Application of electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) for the assessment of peat properties: a case study of the Całowanie Fen,Central Poland

Complex studies were carried out to recognize the fen structure and peat properties in the Ca?owanie Fen area, belonging to the Natura 2000 network. The studies were conducted in two study areas that differ significantly in terms of peat thickness. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) was used to identify the properties of the peat and its substrate, such as thickness and electrical resistivity. Comparison of the field studies with the laboratory tests has shown that the ash content rises electrical resistivity in peat. In addition, the study has shown that the application of non-invasive geophysical methods in protected areas is justified. The fen, as a medium containing mostly water, was a proper test area for the ERI measurements.     

Electrical Resistivity Imaging of a Permanganate Injection During In Situ Treatment of RDX‐Contaminated Groundwater

Groundwater beneath the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant (NOP) is contaminated with the explosive hexahydro‐1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazine (RDX) and trichloroethene (TCE). Previous treatability experiments confirmed that permanganate could mineralize RDX in NOP aquifer material. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of permanganate to transform RDX in the field by monitoring a pilot‐scale in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) demonstration. In this demonstration, electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) was used to create two‐dimensional (2‐D) images of the test site prior to, during, and after injecting sodium permanganate. The ISCO was performed by using an extraction‐injection well configuration to create a curtain of permanganate. Monitoring wells were positioned downgradient of the injection zone with the intent of capturing the permanganate‐RDX plume. Differencing between ERI taken preinjection and postinjection determined the initial distribution of the injected permanganate. ERI also quantitatively corroborated the hydraulic conductivity distribution across the site. Groundwater samples from 12 downgradient wells and 8 direct‐push profiles did not provide enough data to quantify the distribution and flow of the injected permanganate. ERI, however, showed that the permanganate injection flowed against the regional groundwater gradient and migrated below monitoring well screens. ERI combined with monitoring well samples helped explain the permanganate dynamics in downgradient wells and support the use of ERI as a means of monitoring ISCO injections.     

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.     

Geophysical mapping of hyporheic processes controlled by sedimentary architecture within compound bar deposits

Hyporheic exchange influences water quality and controls numerous physical, chemical, and biological processes. Despite its importance, hyporheic exchange and the associated dynamics of solute mixing are often difficult to characterize due to spatial (e.g., sedimentary heterogeneity) and temporal (e.g., river stage fluctuation) variabilities. This study coupled geophysical techniques with physical and chemical sediment analyses to map sedimentary architecture and quantify its influence on hyporheic exchange dynamics within a compound bar deposit in a gravel-dominated river system in southwestern Ohio. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) was used to quantify variability in electrical conductivity within the compound bar. EMI informed locations of electrode placement for time-lapse electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) surveys, which were used to examine changes in electrical resistivity driven by hyporheic exchange. Both geophysical methods revealed a zone of high electrical conductivity in the center of the bar, identified as a fine-grained cross-bar channel fill. The zone acts as a baffle to flow, evidenced by stable electrical conditions measured by time-lapse ERI over the study period. Large changes in electrical resistivity throughout the survey period indicate preferential flowpaths through higher permeability sands and gravels. Grain size analyses confirmed sedimentological interpretations of geophysical data. Loss on ignition and x-ray fluorescence identified zones with higher organic matter content that are locations for potentially enhanced geochemical activity within the cross-bar channel fill. Differences in the physical and geochemical characteristics of cross-bar channel fills play an important role in hyporheic flow dynamics and nutrient processing within riverbed sediments. These findings enhance our understanding of the applications of geophysical methods in mapping riverbed heterogeneity and highlight the importance of accurately representing geomorphologic features and heterogeneity when studying hyporheic exchange processes.     

Challenges of using electrical resistivity method to locate karst conduits—A field case in the Inner Bluegrass Region, Kentucky

Conduits serve as major pathways for groundwater flow in karst aquifers. Locating them from the surface, however, is one of the most challenging tasks in karst research. Geophysical methods are often deployed to help locate voids by mapping variations of physical properties of the subsurface. Conduits can cause significant contrasts of some physical properties that can be detected; other subsurface features such as water-bearing fractures often yield similar contrasts, which are difficult to distinguish from the effects of the conduits. This study used electrical resistivity method to search for an unmapped karst conduit that recharges Royal Spring in the Inner Bluegrass karst region, Kentucky, USA. Three types of resistivity techniques (surface 2D survey, quasi-3D survey, and time-lapse survey) were used to map and characterize resistivity anomalies. Some of the major anomalies were selected as drilling targets to verify the existence of the conduits. Drilling near an anomaly identified by an electrical resistivity profile resulted in successful penetration of a major water-filled conduit. The drilling results also suggest that, in this study area, low resistivity anomalies in general are associated with water-bearing features. However, differences in the anomaly signals between the water-filled conduit and other water-bearing features such as water-filled fracture zones were undistinguishable. The electrical resistivity method is useful in conduit detection by providing potential drilling targets. Knowledge of geology and hydrogeology about the site and professional judgment also played important roles in locating the major conduit.     

宝昌地震台地电阻率电性结构特征

使用高密度电法和电测深法,对内蒙古宝昌地震台地电阻率场地进行实地测量,获得该场地电性结构特征参数,判定该台地电测区结构属于KH型,并结合钻孔柱状图,获得该台地下介质水平层状电性结构模型,发现地层厚度呈不均匀分布,总体较为连续、完整,可为今后该台地电阻率异常提取、异常识别及观测精度提高等提供基础数据。     

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.     

Out‐of‐plane effects in 2D borehole‐to‐surface resistivity tomography and applications in mineral exploration

In this paper, we discuss the effects of anomalous out‐of‐plane bodies in two‐dimensional (2D) borehole‐to‐surface electrical resistivity tomography with numerical resistivity modelling and synthetic inversion tests. The results of the two groups of synthetic resistivity model tests illustrate that anomalous bodies out of the plane of interest have an effect on two‐dimensional inversion and that the degree of influence of out‐of‐plane body on inverted images varies. The different influences are derived from two cases. One case is different resistivity models with the same electrode array, and the other case is the same resistivity model with different electrode arrays. Qualitative interpretation based on the inversion tests shows that we cannot find a reasonable electrode array to determine the best inverse solution and reveal the subsurface resistivity distribution for all types of geoelectrical models. Because of the three‐dimensional effect arising from neighbouring anomalous bodies, the qualitative interpretation of inverted images from the two‐dimensional inversion of electrical resistivity tomography data without prior information can be misleading. Two‐dimensional inversion with drilling data can decrease the three‐dimensional effect. We employed two‐ and three‐dimensional borehole‐to‐surface electrical resistivity tomography methods with a pole–pole array and a bipole–bipole array for mineral exploration at Abag Banner and Hexigten Banner in Inner Mongolia, China. Different inverse schemes were carried out for different cases. The subsurface resistivity distribution obtained from the two‐dimensional inversion of the field electrical resistivity tomography data with sufficient prior information, such as drilling data and other non‐electrical data, can better describe the actual geological situation. When there is not enough prior information to carry out constrained two‐dimensional inversion, the three‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography survey is the better choice.     

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.     

The use of reference models from a priori data to guide 2D inversion of electrical resistivity tomography data

Clay-rich till plains cover much of the UK. Such sites are attractive locations for landfills, since clay aquitards lower the risk of landfill leachate entering groundwater. However, such tills often contain sand and gravel bodies that can act as leachate flow routes. Such bodies may not be detected by conventional site investigation techniques such as drilling boreholes and trial pitting. A method of guided inversion, where a priori data are used to construct structural reference models for use in inverting electrical resistivity tomography data, was proposed as a tool to improve the detection of sand and gravel bodies within clay-rich till sequences.
Following a successful 2D guided inversion synthetic modelling study, a field study was undertaken. Wenner 2D electrical resistivity tomography lines, resistivity cone penetrometry bores and electromagnetic induction ground resistivity data were collected over a site on the East Yorkshire coast, England, where sand and gravel lenses were known to exist from cliff exposures. A number of equally valid geoelectrical models were constructed using the electromagnetic and resistivity cone data. These were used as structural reference models in the inversion of the resistivity tomography data. Blind inversion using an homogenous reference model was also carried out for comparison.
It was shown for the first time that the best solution model produced by 2D inversion of one data set with a range of structural reference models could be determined by using the l ₂ model misfit between the solution models and associated reference models (reference misfit) as a proxy for the l ₂ misfit between the solution models and the synthetic model or 'best-guess' geoelectrical model (true misfit). The 2D methodology developed here is applicable in clay-rich till plains containing sand and gravel bodies throughout the UK.     

The application of GPR and ERI in combination with exposure logging and retrodeformation analysis to characterize sinkholes and reconstruct their impact on fluvial sedimentation

This work illustrates the practicality of investigating sinkholes integrating data gathered by ground penetrating radar (GPR), electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) and trenching or direct logging of the subsidence‐affected sediments in combination with retrodeformation analysis. This mutidisciplinary approach has been tested in a large paleosinkhole developed during the deposition of a Quaternary terrace on salt‐bearing evaporites. The subsidence structure, exposed in an artificial excavation, is located next to Puilatos, a village that was abandoned in the 1970s due to severe subsidence damage. Detailed logging of the exposure revealed that the subsidence structure corresponds to an asymmetric sagging and collapse paleosinkhole with no clear evidence of recent activity. The sedimentological and structural relationships together with the retrodeformation analysis indicate that synsedimentary subsidence controlled channel location, the development of a palustrine environment and local changes in the channel pattern. GPR profiles were acquired using an array of systems with different antenna frequencies, including some recently developed shielded antennas with improved vertical resolution and penetration depth. Although radargrams imaged the faulted sagging structure and provided valuable data on fault throw, they did not satisfactorily image the complex architecture of the fluvial deposit. ERI showed lower resolution but higher penetration depth when compared to GPR, roughly capturing the subsidence structure and yielding information on the thickness of the high‐resistivity alluvium and the nature of the underlying low‐resistivity karstic residue developed on top of the halite‐bearing evaporitic bedrock. Data comparison allows the assessment of the advantages and limitations of these complementary techniques, highly useful for site‐specific sinkhole risk management. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于非结构网格的电阻率三维带地形反演

地表起伏地形在野外矿产资源勘察中不可避免,其对直流电阻率法勘探影响巨大.近年来,电阻率三维正演取得诸多进展,特别是应用非结构网格我们能够进行任意复杂地形和几何模型的电阻率三维数值模拟,但面向实际应用的起伏地形下电阻率三维反演依然困难.本文基于非结构化四面体网格,并考虑到应用GPS/GNSS时,区域地球物理调查中可非规则布设测网的实际特点,实现了任意地形(平坦或起伏)条件下、任意布设的偶极-偶极视电阻率数据的不完全Gauss-Newton三维反演.合成数据的反演结果表明了方法的有效性,可应用于复杂野外环境下的三维电法勘探.     

Electrical Resistivity Imaging and the Saline Water Interface in High-Quality Coastal Aquifers

Population growth and changing climate continue to impact on the availability of natural resources. Urbanization of vulnerable coastal margins can place serious demands on shallow groundwater. Here, groundwater management requires definition of coastal hydrogeology, particularly the seawater interface. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) appears to be ideally suited for this purpose. We investigate challenges and drivers for successful electrical resistivity imaging with field and synthetic experiments. Two decades of seawater intrusion monitoring provide a basis for creating a geo-electrical model suitable for demonstrating the significance of acquisition and inversion parameters on resistivity imaging outcomes. A key observation is that resistivity imaging with combinations of electrode arrays that include dipole–dipole quadrupoles can be configured to illuminate consequential elements of coastal hydrogeology. We extend our analysis of ERI to include a diverse set of hydrogeological settings along more than 100 km of the coastal margin passing the city of Perth, Western Australia. Of particular importance are settings with: (1) a classic seawater wedge in an unconfined aquifer, (2) a shallow unconfined aquifer over an impermeable substrate, and (3) a shallow multi-tiered aquifer system over a conductive impermeable substrate. We also demonstrate a systematic increase in the landward extent of the seawater wedge at sites located progressively closer to the highly urbanized center of Perth. Based on field and synthetic ERI experiments from a broad range of hydrogeological settings, we tabulate current challenges and future directions for this technology. Our research contributes to resolving the globally significant challenge of managing seawater intrusion at vulnerable coastal margins.     

基于二次场电导率分块连续变化的三维可控源电磁有限元数值模拟

从电偶源三维地电断面可控源电磁法的二次电场边值问题及其变分问题出发,采用任意六面体单元对研究区域进行剖分,并且在单元分析中同时对电导率及二次电场进行三线性插值,实现电导率分块连续变化情况下,基于二次场的可控源电磁三维有限元数值模拟.这个新的可控源电磁三维正演方法可以模拟实际勘探中地下任意形状及电性参数连续变化的复杂模型.理论模型的计算结果表明,均匀大地计算的视电阻率误差和相位误差分别为0.002%和0.0005°.分层连续变化模型的有限元计算结果表明,其与对应的分层均匀模型解析结果有明显差异.三维异常体组合模型以及倾斜异常体等复杂模型的有限元计算结果也有效地反映了异常形态.     

Electrical resistivity imaging of hydrologic flow through surface coal mine valley fills with comparison to other landforms

Surface coal mining has altered land cover, near‐surface geologic structure, and hydrologic processes of large areas in central Appalachia, USA. These alterations are associated with changes in water quality such as elevated total‐dissolved solids, which is usually measured via its surrogate, specific conductance (SC). The SC of valley fill effluent streams is a function of fill construction methods, materials, and age; yet hydrologic studies that relate these variables to water quality are sparse due to the difficulty of conducting traditional hydrologic studies in mined landscapes. We used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to visualize the subsurface geologic structure and hydrologic flow paths within a valley fill. ERI is a noninvasive geophysical technique that maps spatiotemporal changes in resistivity of the subsurface. We paired ERI with artificial rainfall experiments to track infiltrated water as it moved through the valley fill. Results indicate that ERI can be used to identify subsurface geologic structure and track advancing wetting fronts or preferential flow paths. Our results suggest that the upper portion of the fill contains significant fines, whereas the deeper profile is primarily large rocks and void spaces. Water tended to pond on the surface of compacted areas until it reached preferential flow paths, where it appeared to infiltrate quickly down to >15 m depth in 75 min. ERI applications can improve understanding of how fill construction techniques influence subsurface water movement, and in turn may aid in the development of valley fill construction methods to reduce water quality effects.     

多辐射场源地空瞬变电磁法多分量全域视电阻率定义

本文针对多辐射场源地空瞬变电磁法理论,建立了相应的多分量全域视电阻率定义方法.分析了利用磁场强度进行多辐射场源地空系统全域视电阻率定义的优点,针对磁场强度的各个分量,提出了各自的全域视电阻率算法,实现了多分量、全时域、全空域视电阻率计算,并分析了偏移距对全域视电阻率的影响.通过调整源的相对位置及电流方向等参数,多辐射源瞬变电磁地空系统不仅可以加强不同分量信号强度,削弱随机干扰,还可更好地分辨地下异常体的位置.通过对所设计模型的处理,证实了多辐射场源地空系统多分量全域视电阻率算法的有效性,也验证了多辐射场源地空系统的优势.     

Feasibility Assessment of Long-Term Electrical Resistivity Monitoring of a Nitrate Plume

Long-term monitoring solutions at contaminated sites are necessary to track plume migration and evaluate the performance of remediation efforts. Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) can potentially provide information about plume dynamics; however, the feasibility and likelihood of success are seldom evaluated before conducting a field study. Coupling flow and transport models with geoelectrical models provide a powerful way to assess the potential effectiveness of an actual ERI field campaign. We present a coupled approach for evaluating the feasibility of monitoring nitrate migration and remediation using 4D time-lapse ERI at a legacy nuclear waste facility. This kilometer-scale study focuses on depths below the water table (∼70 m). A flow and transport model is developed to perform simulations of nitrate migration and removal via a hypothetical pump-and-treat system. A tracer injection is also simulated at the leading edge of the nitrate plume to enhance the conductivity contrast between the native subsurface and the groundwater fluids. Images of absolute bulk conductivity provide limited information concerning plume migration while time-lapse difference images, which remove the static effects of geology, provide more useful information concerning plume dynamics over time. A spatial moment analysis performed on flow and transport and ERI models matches well during the tracer injection; however, inversion regularization smoothing otherwise limits the value in terms of locating the center of mass. We find that the addition of a tracer enables ERI to characterize plume dynamics during pump-and-treat operations, and late-time ERI monitoring provides a conservative estimate of nitrate plume boundaries in this synthetic study.     

任意各向异性介质中三维可控源音频大地电磁正演模拟

在一些地层层理发育的地区,地下介质存在显著的电各向异性,此时基于各向同性模型解释含各向异性效应的可控源音频大地电磁（CSAMT）测深观测数据会导致错误的结果.本文通过引入3×3的对称正定张量表征电导率各向异性,采用非结构四面体网格和矢量有限元方法离散电场满足的矢量Helmholtz方程,并将电磁场源等效为系列电偶极子,实现任意各向异性介质中CSAMT高效数值模拟.本文首先通过层状各向异性模型检验三维有限元算法的精度和有效性,进一步建立三维地电模型研究异常体各向异性和围岩各向异性对CSAMT响应的影响,最后使用视电阻率极性图来识别各向异性电导率主轴方向.数值模拟结果表明,各向异性电导率对CSAMT视电阻率幅值及分布规律都有很大影响,视电阻率极性图能够很好地识别各向异性主轴方向.     

电性源瞬变电磁地空逆合成孔径成像

电性源地空瞬变电磁法具有工作效率高、勘探深度大、采集信号信噪比高、适用于地形地质条件复杂地区等优点.但是,到目前为止,由于尚未建立起该方法的解释系统,大大制约了该方法的发展.本文旨在建立起完整的地空电磁探测系统,丰富整个探测系统的理论.本文围绕地空瞬变电磁法全域视电阻率定义、瞬变电磁虚拟波场的克希霍夫偏移成像、逆合成孔径成像方法三个科学问题进行了系统研究.提出了用磁场强度定义全域视电阻率的迭代算法,理论模型试验结果表明计算出的视电阻率曲线首支趋于第一层电阻率,尾支趋于最后一层电阻率,实现了全空域、全时域视电阻率的计算;在先前研究的基础上,实现了适合电性源地空装置的瞬变电磁虚拟波场的克希霍夫偏移成像;采用相关迭加技术,实现孔径内多测点数据合成,将传统的单点处理方式发展成为逐点推移多次覆盖的逆合成孔径处理方法.层状模型试验表明:(1)全域视电阻率能够光滑、完整、渐变地反映出模型的电性信息变化;(2)当改变三层模型中间层电阻率时,全域视电阻率曲线随着参数的改变分异明显,对电性层的识别容易且直观;(3)由于在电阻率计算中同时考虑了接收机高度、偏移距、时间等各参数的影响,全域视电阻率可实现全空域、全时域的视电阻率计算.含水采空区的复杂模型算例表明:(1)根据不同测线的全域视电阻率结果可以看出,在靠近采空区的位置,全域视电阻率断面可以清晰地反映出采空区的空间位置,随着测线离采空区越来越远,采空区异常越来越弱直至消失;(2)波场变换和偏移成像的结果显示存在两个电性差异较大的界面,上界面指示地表,由于空气和大地之间的电性差异较大,故该界面波场信号反映强烈,遍布整个区域,下界面异常信号则主要集中在中部,向外逐渐减弱,指示采空区;(3)逆合成孔径成像结果表明地表界面在合成前后没有变化,而采空区异常合成后范围明显变小,且异常边界清晰,指示的采空区位置与模型吻合很好.本文借助于逆合成孔径雷达成像的基本思想,建立了一套电性源瞬变电磁地空逆合成孔径成像方法.基于反函数思想结合迭代算法提出的电性源地空瞬变电磁法的全域视电阻率定义方法,实现了全空域、全时域的视电阻率计算;借鉴瞬变电磁拟地震偏移成像算法,实现了瞬变场的三维成像;借鉴逆合成孔径雷达的思想,提出电性源瞬变电磁地空逆合成孔径算法,进一步提高了成像的分辨率.采空区模型算例表明相关叠加合成确实具有增强有用信号、提高信噪比、提高分辨率的诸多优点,证实了瞬变电磁地空逆合成孔径成像方法的有效性.     

Three-dimensional resistivity characterization of a coastal area: Application of Grounded Electrical-Source Airborne Transient Electromagnetic (GREATEM) survey data from Kujukuri Beach,Japan

An airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey using the Grounded Electrical-Source Airborne Transient Electromagnetic (GREATEM) system was conducted over the Kujukuri coastal plain in southeast Japan to assess the system's ability to accurately describe the geological structure beneath shallow seawater. To obtain high-quality data with an optimized signal-to-noise ratio, a series of data processing techniques were used to obtain the final transient response curves from the field survey data. These steps included movement correction, coordinate transformation, the removal of local noise, data stacking, and signal portion extraction.We performed numerical forward modeling to generate a three-dimensional (3D) resistivity structure model from the GREATEM data. This model was developed from an initial one-dimensional (1D) resistivity structure that was also inverted from the GREATEM field survey data. We modified a 3D electromagnetic forward-modeling scheme based on a finite-difference staggered-grid method and used it to calculate the response of the 3D resistivity model along each survey line. We verified the model by examining the fit of the magnetic-transient responses between field data and the 3D forward-model computed data, the latter of which were convolved with the measured system responses of the corresponding data set.The inverted 3D resistivity structures showed that the GREATEM system has the capability to map resistivity structures as far as 800 m offshore and as deep as 300–350 m underground in coastal areas of relatively shallow seawater depth (5–10 m).