Overview of Airborne-Electromagnetic and -Magnetic Geophysical Data Collection Using the RESOLVE and GEOTEM Surveys near Red Deer, Central Alberta

This report is the first in a series of eight Alberta Geological Survey Open File reports that provide an overview of airborne electromagnetic and magnetic geophysical surveys completed over the Edmonton-Calgary Corridor (ECC). Fugro Airborne Surveys Ltd. Conducted these surveys between November 2007 to February 2010 as part of a joint Alberta Geological Survey and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development study to determine the usefulness of the RESOLVE, GEOTEM and TEMPEST geophysical survey techniques in mapping the distribution and physical attributes of sediment- and bedrock-aquifer complexes over areas of formerly glaciated terrain.

The report describes data collection methods using the Fugro Airborne Surveys Ltd. RESOLVE and GEOTEM survey techniques and data processing. A geophysical interpretation of these data completed for the four survey areas near the city of Red Deer, Alberta, by Fugro Airborne Surveys Ltd. And Larch Consulting Ltd. Is included as an appendix.

The ECC was selected as the first test area for airborne geophysical data collection as it represents the region with the highest rates of industrial and urban growth in the province. Since this growth will likely exert increasing demands on water resources in the ECC, it is necessary to locate areas of groundwater recharge, and to reassess the spatial distribution of previously mapped, as well as unmapped aquifer complexes in the region. By doing so, Alberta may better predict and manage current and/or future stresses on existing aquifer systems caused by industrial, agricultural and urban development. Airborne geophysical survey methods were selected as one of the tools in completing this assessment.