Summary The detection and discrimination of buried metal targets is an important aspect of geophysical electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques. A Geonics EM63 time domain metal detector was modified from its standard configuration to permit variable transmitter receiver (TX—RX) offsets. Several aluminum and steel objects were buried in shallow ground. Transient electromagnetic responses were measured and are presented in profile and map forms. The responses from different target arrangements show distinctive spatiotemporal RX induced voltage patterns. The results indicate that pattern recognition methods may be useful for buried metal target discrimination using multi RX EMI array configurations.
Introduction Transient controlled source EMI methods (McNeill 1980) are important in various geophysical applications including UXO remediation, aquifer and environmental site characterization and, at larger scales, geological mapping and mineral prospecting.