EXAMPLES OF ELECTROMAGNETIC PROSPECTING FOR KARST AND FAULT SYSTEMS*

Electromagnetic (EM) surveys using the horizontal coplanar loop (‘Slingram’) geometry have been successful in the location of karst aquifer systems in limestone areas of Germany and the Mediterranean. In spite of the rapid changes in shape and resistivity of karst pipes, correlations of significant EM minima can be made by reference to the main structural directions. The EM results have often been verified by drilling. EM prospecting need not be confined to limestone areas. It can be used on all hard rocks where faulting has created vertical zones with a resistivity contrast to the undisturbed rock. EM siting of wells has proved successful in water-supply schemes for several places. This method is now being applied as a routine, fast and low-cost procedure to tap ground-water resources in hard-rock areas.     

电场差分法理论研究

对均匀大地和二层大地的频率域电场差分法理论曲线进行的计算和研究表明,电场差分法是一种以目标地质体和围岩在电阻率和极化率方面的差异为基础,根据测量到的能明显反映激电响应与电磁耦合响应的比值随频率变化的P参数曲线在性态上的差异来圈划油气藏的一种电法勘探方法. 因为它圈划油气藏的物理基础是油气藏上方与围岩上方测量到的电磁耦合响应和激电响应的差异,所以在圈划油气藏方面,该方法与复电阻率法类似,同样具有找油气的优良性能. 此外,该方法与复电阻率法相比,具有对目标地质体和围岩的电阻率和极化率差异反映灵敏、效率高、成本低等优点,所以它是一种值得推广的找油气的电法勘探方法.     

Imaging a 3D geological structure from HEM, airborne magnetic and ground ERT data in Kalat-e-Reshm area, Iran

A set of geophysical data collected in an area in Iran are analyzed to check the validity of a geological map that was prepared in connection to a mineral prospecting project and also to image the spatial electrical resistivity distribution. The data set includes helicopter electromagnetic (HEM), airborne magnetic and ground electrical resistivity measurement. Occam approach was used to invert the HEM data to model the resistivity using a layered earth model with fixed thicknesses. The algorithm is based on a nonlinear inverse problem in a least-squares sense.The algorithm was tested on a part of an HEM dataset acquired with a DIGHEM helicopter EM system at Kalat-e-Reshm, Semnan in Iran. The area contains a resistive porphyry andesite that is covered by Eocene sedimentary units. The results are shown as resistivity sections and maps confirming the existence of an arc like resistive structure in the survey area. The resistive andesite seems to be thicker than it is indicated in the geological maps. The results are compared with the reduced to the pole (RTP) airborne magnetic anomaly field data as well as with two ground resistivity profiles. We found reasonable correlations between the HEM 1D resistivity models and 2D models from electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) inversions. A 3D visualization of the 1D models along all flight lines provided a useful tool for the study of spatial variations of the resistivity structure in the investigation area.     

An apparent-resistivity concept for low-frequency electromagnetic sounding techniques

Apparent resistivity is a useful concept for initial quickscan interpretation and quality checks in the field, because it represents the resistivity properties of the subsurface better than the raw data. For frequency‐domain soundings several apparent‐resistivity definitions exist. One definition uses an asymptote for the field of a magnetic dipole in a homogeneous half‐space and is useful only for low induction numbers. Another definition uses only the amplitude information of the total magnetic field, although this results in a non‐unique apparent resistivity. To overcome this non‐uniqueness, a complex derivation using two different source–receiver configurations and several magnetic field values for different frequencies or different offsets is derived in another definition. Using the latter theory, in practice, this means that a wide range of measurements have to be carried out, while commercial systems are not able to measure this wide range. In this paper, an apparent‐resistivity concept is applied beyond the low‐induction zone, for which the use of different source–receiver configurations is not needed. This apparent‐resistivity concept was formerly used to interpret the electromagnetic transients that are associated with the turn‐off of the transmitter current. The concept uses both amplitude and phase information and can be applied for a wide range of frequencies and offsets, resulting in a unique apparent resistivity for each individual (offset, frequency) combination. It is based on the projection of the electromagnetic field data on to the curve of the field of a magnetic dipole on a homogeneous half‐space and implemented using a non‐linear optimization scheme. This results in a fast and efficient estimation of apparent resistivity versus frequency or offset for electromagnetic sounding, and also gives a new perspective on electromagnetic profiling. Numerical results and two case studies are presented. In each case study the results are found to be comparable with those from other existing exploration systems, such as EM31 and EM34. They are obtained with a slight increase of effort in the field but contain more information, especially about the vertical resistivity distribution of the subsurface.     

THE USE OF VERTICAL LINE SOURCES IN ELECTRICAL PROSPECTING FOR HYDROCARBON*

Conventional electrical prospecting can be extended to the search for deep-seated hydrocarbon deposits, by using the steel casings of drill-holes as vertical line sources. These sources produce at depth a density of current higher than the density created by point sources located at the ground surface. Several tests have shown that the contrast of conductivity between resistive hydrocarbon deposits and the surrounding salt water produces relevant anomalies on a resistivity map obtained with vertical line sources, especially where there exists a superficial masking effect caused by a highly resistive layer. In a survey carried out in the USSR, combined measurements were performed, both with line source and with surface point sources. The detected residual resistivity anomaly roughly delineates the contours of the known hydrocarbon deposit.     

SOME APPLICATIONS OF IP-TECHNIQUE FOR DIFFERENT GEOPHYSICAL PROSPECTING PURPOSES *

The usefulness of IP-technique for different geophysical purposes is discussed on the basis of field examples. IP and resistivity results are not always correlated, and the IP-information may be unique in prospecting for very low grade sulphide mineralizations. The IP-technique seems to be useful sometimes in prospecting for disseminated Ni-Cu- mineralizations. A massive sulphide mineralization could be localized using IP. The disturbances from different kinds of geological objects other than prospecting targets generally are smaller in IP-work than in resistivity work. It was possible to discriminate between apparent resistivity anomalies caused by shear zones and by sulphide mineralizations by means of IP-measurements. The influence of magnetite on IP- measurements is briefly discussed. The relation between ground magnetic measurements ΔZ and the IP-parameter is in many areas weak and does not seriously influence the interpretation of the IP-measurements. A high correlation between ΔZ and IP-measurements has been found on a titaniferous iron ore. This ore body gives strong IP-anomalies indicating that it is a good IP-target. Finally, the application of small moving arrays in very detailed IP-measurements is found useful for detailed mapping of a mineralized zone under a thin overburden and for determination of the dip of mineralized zones.     

Subsurface DC resistivity mapping: approximate 1-D interpretation

Resistivity prospecting is the main tool used to investigate the shallow structure of the ground. A series of new techniques for determining the 2-D and 3-D geometry of the ground is now finding increasing use, but the light and simple Wenner prospecting technique remains a practical and efficient tool for rapidly mapping lateral variations in resistivity. When the resistivity changes are smooth, 1-D modelling can be used to interpret the data, and the criteria governing this approximation can be defined from synthetic data generated by a 3-D slab-model. For a Wenner array, two quadripole configurations can be used, Normal and Dipole-Dipole. For these two configurations the width of the transition zone, the apparent anisotropy effect and the precision of the resistivity values recovered from 1-D inversion differ. However the simultaneous inversion of both sets of data gives better results than for either configuration by itself. Two examples illustrate that in geological contexts where the thickness of the weathered zone causes the changes in the apparent resistivity value, this parameter can be recovered from 1-D inversion.     

井间电磁成像系统应用研究

井间电磁（EM）成像系统的技术目标是实现井间电学特性的直接测量,并提供井间电阻率的二维及三维图像.从1997年开始,胜利油田与美国EMI公司合作,开展了EM技术的应用与研究,主要是通过大型、系统的现场试验,在大井间距的条件下,进一步验证仪器的性能,进行油藏研究的适用性和可行性分析;以系统的现场实测数据为依据,加快成像处理方法和软件的开发;开展穿透金属套管井的EM试验,探讨金属套管条件下的电阻率成像方法。两年来,利用EMI提供的XBH2000型测量系统,对胜利油田典型的低电阻率砂泥岩剖面,成功地进行了3对井、10个井次的试验。试验证明了仪器性能的可靠,取得了测量重复性好、系统完整的井间EM数据.并反演得到电阻率成像,在分析井间油气分布和油层开采动态方面,取得了良好的地质效果.     

Two-dimensional, regularised inversion of VLF data

Very low frequency electromagnetic (EM) methods using VLF transmitters have found many applications in subsurface geophysical investigations. Surface measurements involving both the vertical component of the magnetic field (VLF-EM or VLF-Z) and of the apparent resistivity (VLF-R) are increasingly common. Although extensive VLF data sets have been successfully used for mapping purposes, modelling and interpretation techniques which asess the third (i.e. depth) dimension appear limited.Given a profile of VLF-R measurements the main purpose of the present study is to demonstrate an automatic method for the construction of a resistivity cross-section. The technique used is one of a new generation of regularised inversion methods. These techniques attempt to overcome the problem of equivalence/non-uniqueness in EM sounding data by constructing the resistivity distribution with the minimum amount of structure that fits the data.VLF data represent a special case of plane-wave EM sounding in that they conform, in practice, to a single-frequency technique. This fact imposes a limitation in the amount of vertical resolution that we can expect using such data. In the case of two-dimensional modelling and inversion, resolution through the cross-section is a resultant attribute from both vertical and lateral resistivity gradients within the subsurface. In order to provide insight into the practical application of regularised inversion techniques to VLF data, both synthetic and field examples are considered. Both sets of examples are primarily concerned with VLF data applied to near-surface fault mapping where the main aim is to assess the location, dip and depth extent of conductive subsurface features.     

可控源音频大地电磁法在地下水勘查中的应用研究

根据可控源音频大地电磁（ＣＳＡＭＴ）法进行地下水勘查时取得的大量资料，通过总结、分析与研究，提出了在蓄水构造的断层上，ＣＳＡＭＴ测量的视电阻车断面等值线图呈中间低、两侧高的异常特征．利用这一模式解决了在山区、半山区，很多地球物理方法难以解决的地下水勘查问题．经打井验证，成井率很高．     

APPLICATION OF THE MULTIFREQUENCY HORIZONTAL-LOOP EM METHOD IN OVERBURDEN INVESTIGATIONS1

In recent years, geophysical methods (shallow seismic, electromagnetic, resistivity, ground penetrating radar) have been increasingly applied to overburden investigations. Their effectiveness has been found to depend significantly on local geological conditions. Compared with advanced seismic techniques, EM methods are faster and hence more cost-effective, but they have not been considered sufficiently accurate. Analysis is carried out of data obtained with the multifrequency horizontal-loop method (HLEM) in northeastern Ontario, where the overburden consists of Quaternary glacial and glaciolacustrine sediments. Surveying along 1-6 km long profiles permitted recognition of bedrock inhomogeneities and selection of sites suitable for HLEM data interpretation using the layered model. Phasor diagrams and computer inversion based on the ridge regression technique were used to interpret HLEM soundings obtained at eight frequencies. Interpreted layer resistivities and thicknesses were correlated with the results of Rotasonic drilling at 70 sites. Relatively accurate estimates of overburden thickness (within 10%) could be obtained in about 80% of the cases. Nine examples of HLEM soundings are given and discussed: three each of one-, two- and three-layer situations. An appropriate interpretation model cannot be selected simply by minimizing the rms error or by analysing the parameter resolution matrix. Frequently, the most effective way of evaluating a solution is to consider whether resistivity values determined by inversion fit any of the ranges determined by statistical analyses of sediment resistivities. A previously published study of electrical properties of Quaternary sediments indicated that resistivities of clay, till and sand are stable within a fairly large area, such as the one under investigation. While the application of HLEM methods to mapping of Quaternary sediments can be considered a success, interpretation of EM data in regions covered by glacial sediments is more difficult than in weathered terrains, where near-surface layering is more predictable. The problem of equivalence causes non-uniqueness in interpretation. Thickness equivalence, which results in poor resistivity estimates, was found to affect areas convered by sand and till. Conductance equivalence caused poor resolution of thickness and resistivity for thin clay layers (less than 10 m).     

Characterisation of glacial sediments using geophysical methods for groundwater source protection

A sequence of glacial and alluvial deposits overlying the Cretaceous Chalk in Eastern England was characterised using two geophysical techniques: electrical resistivity imaging and electromagnetic (EM) induction. Extensive geological data were available from trenching and boreholes. Synthetic modelling of the electrical resistivity imaging technique was undertaken to identify its limitations and to optimise survey design. The EM induction method provided a quick and cost-effective reconnaissance technique for identifying large-scale lateral variation in lithology, and for siting resistivity profiles and further boreholes. The resistivity imaging technique provided detailed information on the vertical continuity of permeable units, and was able to identify permeable pathways through the sequence. Certain limitations in detecting thin sand or gravel layers underlying electrically conductive clay were seen in both the synthetic and field data. Nevertheless, the study shows that knowledge of these limitations allows interpretation for the purpose of groundwater vulnerability assessment, given that an appropriate amount of invasive investigation has been conducted.     

Characterisation of glacial sediments using geophysical methods for groundwater source protection

A sequence of glacial and alluvial deposits overlying the Cretaceous Chalk in Eastern England was characterised using two geophysical techniques: electrical resistivity imaging and electromagnetic (EM) induction. Extensive geological data were available from trenching and boreholes. Synthetic modelling of the electrical resistivity imaging technique was undertaken to identify its limitations and to optimise survey design. The EM induction method provided a quick and cost-effective reconnaissance technique for identifying large-scale lateral variation in lithology, and for siting resistivity profiles and further boreholes. The resistivity imaging technique provided detailed information on the vertical continuity of permeable units, and was able to identify permeable pathways through the sequence. Certain limitations in detecting thin sand or gravel layers underlying electrically conductive clay were seen in both the synthetic and field data. Nevertheless, the study shows that knowledge of these limitations allows interpretation for the purpose of groundwater vulnerability assessment, given that an appropriate amount of invasive investigation has been conducted.     

SOME RESULTS OF THE GEO-ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY METHOD IN GROUND WATER INVESTIGATIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS*

In the year 1958 the Service for Water Management of the ?Rijkswaterstaat” started its program of geo-electrical resistivity prospecting in the western part of the Netherlands. The aim of this program was to obtain data on the salinity distribution of the ground water. The ground water regime in this part of the Netherlands is most intricate. This is due to the geological and geo-hydrological conditions and to the low elevation of the land. Many reclaimed areas are up to several metres below mean sea level. The resistivity data obtained are closely related to the salinity of the ground water. On the basis of bore hole data it was even possible to arrive at calibration curves for the salinity of the ground water in sand deposits. Under special conditions it was also possible to draw conclusions with respect to the presence of less permeable formations as e.g. clay layers. Some remarks are given on the practical performance and the interpretation of the measurements. A review is given of the work done until now. Some results are shown by means of maps of the salinity distribution of the ground water in the western and northern parts of the Netherlands. Two examples are described of the use of the data obtained during the survey in the province of Zuid-Holland. Another two examples are presented of detailed investigations for special purposes in relatively small areas.     

GEOPHYSICAL DETECTION OF MINERAL CONDUCTORS IN TROPICAL TERRAINS WITH TARGET CONDUCTORS PARTLY EMBEDDED IN THE CONDUCTIVE OVERBURDEN*

Ground geophysical methods were used in the greenstone belt of Western Kenya as follow-up of an Input airborne electromagnetic survey. Observation and drilling results showed that the graphite and pyrite bodies, which constitute the main target conductors in the area, either outcrop or reach near to the ground surface. The drilling results further showed that the weathered layer is between 20 m and 60 m thick. Therefore the target conductors are partly embedded in this fairly conductive weathered layer and may be in galvanic contact with it. The geophysical methods were able to delineate the conductors. However, by virtue of the galvanic contact between the conductors and the conductive overburden, the profiles from the horizontal loop EM measurements are highly enhanced. This effect makes interpretation of the profiles possible at low frequencies but difficult at high frequencies. The interpreted EM results show that the target conductors appear shallow and less conductive at higher frequencies. Thus one must choose geophysical instruments and operating frequencies carefully to ensure good results in tropical terrains.     

Cancelling directional EM noise in magnetoteilurics1

The prospecting of densely urbanized areas by the measurement of magnetic and electric natural fields is severely hampered by electromagnetic (EM) noise. Active man-made EM noise sources can generally be considered fixed in space, thus affecting the magnetotelluric (MT) signals of a measuring site mainly along their polarization directions. Taking advantage of the impulsive nature of polarized EM noise, a time-domain directional noise cancelling (DNC) technique is proposed. The comparison of noisy data with data predicted, using a low noise reference signal or with data interpolated whenever no reference is available, allows the detection of the most likely noise sources with prevailing directional patterns using a Bayes's criterion. The DNC approach is general and can be adapted, depending on the reference signal used (single-site or remote-reference). In field data, hodograms of the prediction residuals basically confirm the directional noise model assumed in DNC. An example is presented in which the DNC technique has been applied to a single-site MT survey carried out in northern Italy, where the signal was heavily corrupted by noise with prevailing directional properties due to the densely urbanized area. MT apparent resistivities and phases obtained at the site of the survey before and after DNC are presented and discussed.     

DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRIC POTENTIAL FIELD ASSOCIATED WITH TWO SPHERICAL CONDUCTORS IN A WHOLE-SPACE1

Bispherical coordinates are used to derive an exact mathematical solution for the potential field generated by direct current electric conduction in an earth model consisting of two spherical inclusions in a uniform whole-space. The solution takes the form of a spherical harmonic expansion in bispherical coordinates; coefficients in the expansion are obtained by solving sets of linear equations. Rapid forward modelling of numerous interesting situations in d.c. resistivity prospecting is facilitated by the generality and computational efficiency inherent to this new solution. For example, the accuracy of image (or superposition) methods for calculating potential solutions can be quantified. Similarly, the ability of d.c. conduction methods to resolve two distinct bounded bodies in three-dimensional space can be examined by repeatedly calculating the secondary potential or apparent resistivity response of an earth model as a selected parameter is varied. Synthetic mise à la masse, crosshole, or areal potential data sets can be generated for subsequent use in inversion studies. Improvements in solution technique derived here also apply to a simpler model consisting of a single sphere buried in a half-space.     

Near surface geophysical surveys with a high frequency mutual impedance measuring system

Relationships for the mutual impedance of horizontal coplanar, vertical coplanar, perpendicular and vertical coaxial loop antenna arrays operating at a high frequency, located over a layered conducting medium, have been derived. The relationships take into account the occurrence of displacement currents in both the free space and the conducting medium. The relations can be used for calculating the earth parameters in geophysical prospecting. The use of high frequency antenna array makes it possible to determine distributions of apparent resistivity as well as apparent electrical permittivity. The potential application of the measurements of mutual impedance of loop antennas operating at a high frequency to the geophysical examinations is presented. The measuring system developed for this purpose is described. A simple method of interpreting the mutual impedance measurements to obtain the traces of apparent resistivity and apparent permittivity of the investigated earth is given.     

Advances in alternating electromagnetic field data processing for earthquake monitoring in China

The alternating electromagnetic(EM) field is one of the most sensitive physical fields related to earthquakes. There have been a number of publications reporting EM anomalies associated with earthquakes. With increasing applications and research of artificial-source extremely low frequency EM and satellite EM technologies in earthquake studies, the amount of observed data from the alternating EM method increases rapidly and exponentially, so it is imperative to develop suitable and effective methods for processing and analyzing the influx of big data. This paper presents research on the self-adaptive filter and wavelet techniques and their applications to analyzing EM data obtained from ground measurements and satellite observations, respectively. Analysis results show that the self-adaptive filter method can identify both natural- and artificial-source EM signals, and enhance the ratio between signal and noise of EM field spectra, apparent resistivity, and others. The wavelet analysis is capable of detecting possible correlation between EM anomalies and seismic events. These techniques are effective in processing and analyzing massive data obtained from EM observations.     

COMPATIBILITY OF EM AND IP SURVEYS *

Methods and typical case histories of EM and IP surveys are compared in order to check their compatibility for the investigation of large areas for base metal sulphides. It is demonstrated that the fast, low cost EM may miss sulphide concentrations which cause no reduction of apparent resistivity, or which act like horizontal slabs, where EM anomalies occur marginally. In such cases only IP can recognize the whole extent of the mineralization. The misleading role of graphite exists for both methods. The conclusion is that EM remains the only economical method to survey whole ore districts, but that the shortcomings should always be taken into account in the interpretation. They can be overcome by employing geological, geochemical or other geophysical indicators in selecting promising targets for follow-up IP. Even if less than 20% of the area is covered by the expensive IP, there is a fair chance that all sulphide bearing rocks will be found. Therefore, the question is not whether to apply EM or IP methods, but how to combine them best.