Magnetotellurics, Controlled source audiomagnetotellurics

Method Type:
Electromagnetic Methods
Assigned Problems:
0
Depth of Overburden-bedrock interface
0
Host sediments, hydogeological settings
'0' = Application possible/limited use.

Civil Engineering
Hazardous Waste

Principle:
Signals from natural (MT) or artificial (CSAMT) electromagnetic sources, located outside of the
investigation area, are employed to determine the gross subsurface resistivity distribution.
Keywords:
Megnetotellurics; MT; Controlled Source Audiomagnetotellurics; CSAMT
Prerequisites:
- Target must be characterized by a resistivity contrast
- Buried wires, metal pipes, metal fences may influence measurements
- Urban areas may cause high noise levels (e.g. stray currents)
- Prohibited use in areas around high-voltage power line pylons, railways and antennas
Resolution:
Spatial resolution scales with frequency of the source signal. MT provide a spatial resolution of a
few hundreds m to km. CSAMT provide a spatial resolution of a few tens to several hundreds of
m.
Investigation depths of MT surveys can be up to several tens of km. CSAMT surveys are usually
limited to 1 km.
Expected Results:
- Measured parameter: electrical- and magnetic fields. Electrical fields are measured with
electrodes and magnetic fields are recorded with induction coils. Therefore, both fields are
represented by voltages.
- Data analysis: 1-D, 2-D or 3-D inversion of the data observed
- Interpretation: association of the resistivities with geological units
Combination with other Methods:
- Required additional information: additional geological information may be helpful
- Related add-on information: vertical electrical sounding; electromagnetic methods
- Independent additional information: seismic methods; magnetic or gravimetric methods
Operation Expense:
- Crew size: 1 key person; 1 - 2 assistants
- Acquisition speed: 20 - 40 measurements per day. Additionally around 1 day assembly and
disassembly of the source (CSAMT)
- Processing: 1 - 2 days per measuring day
- Equipment rental costs: low to intermediate
Parameters to specify:
- Station spacing (depends on lateral variability of the subsurface structure)
- Profiles should be perpendicular to strike of geological units

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QC Documents:
- Calibration tests
- Around 2 - 5 % of repeated measurements
- Field notes
- Resolution matrices
Products:
- 1-D resistivity-depth functions
- 2-D resistivity distributions along a profile
- 3-D resistivity models

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