Capability of Low Temperature SQUID for Transient Electromagnetics under Anthropogenic Noise Conditions

in: Geophysics (2018)
Rochlitz, Raphael; Queitsch, Matthias; Yogeshwar, Pritam; Janser, Sascha; Günther, Thomas; Kukowski, Nina; Stolz, Ronny
Transient electromagnetics (TEM) is a well-established method for mineral, groundwater, and geothermal exploration. Superconducting Quantum Interference Device (SQUID) based magnetic field receivers used for TEM have theoretical advantages and higher sensitivity compared to commonly used induction coils, especially in areas with conductive overburden. However, SQUIDs have rarely been applied for TEM measurements in environments with significant anthropogenic noise. We extend the performance comparison of a low-temperature SQUID and an induction coil to suburban areas. Four fixed-loop datasets with totally 61 receiver stations have been acquired close to Bad Frankenhausen, Germany. The SQUID shows overall superior data quality, whereas coil data are more affected by anthropogenic and natural noise. In the vicinity of the transmitter loop, systematic distortion of the coil signals occurs at early times, most probably caused by sferic interferences. 1D inversion results of both receivers match well in general. However, the SQUID based models are more consistent, enable greater depths of investigation and hence, improved resolution of deep layers or even detection of thin conducting targets at up to 500 m depth. Moreover, SQUID data inversion reveals multidimensional effects within conductive overburden. In this regard, forward modeling is utilized to analyze systematic differences between SQUID and coil data inversion.

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