Porosity determinations of sediments in Knight Inlet using a transient electromagnetic system

A newly developed towed transient electromagnetic (TEM) system is capable of measuring the electrical conductivity of the uppermost 5–10 m of sediments on the sea floor. The profiles of conductivity may be interpreted to give the porosity and likely texture of the bottom sediments. Recent tests of the system have demonstrated that data may be collected continuously in a surveying mode. Results from Knight Inlet, British Columbia, are in good agreement with sea floor samples from the area. Applications for the system include the rapid identification of sediment types for dredging operations, geotechnical surveys, or reconnaissance mapping of Quaternary geology.