f Optimisation of Primary Waveform for Airborne Electromagnetic Surveys

Fixed wing airborne electromagnetic surveying is used to provide economical high coverage geoelectrical mapping of the subsurface. An airborne system may transmit a range of primary waveforms depending on the purpose of the survey. A waveform suitable for resolving near surface conductivity distribution may be inappropriate for detection of deep isolated conductors. In this presentation we demonstrate the usefulness of numerical modelling in optimising transmitter waveform parameters where the geo-electrical target is roughly known. We show how characteristics of the primary field including, waveform shape, transmitted pulse width, and off-time duration affect AEM response.