Dear
Colleague:
Welcome to Quantum, a periodic e-newsletter for
professionals working with magnetic technologies. Quantum
is designed to keep you up to speed on applications, case
histories, and evolutions of quantum magnetometers in a variety
of disciplines.
In this
issue:
Digital Prospection Tools
- Making Inroads in Archaeology
(Top)
Digital prospection tools,
such as magnetometers, offer proven methods for
environmentally-friendly archaeological prospection. They also
reduce survey costs, deliver high-volume detailed data;
illuminate subtle or invisible phenomena; and help plan digs for
maximum efficiency and selective recovery. Here, we look at an
example of the use of magnetics for prospection as well as a
notice for an upcoming workshop of general interest:
Earthquake Research
– An Emerging Frontier for Magnetics
(Top)
Magnetics has
played a significant role in Earthquake studies over decades.
Based on the theory of piezomagnetism and / or piezokinetics, it
has occasionally produced startling results that could not,
however, be either confirmed or repeated.
The main
reason appears to be poor sensitivity of the instruments
employed traditionally. Existing systems managed 1 – 4 nT
overall noise and induction coils improved this to some 0.025 nT
or 25 pT. Now, however, GEM’s novel SuperGrad technology is
providing an alternate, ultra-high sensitivity approach to
detecting these low-bandwidth magnetic phenomena.
To see some
of the research and initiatives in progress, please select from
the links below:
GEM R&D in Action
- Releasing v7.0 Magnetometer Series
(Top)
GEM's R&D
group is
pleased to announce that it will soon be releasing version 7.0
of its leading magnetometers. The new “Efficiency” release has
been implemented for greater speed in handling input and output
and to provide additional GPS functionality.
For a short
overview of the new features in version 7.0 (Standard Line
Format for Data Input, GPS Triggered Readings, Picket Marking,
GPS Elevation for Enhanced Magnetic Data Modeling, Enhanced
Positioning Resolution for GPS surveys, GEM-VIS QC /
Visualization Software Bundle, <1m Internal GPS Capability and
more), click
here.
GEM-VIS -
Magnetometer Software Now Available
(Top)
GEM
has added a software bundle for spatial geophysical data
developed through geophysical software developer, Encom
Technology of Australia.
The GEM-VIS
software package complements GEM’s GEMLinkW download software.
can quickly and easily import data into GEM-VIS and view data in
1D, 2D or 3D as required. Line annotation, posting and other
functions are also provided. Grid utility and magnetic modeling
add-ons enhance the capabilities of GEM-VIS as required by
users.
GEM-VIS is
available either through the v7.0 release or on a standalone
basis. Users are provided with an easy-to-read manual, and the
software is intuitive enough that it can be easily learned and
then put to good use in the field or office. For more
information on GEM-VIS, click
here.
Near Surface
Characterization - Maximizing Efficiency
(Top)
One of the
hot trends in
near surface
characterization or “shallow” geophysics is the
development of single-operator towed arrays (cart technologies)
that can save survey time and provide a robust platform for
acquiring noise-free data. HydroGEOPHYSICS Inc. of Tuscon,
Arizona and GEM collaborated in 2003 on developing a cart
technology with the potential for integrated magnetic,
electromagnetic and other arrays.
- To learn
more about the “GO-CART”, click
here.
- To see an
example of custom carts from GEM, click
here.
Mineral
Exploration - Illuminating Geology with Advanced Technology
(Top)
After years
of challenges, the mineral exploration industry appears buoyant
again as measured by the record attendance figures at the 2004
Prospectors and Developers conference in Toronto in mid-March.
Nearly 12,000 investors and industry professionals attended ( a
50 per cent jump on the 1996 record) -- encouraged by higher
prices for gold and an increase in global metals consumption.
Also
highlighted were some spectacular new exploration discoveries
including Ivanhoe Mines' copper-gold discovery in Mongolia – a
project in which GEM GSM-19 Overhauser magnetometers are in
routine use. And, ground magnetics continues to
illuminate geology with advanced
technology as measured by examples from junior
miners.
Observatories
- Re-Tooling their Installations
(Top)
A variety of
magnetic observatory installations are taking the opportunity to
re-tool their installations with new systems, including GEM’s
unique
Suspended dIdD,
EUROMAG, and
GSM-19 offerings. The appeal
is based on the long-term measuring stability and accuracy which
is a basic design criterion for GEM.
In the news
are organizations such as the
United
States Geological Survey,
National Research Council (Canada),
Hermanus Observatory (South
Africa), and
Zentralanstalt für
Meteorologie und Geodynamik (Austria).
Organizations
procured a combination of EUROMAG, Suspended dIdD, and GSM-19W
and GSM-19GW units. EUROMAG and Suspended dIdD are used for
scalar and vector measurements respectively. GSM-19 series
units are used for local surveys as well as base station
applications.
Students
- Leading the Way with Magnetic Essays
(Top)
A group of
earth science companies (GEM Advanced Magnetometers, Encom
Technology, GISCO, Allied Associates Geophysical Ltd., Geostudi
Astier SRL, and Terraplus Canada) is sponsoring an essay award
program in magnetics for students enrolled in post-secondary
institutions.
The program
is intended to support the next generation of geoscience
professionals through financial awards and access to
professional magnetometer software. It also focuses on magnetic
methods as one of the key geophysical methods for addressing
today’s earth science challenges in a variety of disciplines.
Students have until Friday April 9th
to submit their essays. For more details, visit
http://www.gemsys.ca/magnetic_essays.htm
School of Mines
- Putting the K-Mag to the Test
(Top)
The
Colorado School of Mines
recently purchased a K-Mag (GEM's unique ultra-high sensitivity
optically pumped Potassium instrument). The K-Mag has been
attracting considerable interest from academic institutions
seeking to upgrade their old technology proton and cesium
magnetometers to the latest Potassium magnetometer and
gradiometer technology.
GEM's
optically pumped Potassium tool also makes a good instrument for
serious geophysical students - enabling them to evaluate results
with an entirely new level of sensitivity and accuracy. The
K-Mag minimizes heading error to a level of + / - 0.025 nT which
avoids the problem of "drop-outs" often seen in cesium systems.
UAVs -
Meeting Specialized Airborne Needs
(Top)
One of the
interesting trends noted recently is the availability of
Unmanned Automated Vehicles (UAVs) for airborne magnetometer and
gradiometer
surveys. Various groups have been working on developing the
platforms and compensation systems as well as integrating the
sensing mechanics for recording magnetic measurements.
Although they
are still
in their infancy, these systems have benefits for surveying in
terrains (marshes, swamps, or mined areas, etc.) where
acquisition of ground magnetic data may not be feasible. GEM is
pleased to be able to provide its K-Mag technology (GSMP-30A)
for these types of platforms. For more information on the
GSMP-30A technology,
click here.
The Last Word - Our Users Request a
Summary of GEM Products
(Top)
GEM is known
for its innovation and development of many new systems over the
years. However, as our customers note, it can be difficult to
get an up-to-date perspective of GEM's developments as technical
enhancements are made on a continuing basis. Therefore, we have
created a summary of GEM products to help navigate through the
GEM geophysical equipment landscape.
To access a
text-based overview, click
here.
More detailed information can be accessed by clicking
here. Lastly, as you
navigate our website, please note that the "Products" menu
provides an overview of applications as well as detailed
specifications for our instrumentation systems. The
"Applications" menu provides an overview of magnetometers and
gradiometers for specific uses.
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Copyright 2004. GEM Systems, Inc. Advanced Magnetometers.
All rights reserved with the exception of organizations that
have contributed links to this issue. Our thanks to the contributors who have
made this edition possible, and who are identified in the text of related articles
or through their company websites. Note that some quotes relating
to industry-specific trends may have been obtained from public-domain
sources, and are not intended to promote GEM Systems,
Inc. Other examples may not necessarily reflect GEM products;
rather these examples are intended to illustrate the use of
magnetics and magnetometry for selected applications.
