Call number:
ZSP-201-79/23
In:
CRREL Report, 79-23
Description / Table of Contents:
The performance of surface impedance and magnetic induction electromagnetic subsurface exploration techniques was studied seasonally at various sites in Alaska where permafrost and massive ground ice occurred. The surface impedance method, which uses radiowaves in the LF and VLF bands, and the magnetic induction method, which uses low-frequency magnetic induction fields, distinguish subsurface materials by the electrical resistivity of the materials. The methods used have greatest sensitivity within about 20 m of the surface and are, therefore, most applicable for shallow subsurface investigations. The selection of study sites was based on anticipated contrasts in electrical resistivity between ground ice and adjacent earth materials. A magnetic induction instrument, using a separation of 3.66-m between the transmitter and receiver antennas, in general was able to detect near-surface zones of massive ice and to provide data regarding permafrost distribution in both the Fairbanks and Prudhoe Bay areas. At this antenna separation, the depth of magnetic field penetration was sufficient to include mainly the zone containing maximum contrasts in resistivity between ground ice and other earth materials. In the Fairbanks area, contrasts, in this zone were greatest in late winter when the seasonally thawed surface layer was completely frozen. When thawed, this layer usually becomes more conductive and often masks the deeper resistivity contrasts. In the Prudhoe Bay area, maximum ground resistivity contrasts were detected in late summer when shallow subsurface temperatures had risen sufficiently to permit resistivity contrasts between the massive ice and the ice-rich ground to appear.
Type of Medium:
Series available for loan
Pages:
v, 24 Seiten
,
Illustrationen
Series Statement:
CRREL Report 79-23
URL:
https://apps.dtic.mil/docs/citations/ADA077903
URL:
https://hdl.handle.net/11681/9110
Language:
English
Note:
CONTENTS
Abstract
Preface
Introduction
Background
Obiectives and procedures
Ground electrical resistivity in permafrost regions
Electromagnetic techniques
General
Magnetic induction method
Surface impedance fradiowave method
Direct current method
General description of field sites
Results
Site 1 CRREL permafrost station, Fairbanks, Alaska
Site 2 Planned road cut for Steese Highway near Fox, Alaska
Site 3 Relic floodplain near Fairbanks, Alaska
Site 4 Pingos, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Site 5 Ice wedges, Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Comparisons between the surface impedance and magnetic induction methods
Conclusions and recommendations
Literature cited
Appendix A. Discussion of the depth of sensitivity of the magnetic induction method using two- and three-layer apparent resistivity curves
Location:
AWI Archive
Branch Library:
AWI Library
Permalink
