Repeatability analysis of airborne electromagnetic surveys

PURPOSE: We provide methods for determining the repeatability of airborne electromagnetic surveys when conducted at different altitudes over a number of repeated flights. Our data arise from the TELLUS project carried out by the Geological Surveys of Ireland and Northern Ireland and we examine the repeatability of the apparent resistivity at different frequencies. METHODS: After considering a number of issues with the data, we propose two different models from the functional data analysis literature; a Weiner process with random effects, and a penalised spline smoother. RESULTS: Both methods arrive at the same conclusion regarding repeatability of the data; results obtained are more repeatable for flights at lower altitudes. CONCLUSIONS: The target altitude for aircraft carrying out airborne electromagnetic surveys should be as low as possible.