Course

The course provides an overview of how Magnetotellurics can be applied to exploration problems, with details provided on all aspects of the technology. Hence, anyone with some geoscience background can attend, from geophysicists to geologists to managers.

Duration

One Day (8 hours)

Intended Audience

Entry level

Prerequisites (Knowledge/Experience/Education Required)

The course provides an overview of how Magnetotellurics can be applied to exploration problems, with details provided on all aspects of the technology. Hence, anyone with some geoscience background can attend, from geophysicists to geologists to managers.

Summary

In the last 20 years, the use of magnetotelluric and audio-magnetotelluric methods for resource exploration and exploitation has increased significantly and there is a need for explorationists to better understand the theory, application, and interpretation of Magnetotellurics (MT) method. This course will provide the interested explorationist with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and manage cost-effective MT field programs and to understand data processing and interpretation issues. Over eight hours, the virtual course will cover the following topics: theory, applications, acquisition, processing, and interpretation of data. The course can be structured to include mineral, petroleum, geothermal, and/or groundwater exploration.

Course Outline

• Theory
  1. Maxwell’s equations and fundamental physics of technique
  2. Source fields
  3. History
• Applications
  1. Where it can/cannot be used
  2. Limitations – cultural noise
  3. Targets
  4. Resolution

• Acquisition/Equipment
  1. Equipment manufacturers
  2. Types of arrays
  3. Logistics
  4. Planning a survey
  5. Cost effectiveness
  6. QC of data during acquisition
      
• Processing
  1. Standard parameters
  2. Noise reduction/filtering
  3. Routine processing
  4. ‘Robust’ processing
      
• Interpretation
  1. 1D – Forward and inverse, limitations
  2. 2D – Forward and inverse, limitations and caveats
  3. 3D – Current codes, benefits, and case histories
  4. Workstations – WinGLink, Geotools, others
  5. Output – Cross-sections and maps
  6. Integration with other geophysical methods, geology, and well information

Learner Outcomes

• Understand the basic physic involved in MT
• Know what the two key MT source fields are, and their behavior
• Define the basics of MT acquisition – what fields are acquired, how and why
• Realize the various ways to process MT data
• Describe how the numerous MT parameters are utilized in MT interpretation
• Distinguish between 1D, 2D, and 3D interpretation methods
• Understand the steps and needs for completing a good MT field acquisition program and interpretation

Instructor Biography

Karen Christopherson