An analysis of airborne transient electromagnetic data for hydrogological investigations

Traditionally, frequency and time domain airborne electromagnetic (AEM) systems have been used for mineral prospecting, often in parts of the world with little environmental electromagnetic disturbance. However, the increased focus on hydrogeological investigations in many parts of the world has led to a growing interest in the possibility of using airborne systems for such purposes, even in densely populated areas (Sengpiel and Siemon 1998). This raises many interesting questions as to the resolution capabilities of AEM systems and their sensitivity to disturbing influence from ambient electromagnetic noise, and the presence of man-made structures such as power lines, buried cables, and fences.