| Abstract: | Approaches to the reduction of bias in the computation of the elements of the magnetotelluric impedance tensor have been proposed in the past by several authors. In this paper a clear distinction is made between random errors and bias errors. No effort is made to reduce either, but the emphasis is on their estimation. Both types of errors depend critically upon the polarization of the magnetic field. The random error increases with increasing noise-to-signal ratio in the electrical field, and it is rather insensitive to noise in the magnetic field. The bias error increases with increasing noise-to-signal ratio in the magnetic field. Expressions for random errors and maximum bias errors are developed and discussed using a single station set-up. Random errors with a reference station set-up are also calculated. |
