New electromagnetic sensors as the drive for a much more widespread usage of geophysical subsurface images

Understanding the top 100 m of the near subsurface using geophysical sensors has gained momentum over the last couple of decades but we are also in great need to better understand this region of the subsurface. In recent years, there has been several advancements in new geophysical sensors greatly pushed by new advanced electronic, powerful computers and integrated data processing algorithms. This has enabled us to move from single point 1D measurements to full 3D coverage. Specially EM sensors have become much more applicable for solving real world problems, thanks to the integration of data processing algorithms with instrumentation. One of the most recent and advanced tools that has created big difference in near-surface mapping is the tTEM system. Using the tTEM system one can achieve comprehensive continuous images of the sub surface’s electrical properties – extremely valuable information to map water flow pathways for many different applications. Also new geoelectrical sensors can be efficiently used to monitor the dynamic processes in the subsurface. The potential of TEM sensors can be fully exploited to monitor the groundwater table in water deficit regions. Machine learning algorithms are paving the way to handle the huge amount of data in real time.