Lithogen Presents: TEM and ERT Geophysical Primer Short Course

Lithogen Inc. presents TEM and ERT Geophysical Primer, a course developed by Lithogen Inc. with material support from GuildelineGeo. This two day short course will teach students the fundamentals of two geophysical methods: Time Domain Electromagnetics (TDEM or TEM), and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT or sometimes ERI). These methods are used in subsuraface imaging for geotechnical, groundwater, environmental, permafrost, or other subsurface mapping projects where the goal is to reduce the total number of boreholes required.

The course will cover a half day of theory for each instrument, then provide hands-on with the instruments in the afternoon.

The course is designed for students who are technically competent in fields such as: geosciences, soil sciences, civil engineering, or environemental sceinces. A certificate will be provided after the course so that students can apply this towards continuing professional development hours.

The course agenda:

Day 1 (9am-4pm, break for lunch, coffee provided)

• Basic TEM theory
• TEM Instrumentation
• Survey design and parameters
• Virtual Hands-on
• Lunch break
• Field demo using WalkTEM2
• Basic data processing using SPIA (commerical)
• Case studies and discussion

Day 2(9am-4pm, break for lunch, coffee provided)

• Basic ERT theory
• ERT Instrumentation
• Survey design and parameters
• Virtual Hands-on
• Lunch break
• Field demo using TerrameterLS2
• Basic data processing using RES2DInv (commercial)
• Case studies and discussion

SPIA and RES2DInv are licensed software available from Seequent. For students who are adept at using python and open source products, reasonable alternatives exist, such as: https://empymod.emsig.xyz/en/stable/gallery/tdomain/tem_walktem.html#sphx-glr-gallery-tdomain-tem-walktem-py - however they are too complex to cover in such a short period. ResIPy is a suitable free alternative to RES2DInv.

Depending on the total number of attendees, this course may be taught in Lithogen's warehouse at 576 Roseberry St., Winnipeg, or in an adjacent building.

If you are a geophysics student (or similar) and wish to take this course, please contact us via email for sponsorship options.

We welcome attendees from GeoManitoba2025!

See also our 2 day GPR short course, Sept 19-20.

Host or Publisher Troy Unrau