. Favourable factors contributing to the success of the survey were the high contrast in resistivity/conductivity between the massive sulphide Touro ore and the amphibolite host rock and minimal interference from “nuisance” conductors, such as graphitic shales.

Breakthrough technologies for mineral exploration

Breakthrough technologies for mineral exploration are discussed from two perspectives. The first perspective is intended to discuss the important factors required for exploration technologies, derived deductively from a review of the role and expectations of exploration in the mining industry and the current situation of the mining industry. The second perspective is intended to discuss the common characteristics of breakthrough technologies for mineral exploration derived inductively from a review of specific examples of technological breakthroughs that actually brought about innovation to exploration: e.g. induced polarization (IP); airborne electromagnetics (EM); airborne gravity gradiometry (AGG); spectroscopic methods; global navigation satellite system (GNSS); unmanned survey platform; and neural networks/deep learning. The specific issues to be solved as breakthroughs in exploration technology in the near future are summarized as follows: Significant improvement in economic efficiency, namely: labor-saving, automated or unmanned operation, e.g. unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based exploration and automatic spectroscopic scanning of drill cores; higher accessing capability, e.g. improvement of various airborne exploration techniques including airborne EM, AGG, and especially airborne IP; higher work efficiency and productivity, e.g. automatic data processing by neural networks/deep learning; and lower cost to implement, e.g. less expensive platforms such as UAVs.To obtain information that is really needed for exploration, specifically: IP effect of sulfide minerals associated with mineralization, i.e. practical spectral IP (SIP); geophysical characterization of the deep underground, e.g. enhancement of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM); and removal of effects of the surface layer, e.g. very conductive deeply-weathered overburden and younger volcanics rich in magnetic minerals.To obtain information that could not be obtained by the conventional methods, specifically: distribution of endmember minerals related to mineralization, i.e. hyperspectral mapping with high spatial resolution.

Augmented electrical resistivity tomography magnetotelluric response function

With the magnetotelluric (MT) method, conductive layers can mask deeper resistors. An analytical relationship is derived between electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and MT data to calculate an augmented ERT-MT response function. The augmented ERT-MT response function adds additional high-frequency content in the MT response function. This allows us to model the near-surface conductive layer from the ERT data and resolve deeper resistive structures with the MT data. In general, for the 1D case, the augmented ERT-MT response function results in a 1D inverse model that demonstrates an improvement of up to approximately 91% in recovering the true resistivity model. The augmented ERT-MT response function also is tested on theoretical 2D models. Two electrical resistivity models are used for the 2D tests. For both 2D models, the resistive dike and conductive overburden that were initially concealed are recovered when using the augmented ERT-MT response function. The augmented ERT-MT response function also is applied to field data, allowing us to map a resistive dike below a conductive overburden that was absent in the standard MT inverse model. The recovered dike and fault zone in the augmented ERT-MT response function resistivity inverse model correlate with the same features observed in a magnetic susceptibility inverse model. The augmented ERT-MT response function technique improves the resolution of MT to recover resistors beneath a conductive layer for the theoretical and experimental cases.

Investigation of Groundwater Potential Using Electromagnetic Method at a Basement Complex Area of University of Abuja, Gwagwalada

The Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic Method (VLF-EM) was used in view of detecting fractured or weathered zones within the University of Abuja Staff Quarters, Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory. The VLF -EM data measured along seventeen profiles of 400m at inter profile distance of 25m and interstation separation of 10m were done using the Scintrex ENVI Instrument. The VLF-EM survey revealed features significant to groundwater potential as conductive zones in the Fraser Filter maps and current density pseudosections. Three distinct zones were delineated based on the current density distribution. The fresh basement terrain corresponds to the highly resistive zone with current density value less than -20. The intermediate zone has current density value range of -20 to 25 typical of rocks and soil component which are slightly resistive to slightly conductive and corresponds to the partially saturated units. The third zone is highly conductive with current density value greater than 30 which includes the saturated weathered or fractured basement, fault zones, clay units and saturated sandy units within the study area. The north eastern, north western (profiles 1-8) and some parts of the southern region (profiles 16 and 17) of the study area show higher conductive zones than the central parts of the study area. This survey has helped in detecting sites that are suitable for groundwater exploration by identifying water bearing fractures and weathered zones in the study area. The areas with high conductivity response are areas with conductive overburden material such as clayey soil, saturated soil, water filled fractures and faults or weathered zone within the basement.

Application of TEM Based on HTS SQUID Magnetometer in Deep Geological Structure Exploration in the Baiyun Gold Deposit, NE China

Exploration of deep mineralization, particularly where the mineralization of interest is covered by a conductive overburden, is still a challenge for the conventional transient electromagnetic (TEM) method, which measures TEM response using induction coils as the sensor. However, sensors such as fluxgate and superconductive quantum interfere device (SQUID) magnetometers can measure the B-field directly, which can provide more reliable deep information for mineralization exploration. In this paper, we report on the research and development of our newly developed high-temperature superconductor (HTS) SQUID magnetometer, which is cooled by liquid nitrogen at 77 K, and its application in TEM measurement for deep exploration in a gold deposit in China. This improved SQUID magnetometer version has a good performance with noise (60 fT/ $$\sqrt {{\rm{Hz}}} $$ ), slew rate (0.8 mT/S), dynamic range (100 dB), sensitivity (6.25 mV/nT), and bandwidth (DC-20 kHz). To find deep and peripheral ore in the Baiyun gold deposit located in Liaoning Province, NE China, both the SQUID magnetometer and induction coil were used for TEM data acquisition. Results show that TEM can detect the distribution of local strata and the faults contained within them. Results also indicate that the SQUID magnetometer has superior response performance for response over geological targets with slower decay time when compared to the induction coil signals. The SQUID magnetometer is more sensitive at observing the induced-polarization effect which is closely related to the ore-controlling faults.

Integrated interpretation of geophysical data from Zagros mountain belt (Iran)

Fluid composition and distribution, the key factors determining geoelectric structure in a seismically active region, are controlled by local and regional stresses and rheological contrasts. Two closely located magnetotelluric and seismic velocity profiles are jointly interpreted to recover more accurately the structural boundaries and fluid distribution within the crust in the central Zagros collision zone, one of the world’s most seismically active mountain belt. A multi-site and multi-frequency approach was used for the strike analysis of regional structure and decomposition of distortion effects on magnetotelluric data. Distortion corrected magnetotelluric data were then used for two-dimensional inversion modeling. The results indicate distinct conductive structures within the crust: (i) a thick conductive overburden in the southwest of the profile, (ii) high conductivities attributed to the fault zone conductors (FZCs) and (iii) an almost concave conductor extending from middle to lower crust in the central-eastern portion of the mountain belt, beneath the High Zagros (HZ). Comparison with the already available S-wave velocity structure, obtained by joint inversion of P-wave receiver functions and surface wave dispersion data shows that these main conductive features are spatially correlated with a low-velocity layer representative of the sedimentary cover overlying the Arabian platform and a velocity contrast bounded by the main Zagros thrust (MZT) fault, indicating the presence of fault zone fluids. The joint interpretation of magnetotelluric inverse modeling and seismicity data also shed light on fluid generation influencing rock deformation and seismicity in this region. It suggests that beneath the HZ, deep crustal fluids generated through metamorphism may promote aseismic deformations before high stresses are builtup and cause the north-eastern part of the Zagros Fold and Thrust Belt (ZFTB) to be seismically inactive compared to its southwestern part.

Low-Base Frequency Helicopter AEM Data from a Square-Wave System - Helitem2

SummaryExploration for targets at depth or targets obscured by conductive overburden have historically been a challenge with airborne EM methods. Although modern systems have been improved with greater primary transmitter moments, noise from receiver coil motion in the Earth’s ambient field limits detection of secondary target signals, especially in late time. The new Helitem² system uses a patented low-noise receiver and a 50% duty cycle square pulse transmitter waveform to achieve increased signal detectability for deep and covered targets.A series of demonstration surveys were conducted by surveying a known target to compare several helicopterborne time-domain system configurations. Despite having a larger dipole moment, a half sine pulse at standard 30 Hz base frequency was predicted to have lower responses than low base frequency (15 Hz and 7.5 Hz) square pulse operation in a thin-plate nomogram over a wide range of target conductances. At early times, the sharper (quicker) turn off of the square wave results in much more highfrequency energy and therefore better signal for weakly conductive targets and better near-surface resolution. At the other extreme, the response from very conductive targets is determined by the area under the transmitter curve, so the low frequency square waves with 16 and 33 ms widths should produce more than twice the signal as the half sine. Survey line profiles and decay curves over the target and background locations confirmed these predictions for a 400 m deep target and variable overburden.The combination of pulse width, power, and low noise enabled the system to be effective at low base frequencies, where very late time data is beneficial for detecting strong and deep targets.

The Forrestania and Nepean electromagnetic test ranges, Western Australia – a comparison of airborne systems

SummaryElectromagnetic (EM) systems are often described with varying technical specifications and standards, making it difficult to directly compare and assess their application to practical field examples. Exemplar case studies provided by contractors, whilst highlighting system capabilities, do not necessarily help to refine the suitability of the system across different geological targets and environments. Test ranges provide an opportunity for direct and consistent comparison of multiple systems for objective assessment.The Forrestania and Nepean EM test ranges in Western Australia consist of readily accessible land, openly available for testing by airborne, ground and downhole EM systems. Multiple conductors at varying depths beneath 10-20 Siemens (S) conductive overburden provide challenging, real-world conductive targets. Surveying using different EM systems allows for a direct comparison of system detection and resolution capabilities in a conductive regolith environment. The conductors have been well defined by drilling and provide a large range of metrics available for measurement, varying from 60-400 m in depth, 5,000-10,000 S in conductance, and with variable lateral profiles and depth extents.Multiple airborne, ground and downhole EM systems have utilised these test ranges, and several have made their data freely available for review. These include ground methods such as moving loop EM, fixed loop EM, SAMSON, downhole EM, and helicopter systems including HeliSAM FLEM, SkyTEM, VTEM, HELITEM, HeliGEOTEM, XTEM, HoistEM and AeroTEM. The SPECTREM, and Xcite airborne systems plan to fly the test range in the near future. Comparison of the airborne results, show that most of the post-2007 systems have been adequate to good at detecting the shallow IR2 conductor at Forrestania under conductive regolith. Only the hybrid grounded loop HeliSAM system has successfully detected the deep IR4 conductor at Forrestania.

Application of Apparent Resistivity Ratio on the Interpretation of Small Central-loop TEM Survey in Areas of Conductive Overburden

Central-loop TEM sounding data are often interpretead with apparent resistivity as a function of depth. This can quickly give a qualitative understanding of the subsurface resistivity variation. However, when the resistivity contrast between anomalies and background is weak, especially when there is a conductive overburden, the apparent resistivity image is inadequate to quickly and visually identify local anomalies. As an alternative, the apparent resistivity ratios of each measured station to a reference station is proposed as a fast way to identify local conductive anomalies qualitatively. Modeling analyses are carried out on 1D layer model, 2D fault models, and a 3D prism model with conductive overburdens. The results show that the apparent resistivity ratio outperforms the apparent resistivity on intuitively reflecting the target anomaly. As an image enhancement technique, the apparent resistivity ratio performs data transformation on the original apparent resistivity data, normalizing the background response, and highlighting the anomaly. At last, the apparent resistivity ratio method is successfully applied on interpreting a small central-loop TEM survey on investigating karst structure beneath a freshwater river. It provides an alternative simple fast way for interpretation of central loop TEM measurements.

A comparative study of inline and broadside time-domain controlled-source electromagnetic methods for mapping resistive targets on land

The land-based controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method is an important tool in mapping subsurface resistivity contrast, especially for conductive target embedded in a resistive environment. For resistive targets on land, choosing an appropriate configuration to a specific field observation is quite confusing, due to the lack of systematic comparisons of different methods. We have conducted a comparison between the broadside and inline time-domain CSEM methods, using the short-offset transient electromagnetic (SOTEM) method and multitransient electromagnetic (MTEM) method as representatives respectively. We first compared the resolution of these methods by analyzing the relative target response and the misfit space of the designed models. We found that the inline MTEM method had advantages over the SOTEM method in resolving the thin resistive layer. We have developed a weighted joint inversion scheme to enhance the vertical resolution of the MTEM method. We then applied the methods to the investigation of a giant molybdenum deposit. The orebody, which is the real target of the exploration, does not have a conductivity contrast with its host. However, it sits on top of the granite porphyry, which is resistive compared with its surroundings, and so the granite porphyry becomes the resistive target for EM exploration. The results indicated that both methods are effective in locating large resistive target, yet the MTEM method outperforms the SOTEM method when a thick conductive overburden is presented.

On closed-form expressions for the approximate electromagnetic response of a sphere interacting with a thin sheet — Part 1: Theory in the frequency and time domain

In mineral exploration and geologic mapping of igneous and metamorphic terranes, the background is often dominantly resistive. The most important electromagnetic interaction is between a discrete conductor and an overlying sheet of conductive overburden (e.g., glacial clays or weathering products of the basement rocks). To enable the electromagnetic modeling of these common situations, here I provide closed-form expressions for the approximate electromagnetic response of a sphere embedded in highly resistive rocks and interacting with an overlying thin sheet. The sphere is assumed to be dipolar and excited by a locally uniform field. The expressions in the time and frequency domains are represented as sums of complete and incomplete cylindrical functions. New asymptotic approximations are provided for the efficient evaluation of the required incomplete cylindrical functions. The frequency-domain formulas are validated by numerical transformation to the time domain and comparison to the time-domain solution.

Capability of low-temperature SQUID for transient electromagnetics under anthropogenic noise conditions

Transient electromagnetics (TEM) is a well-established method for mineral, groundwater, and geothermal exploration. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID)-based magnetic-field receivers used for TEM have quantitative advantages and higher sensitivity compared with commonly used induction coils. Special applications are deep soundings with target depths [Formula: see text] and settings with conductive overburden. However, SQUIDs have rarely been applied for TEM measurements in environments with significant anthropogenic noise. We compared a low-temperature SQUID with a commercially available induction coil in an area affected by anthropogenic noise. We acquired four fixed-loop data sets with totally 61 receiver stations close to Bad Frankenhausen, Germany. The high sensitivity of the SQUID enables low noise levels, which lead to longer high-quality transient data compared with the induction coil. The effect of anthropogenic and natural noise sources is more critical for the coil than for the SQUID data. In the vicinity of the transmitter loop, systematic distortion of the coil signals occurs at early times, most probably caused by sferic interferences. We have developed 1D inversion results of both receivers that matched well in general. However, the SQUID-based models were more consistent and showed greater depths of investigation. This led to a superior resolution of deeper layers and even enabled a potential detection of thin conducting targets at up to a 500 m depth. Moreover, we find that the SQUID data inversion revealed multidimensional effects within the conductive overburden. In this regard, we applied forward modeling to analyze systematic differences between inversion results of SQUID and coil data. We determine that low-temperature SQUIDs have the potential to significantly improve the reliability of subsurface models in suburban environments. Nevertheless, we recommend combined application of both types of receivers.

Multi-frequency effect towards High Conductivity Overburden Responses using Vertical Coplanar (VCP) coil configuration for Landslide Instrumentation

A novel instrumentation for landslide application has been made and calibrated using Vertical Coplanar (VCP) coil orientation. The early instrumentation and commonly used right now for landslide slopes was gradually equipped with standard and automatic instrumentation: three the piezometric cells, two deep-seated steel wire extensometers, four inclinometric tubes, a rainfall gauge, a snow gauge and an air thermometer. This novel instrumentation works in electromagnetic methods similar with electromagnetic methods in geophysics; otherwise, the system was mechanics and electronics. VCP coil orientation is a coplanar array where both coils are vertical. In VCP, the depth of sounding is about 1.5 times of the coils separation. The overburden thicknesses in the field exploration are often covering the tropical area and presented as weathering layer. The more of overburden thickness then the more of energy of electromagnetic wave will be absorbed, as the result that the electromagnetic wave becomes smaller. The electromagnetic wave that reaches the target of the subsurface is also become smaller in amplitude. The multi-frequency application would be helpful in the data interpretation of the anomaly position and the conductive overburden caused by the domination trends between out-of-phase (OP) and in-phase (IP) components could be determined. In the higher frequencies (3037.5 Hz and 1012.5 Hz), the curve of IP is raised up, with the result that the positive peak values become higher and the negative peak values become lower in levels. The multi-frequency application gives the results that in the higher frequency examinations, the anomaly response is influenced significantly by the conductive overburden. In the lower frequency measurements, the anomaly response is not influenced significantly by overburden response. In the higher frequency measurements, when the electromagnetic wave is passing through the conductive material, the amplitude attenuation and the phase shifting are occurred. Therefore, the OP response becomes inverted in the peaks.

Exploration of Deep Magnetite Deposit Under Thick and Conductive Overburden with Ex Component of SOTEM: A Case Study in China

In northern China, thick loess strata with low resistivity are widely present and can shield the deep induced electromagnetic field signal and influence the accuracy of deep targets while electromagnetic prospecting is being performed. To achieve deep target exploration with high resolution, a new technique known as the short offset transient electromagnetic method (SOTEM) is applied in this research area. This method can be used to perform near-source configuration surveys, but shows no obvious difference between the deep magnetite deposit and low-resistivity layer in this survey area. Therefore, it cannot explore the magnetite deposit directly using the traditional magnetic component (Hz) of SOTEM. The Ex component, which can more effectively distinguish the high-resistivity surrounding rock and overlying low-resistivity layer than the Hz component, is used for exploration. First, 2D forward modeling and sensitivity analysis of the high-resistivity body are carried out to determine the different responses of the Ex and Hz components, respectively. Moreover, to better determine the interface between the surrounding rock and low-resistivity layer, 1D Occam inversion and the generalized inverse matrix inversion method are used. Furthermore, aiming at the static effect of the Ex component in field exploration, joint inversion of the Ex and Hz components is carried out for comprehensive interpretation. Finally, a field test is conducted, and the drilling results are used for verification. The research results can provide an effective geophysical model for the exploration of contact metasomatic magnetite deposits.

A parallel computing thin‐sheet inversion algorithm for airborne time‐domain data utilising a variable overburden

ABSTRACTAccurate modelling of the conductivity structure of mineralisations can often be difficult. In order to remedy this, a parametric approach is often used. We have developed a parametric thin‐sheet code, with a variable overburden. The code is capable of performing inversions of time‐domain airborne electromagnetic data, and it has been tested successfully on both synthetic data and field data. The code implements an integral solution containing one or more conductive sheets, buried in a half‐space with a laterally varying conductive overburden. This implementation increases the area of applicability compared to, for example, codes operating in free space, but it comes with a significant increase in computational cost. To minimise the cost, the code is parallelised using OpenMP and heavily optimised, which means that inversions of field data can be performed in hours on multiprocessor desktop computers. The code models the full system transfer function of the electromagnetic system, including variable flight height. The code is demonstrated with a synthetic example imitating a mineralisation buried underneath a conductive meadow. As a field example, the Valen mineral deposit, which is a graphite mineral deposit located in a variable overburden, is successfully inverted. Our results match well with previous models of the deposit; however, our predicted sheet remains inconclusive. These examples collectively demonstrate the effectiveness of our thin‐sheet code.

MT data inversion and sensitivity analysis to image electrical structure of Zagros collision zone

Magnetotelluric (MT) data from 46 stations on a 470-km-long profile across the Zagros fold-thrust belt (ZFTB) that marks the Arabia-Eurasia collision zone were inverted to derive 2-D electrical resistivity structure between Busher on the coast of Persian Gulf and Posht-e-Badam, 160km north east of Yazd. The model includes prominent anomalies in the upper and lower crust, beneath the brittle-ductile transition depth and mostly related to the fluid distribution and sedimentary layers beneath the profile. The conductivities and dimensions of the fault zone conductors (FZCs) and high conductivity zones (HCZs) as the major conductive anomalies in a fault zone conceptual model vary significantly below the different faults accommodated in this region. The enhanced conductivity below the site Z30 correlates well with the main Zagros thrust (MZT), located at the western boundary of Sanandaj-Sirjan zone (SSZ) and known as the transition between the two continents. The depth extent of the huge conductor beneath the south west of the profile, attributed to the thick sedimentary columns of the Arabian crust, cannot be resolved due to the smearing effect of the smoothness constraint employed in the regularized inversion procedure and the sensitivity of MT data to the conductance of the subsurface.We performed different tests to determine the range of 2-D models consistent with the data. Our approach was based on synthetic studies, comprising of hypothesis testing and the use of a priori information throughout the inversion procedure as well as forward modeling. We conclude that the minimum depth extent of the conductive layer beneath the southwest of the profile can be determined as approximately deeper than 15km and also the screening effect of the conductive overburden is highly intense in this model and prevents the deep structures from being resolved properly.

Low-frequency rotational isolator for airborne exploration

We have determined the performance of a passive rotational vibration isolator for a time-domain airborne electromagnetic (TDEM) receiver. The isolator uses neutrally buoyant flotation to provide very soft suspension and a very low resonant frequency of 0.065 Hz ± 0.005 Hz. One of the limitations of mapping deeper targets in areas of conductive overburden with TDEM systems is that low-frequency coil-vibration noise provides a lower bound to the transmitter base frequency (typically limited to 25 Hz). The purpose of this new isolator is to improve coil vibration related noise between 5 and 20 Hz to allow the transmitter base frequency to be reduced. A fixed-wing flight test determined that a receiver inside the new isolator had five times less rotational noise at 10 Hz than a current commercial system.

Feasibility of central loop TEM method for prospecting multilayer water-filled goaf

With deep mining of coal mines, prospecting multilayer water-filled goaf has become a new content that results from geophysical exploration in coalfields. The central loop transient electromagnetic (TEM) method is favorable for prospecting conductive layers because of the coupling relationship between its field structure and formation. However, the shielding effect of conductive overburden would not only require a longer observation time when prospecting the same depth but also weaken the anomalous response of underlying layers. Through direct time domain numerical simulation and horizontal layered earth forward modeling, this paper estimates the length of observation time required to prospect the target, and the distinguishable criterion of multilayer water-filled goaf is presented with observation error according to the effect of noise on observation data. The observed emf curves from Dazigou Coal Mine, Shanxi Province can distinguish multilayer water-filled goaf. In quantitative inversion interpretation of observed curves, using electric logging data as initial parameters restrains the equivalence caused by coal formation thin layers. The deduced three-layer and two-layer water-filled goafs are confirmed by the drilling hole. The result suggests that when observation time is long enough and with the anomalous situation of underlying layers being greater than the observation error, the use of the central loop TEM method to prospect a multilayer water-filled goaf is feasible.

Real-Time Underwater Object Detection Based on DC Resistivity Method

A new real-time underwater object detection method adopting geophysical direct-current resistivity techniques is proposed. Our final goals are real-time detection and tracking of small submarines in water depths less than 100 m, under acoustically noisy conditions. The main features of our method are as follows: 1) a detection line, several kilometers long and semipermanently buried in the seabed, consisting of two current electrodes and multiple potential electrodes; 2) fixed current electrode configurations for high-speed real-time detection of the target object; 3) measurement of extremely low-level electric field signals, made possible by the shielding effect of the conductive seawater overburden; and 4) signals from a moving object such as a submarine are extracted by differential data analysis because the target object passes through the detection area for only a short time compared with the long-term drift change of the electrical properties of seawater. We verify our method and confirm real-time detection feasibility through numerical and physical scale experiments. For this purpose, a dedicated instrument and a background data update algorithm are developed, and a differential data analysis method is used. The background data update algorithm is used for counteracting the time-varying electrical characteristics of seawater. The differential data analysis method is exploited to extract disturbed signals by objects from complex background data. Through numerical experiments, we find that the $x$ -coordinate value of a target object corresponds to the position of a peak data point, and this result is consistent with 1:200 downscaled water tank experiments. We also confirm real-time detection feasibility using our instrument through an offshore experiment. We expect that our proposed method will complement conventional detection methods for harbor defense and surveillance systems in acoustically noisy environments.

Approximate semianalytical solutions for the electromagnetic response of a dipping-sphere interacting with conductive overburden

Electromagnetic exploration methods have important applications for geologic mapping and mineral exploration in igneous and metamorphic terranes. In such cases, the earth is often largely resistive and the most important interaction is between a conductor of interest and a shallow, thin, horizontal sheet representing glacial tills and clays or the conductive weathering products of the basement rocks (both of which are here termed the “conductive overburden”). To this end, we have developed a theory from which the step and impulse responses of a sphere interacting with conductive overburden can be quickly and efficiently approximated. The sphere model can also be extended to restrict the currents to flow in a specific orientation (termed the dipping-sphere model). The resulting expressions are called semianalytical because all relevant relations are developed analytically, with the exception of the time-convolution integrals. The overburden is assumed to not be touching the sphere, so there is no galvanic interactions between the bodies. We make use of the dipole sphere in a uniform field and thin sheet approximations; however, expressions could be obtained for a sphere in a dipolar (or nondipolar) field using a similar methodology. We have found that there is no term related to the first zero of the relevant Bessel function in the response of the sphere alone. However, there are terms for all other zeros. A test on a synthetic model shows that the combined sphere-overburden response can be reasonably approximated using the first-order perturbation of the overburden field. Minor discrepancies between the approximate and more elaborate numerical responses are believed to be the result of numerical errors. This means that in practice, the proposed approach consists of evaluating one convolution integral over a sum of exponentials multiplied by a polynomial function. This results in an extremely simple algorithmic implementation that is simple to program and easy to run. The proposed approach also provides a simple method that can be used to validate more complex algorithms. A test on field data obtained at the Reid Mahaffy site in Northern Ontario shows that our approximate method is useful for interpreting electromagnetic data even when the background is thick. We use our approach to obtain a better estimate of the geometry and physical properties of the conductor and evaluate the conductance of the overburden.