Three‐dimensional forward modelling and inversion of Z‐TEM data

Abstract

Z‐TEM data are airborne EM data which record the vertical magnetic field that results from natural sources. Processing the data yields transfer functions which relate the vertical magnetic field to horizontal fields at a reference station. The transfer functions depend upon frequency and provide information about the 3D conductivity structure of the Earth. In this paper we show how these transfer functions can be modelled. This is the crucial step towards any interpretation or inversion. The inversion of Z‐TEM data is computationally similar to inversion of MT data. This ability will enhance exploration efforts to find large scale structures buried at depth.