Magnetics
Magnetics in
Environmental Studies
Magnetics is an
effective and efficient method to survey large areas for buried metal objects
such as tanks and barrels. Buried metal objects create anomalies in the earth's
magnetic field. To detect these anomalies, we measure the earth's total
magnetic field and local magnetic gradients. Portable proton precession or
cesium vapor magnetometers are used to take these
measurements. The magnetometers internally store the magnetic readings, the
readings' locations and other useful data. The data are downloaded to a
computer, processed and contoured. Magnetic contour maps are then superimposed
onto site plans. The results are very accurate plots of the buried metal at a
site. Often we can tell what an object is from its anomaly or we use a ground
penetrating radar to help identify the object. Magnetic surveys are done
quickly and are useful in:
- Locating buried drums, tanks, and other metal
objects
- Delineating dumps and fills
- Finding abandoned wells
- Locating utilities
Magnetics and
Faults
Magnetic surveys
are frequently done to find faults. Faults can juxtapose materials with
different magnetic susceptibilities. Where juxtaposition occurs a distinctive
magnetic anomaly appears. We collect lines of magnetic data at several
locations across a suspected fault to detect these anomalies. Data are also
collected at a base station to correct for drifts in the earth's total magnetic
field. Unlike environmental studies where anomalies are quite large, anomalies
caused by faults are subtle and careful data processing is required. Once the
data are processed and plotted, the location of a fault can be determined.
At J R Associates
we stand ready to apply our geophysical expertise to your particular
requirements. Please contact us to discuss how our combination of techniques,
knowledge and experience can provide you with a window on what's underground.
J
R Associates,
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