Geoscience Australia Geophysical Survey Using magneto telluric (MT) technology

As part of the Australian Government’s Exploring for the Future, Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with state government agencies and universities, is collecting audio and broadband magnetotelluric data.

At its heart, the program is about contributing to a sustainable, long-term future for Australia through an improved understanding of the nation’s groundwater, mineral and energy resource potential.

The survey started on Monday 20 February 2023 and will continue for around a month taking in the country between Wentworth, White Cliffs, Menindee and Wilcannia.

The method uses lightweight equipment supplied by the Canadian firm, Phoenix Geophysics which includes the Induction sensor held by Randall, which is connected to the field computer equipment.

Solar energy and lighting (and even the recent Aurora) cause variations in the earths magnetic field.

When the flow of this electrical current through the earth is measured, the resistance it encounters lets those who know about these things, to gauge what is under the earth be it liquid, gas or mineral.

This survey hopes to see what is 30 kilometres underneath this area.

In conducting this survey, cultural heritage due diligence has been undertaken and no sites are accessed without prior landholder consent.

The equipment weighs around 30kg, so is easy to use in any type of country and carries less operator risk unlike seismic exploration where large, heavy vehicles are used.

For further information contact Geoscience Australia.
P: 1800 800 173 E: clientservices@ga.gov.au or go www.ga.gov.au/eftf

This article appeared in Wilcannia News, March 2023.