Characterising Cover and Exploring Under Cover with AEM

Abstract

Characterisation of cover is an important aspect of understanding many geological systems. Through a better understanding of cover and improved sensitivity to deeper structures the footprint of mineral systems can be extracted. This is important in providing greater confidence to mineral explorers and will assist with further exploration success at depth. UNCOVER is a government initiative, focussed on improving the mineral prospects of Australia through better exploration of the subsurface under cover. AEM is well placed in supporting this initiative, by providing a rapid and efficient way to undertake near surface geophysical exploration. To accurately characterise the subsurface, AEM systems must have both accuracy and precision which are achieved through robust calibration and low noise levels. Tempest has a long history of exploring cover and under cover. The characteristics of the system are tuned to provide a broad bandwidth which maximises its sensitivity and applicability. Years of development has led to significant improvements in signal-to-noise along with deployment of system variants and platform diversity, including High Moment Tempest which provides increased transmitter moment along with reduced noise levels leading to greater depth of penetration and sensitivity to low conductivity contrasts.