| Abstract: | The inductive transient electromagnetic method (TEM) shows good potential for the detection of metallic relics of historical interest, such as buried antique bells, Buddhist idols, or precious metal nuggets. The effectiveness of the method was investigated with analogue models, using transmitter-receiver loop configurations with sizes or receiver spacings slightly different from those usually applied in earth resources exploration with the Sirotem system. The analogue modelling results show that the location and depth of the buried treasure may be obtained from the Sirotem data. A solid metallic object such as an antique bell could be detected to a depth about 12 times greater than its size, and treasure consisting of separate metallic objects, such as gold nuggets, could be detected to a depth 5 times its linear dimensions with a transmitter current of ? 20 A. In scaling down the dimensions of a target, its conductivity should be increased in order to preserve the same TEM conditions found in the field. However, since the buried treasure consists of gold or copper objects, it is not possible to properly scale the conductivity. Hence, in the field, the depth detection limit is expected to be greater than that derived from analogue modelling. |
