TITAN 160

Array-based distributed MT surveying

TITAN 160 MT utilizes the new Quantec data logger. The QRT 160 is a 6-channel data acquisition unit that is capable of measuring full frequency MT data. TITAN 160 is a distributed array-based geophysical system that collects complete lines of data simultaneously.  The technology behind TITAN allows the system to sample data very rapidly and measure very small signals.

Several survey configurations are available for the TITAN 160.

TITAN 160 MT – EMAP mode

TITAN 160 MT EMAP measures natural field data from 10,000 Hz to below 1 Hz. array-based surveying allows the complete line of inline dipoles to be laid out and then measured simultaneously.  The line survey line is set-up during the day and then is read overnight, when the natural signals are at their strongest. The survey is now able to capture the full spectrum of frequencies including very low frequencies. By doing so, the sections can now be easily created to depths of 1000 metres and greater.

The layout has a similar configuration to CSAMT without need for a transmitter. The survey relies on measuring inline electric fields as does CSAMT, but does not require that the cross line magnetic sensor is moved down the line because with EMAP, the complete line is put out at once and one magnetic field is simultaneously read for the complete line while the electric fields are being measured.

TITAN 160 MT array profiling provides a valid alternative to traditional CSAMT surveying for rapidly collecting deep detailed high-resolution resistivity images of the sub surface. Whereas CSAMT is generally useful in the top 500 metres  to 700 metres  of the subsurface, an EMAP survey can provide data down past 1000 metres.

CSAMT requires a large motor generator and transmitter to generate the necessary frequency range required to calculate resistivities for the survey. These required frequencies for a standard AMT survey are often not available during the daytime when typical surveys are run and hence the advent of “Controlled Source” – AMT (CSAMT). The transmitter can not be too close to the area being surveyed, because the transmit field will not behave like a natural field that is required for the survey. In addition the survey lines cannot be too far away from the transmitter or else the signal strength of the transmitted field is too weak. Therefore only clusters of lines can be done from the same transmit site. The survey typically requires that the transmitter be often moved. This can be a significant problem where access is an issue as the motor generator is often trailer mounted.

TITAN  160  (MT) EMAP survey layout  

TITAN  160  (MT) EMAP resistivity section 

TITAN 160 MT – (TE/TM) mode

TITAN 160 (TE/TM)   survey measures inline and cross line electric fields  as well as inline and cross line magnetic fields. The survey captures full frequency 3D MT data on an over night run. The diagram below outlines a typical layout.

TITAN  160  (MT) TE/TM survey layout  

 

Benefits of cross line electric field measurements (cross line dipoles or Transverse electrics (TE))

In many cases EMAP , like CSAMT is the quickest approach to obtaining the resistivity image of the earth, however, unknown 3D structure is probably best imaged using the 3D approach of cross line electric field measurements. (TE)

The images below were create from the same data set. A full TE/TM survey had the cross line electrics and magnetics removed and was re-inverted to show the comparison.

TITAN  160  (MT)  Resistivity section. EMAP (left) TE/TM (right). 

For more information on Magnetotelluric (MT) surveying please visit our REFERENCE  page.

For stand alone MT surveying visit SPARTAN page.