USE OF DECAY PATTERNS FOR THE CLASSIFICATION OF ANOMALIES IN TIME‐DOMAIN AEM MEASUREMENTS

Abstract

Interpretation of time‐domain electromagnetic measurements normally comprises visual anomaly selection and determination of body parameters, such as conductance, depth, and dip. A study is made to examine the possibility of in‐flight computer interpretation on the basis of decay patterns. Analysis of system response over conducting loops, vertical and dipping sheets, horizontal strips, and a half‐space indicates that identification of models and some of their parameters by decay patterns is feasible. By the simultaneous use of vertical and horizontal coil receivers, a reliable recognition of models may be achieved. While the secondary magnetic field over a conducting loop decays exponentially, other models show distinctive nonexponential patterns. Decay patterns are affected by conductance and conductor size, but less by depth and dip variations. Field measurements indicate that decay pattern may be used to distinguish between geologic bodies of various types.