Pierre Andrieux

Field and/or resistivity mapping in MT-VLF and implications for data processing

The ratio of the horizontal electric and magnetic components of the electromagnetic field generated by a radio transmitter in the very low frequency (VLF) range is used in MT-VLF resistivity mapping to determine the apparent resistivity of the ground. A theoretical calculation of the responses of simple 2-D and 3-D prismatic bodies shows that the measurable lateral variations in both fields are independent, uncoupled, and correspond to frequency‐independent, static variations. It is advantageous therefore to process and map the fields separately. Processing methods used in gravimetry and magnetics are especially appropriate in correcting the apparent anisotropy related to the horizontal polarization of the primary field and in integrating (upward continuation) the high‐frequency spatial variations. The different processes tested on a synthetic case and on data obtained at the Centre de Recherches Geophysiques (CRG) test site showed how to eliminate shallow features and a current channeling conductor to fa...

Invariants for correcting field polarisation effect in MT-VLF resistivity mapping

Abstract MT-VLF resistivity mapping is well suited to perform hydrology and environment studies. However, the apparent anistropy generated by the polarisation of the primary field requires the use of two transmitters at a right angle to each other in order to prevent errors in interpretation. We propose a processing technique that uses approximate invariants derived from classical developments in tensor magnetotellurics. They consist of the calculation at each station of . Both synthetic and field cases show that they give identical results and correct perfectly for the apparent anisotropy generated by the polarisation of the transmitted field. They should be preferred to verticalization of the electric field which remains of interest when only transmitter data are available.