The Electromagnetic Response of the Different Conductive Phenomena of the Athabasca Basin Area of Saskatchewan to the Slingram Coil Configuration

Abstract

This study throws some light onto the types of conductors in the Athabasca Basin area of Saskatchewan, which respond to air and ground electromagnetic surveying systems. By relating laboratory physical scaled modelling results to field results, for a ground EM system using the slingram or horizontal loop coil configuration, it becomes apparent there are: a) moderately to steeply-dipping, moderately-conductive tabular basement zones, and b) very broad, weakly-conductive basements units – in the overall picture. By further relating the Input air EM results to the interpretation, based on the 'slingram' ground EM results, supported at times by drill hole information, some interpretive aids can be obtained for the Input air EM system, which to date have been rather incomplete for an environment such as the Athabasca Basin. The incompleteness of the Input interpretation has often led to improper procedures. In conclusion, the results of this study will improve the quality of the interpretation for both the Input air EM system, and ground EM systems using the slingram coil configuration.