LITERARY PENSION MAGNETOMETER:ITS USES FOR MAGNETIC

SURVEY
Summer training report submitted in partial fulfllment to the degree of Masters of Science
in “Applied Physics” of Amity University,NOIDA

Under the Supervision of

Dr. Santanu Baruah ,Scientist
Geosciences & Technology Division
CSIR-North East Institute of Science & Technology
(Govt of India)
Jorhat-785006,Assam,India

Submitted By

Mr. Prachurjya Borthakur

M.Sc.2nd sem(Applied Physics)
Reg no-A4450018024,2019YEAR
Amity Institute of Applied Sciences
Amity University NOIDA,UP,INDIA,
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Indeed it was a great opportunity for me to do my summer training in CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat.At

very outset,I will express my gratitude to Dr. Santanu Baruah,Scientist,Geoscience &
technology division,CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat for his guidance and supervision.I am very thankful
for his constant motivation regarding the current scenario and showing me the way out of any
doubt-full situation.During the write up he helped me with sound advice and idea which
become very beneficial later.

My deepest gratitude to Dr G. Narahari Sastry,Director,CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat for his kind

support and giving me the permission to do the summer training here.

I owe my most sincere gratitude to Dr.Sunita Rattan,HOI,Amity institute of applied

science,AMITY UNIVERSITY NOIDA for her initiatives taken and support provided for
carry out the summer training in NEIST,Jorhat

My deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Saurabh Baruah,Head Geoscience

division,CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat for his kind help,support and guidance through out the training.

I would like to thank all the members of Geoscience Divison,NEIST-Jorhat in this regard
namely Dr.B.K.Choudhary,Scientist and all other technical support stuff,project assistants
and my fellow trainee.

I would like to thank Mrs.Antara Sharma and Mr.Goutam Kashyap Baruah,Research Scholars
for their guidance and support during my training.

Nonetheless,my greatest regards to the Almighty for giving me the courage and help me
dealing the obstacles that came along the way.

I dedicate this work to my parents.

Place:CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat Prachurjya Borthakur

Date:5th July,2019 ( )

M. Sc2ndSem

Applied Physics

Amity Institute of Applied

Science,Amity University,NOIDA
 ABSTRACT

A magnetic survey is conducted in CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat campus located in Assam.The

survey is done with the help of proton precession magnetometer in a site on the campus.The
main objective of this survey is to detect metallic object beneath the ground surface.Addition
to that made an observation on the influence of external metallic objects on the survey
reading and how it give wrong interpretation of the survey.

The survey is done by establishing four traverse in the

location(Longitude:94.158N,Latitude:26.738E).Correction is done for diurnal variation and
using magpick software Magnetic intensity map is generated.From this survey it is revealed
why one should not conduct any geophysical observation using Proton Precession
Magnetometer in an area containing external metallic objects.

Keywords:Proton Precession Magnetometer,Geomagnetic storm,Magpick.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: ORIGIN OF EARTH’S PAGE NO

MAGNETIC FIELD 1-4

1.1 What is earth‟s magnetic field

1.2 How earth‟s magnetic field is oriented

1.3 Components of earth magnetic field

1.4 Intensity of earth‟s magnetic field

1.5 Outcomes of EMF

1.6 Influence of EMF

CHAPTER 2: HOW TO MEASURE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD 5-9

2.1Types of magnetometer

2.2 Induction Coil Magnetometer

2.3 Fluxgate Magnetometer

2.4 Optically Pumped Magnetometer

2.5 Proton Precession Magnetometer

CHAPTER 3: PROTON PRECESSION MAGNETOMETER 9-10

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Magnetometer setup

3.3 Sensor

3.4 Orientation of sensor

3.5 Base station correction

3.5 Tuning of magnetometer

3.6 Presence of metallic objects

CHAPTER 4: RESULT AND DISCUSSION 11

4.1 Study area

4.2 Magnetic survey

4.3 Data correction and Processing

 Chapter 1
Origin of Earth Magnetic Field

1.1 What is Earth Magnetic field?

When a bar magnet is suspended in earth magnetic field it aligns with the direction of
the field.[1]Geographically we got north pole and south pole.By pointing a magnetic needle we
get magnetic north pole and south pole.That means we have two kinds of poles viz
geographical and magneticEarth‟s north pole(magnetic) is actually south pole of the magnetic
field[ 2].Inside the earth surface we can imagine a bar magnet pointing south-north w.r.t the
geographical north south respectively.[3]

1.2 How earth magnetic field is originated?

Initially,it is considered that the core is filled with Iron and that act as a bar magnet which
cant be possible as at that much high temperature iron cant stay at solid state.The next concept
is that the earths outer core is made of molten metals.These charged particles when move they
produce current.As current flows it results a magnetic field[4]The process by which earth
originates its magnetic filed is called Dynamo [5].Additionally,Ionosphere also contributes to
the magnetic field.

1.2 Components of Earth’s magnetic field:

a) Declination

b) Inclination or Dip

c) Horizontal components of earth magnetic field

Declination: The angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian is
called declination.At poles the rate of change has maximum value and at equator it has lowest
value. [6].For an eastward deviation of the field to actual north is a positive
declination.[7].Declination is given by a chart with contour lines.

Inclination: The angle of dip is known as inclination.It is the angle made by a magnetic needle
with the horizontal surface.It is 00 at equator and (+-900) at the poles. [6].Inclination is vertically
downward at the magnetic north and it rotates upward as it become horizontal at equator and
again rotates upward towards south pole[8]
1.4 Intensity of Earth’s magnetic field:

The intensity of Earth‟s magnetic field at the surfaces ranges from 25mT to 66mT and at
the core it is around 2500mT[ 9].Along the surface it is maximum at the poles at the poles and
minimum at the equator.The global distribution of earth magnetic intensity is shown below in
fig1.3.
Fig1.1 fig shows magnetic lines of force of earth magnetic
field .[https://bedroomfurniture.club/search/magnets-and-north-north.html

Fig 1.2:Fig shows angle of dip δ and declination

θ.[Tutorvista,https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/403017/angle-of-dec
lination-and-angle-of-dip,]
 Fig 1.3:Fig shows earth‟s magnetic intensity on the surface of earth in
2015[Pinterest , https://in.pinterest.com/]
Fig 1.4: contour map of the magnetic field declination based on the World Magnetic Model
(WMM) 2010 accessed from NOAA .[http://ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/image.shtml
Fig 1.5:This is a world map of main field inclination created by the National Geophysical
Data Center at NOAA.
[http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/data/WMM2010/WMM2010_I_MERC.pdf]
1.5 OUTCOMES OF EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD:

1.5.1 Geomagnetic Reversal:

When a rock is formed on the surface of earth it acquires magnetization parallel to the
ambient magnetic field.During the course of time when we examine rocks from different sites
from the world,we observed a strange fact that polarity of the axial dipole has changed in the
pastThese reversals are very slow and irregular with a wide range from .1 to 1 million
years.Due to reversal magnetic poles are observed to move towards equator for awhile but
move back afterwards..[10]At present time we are seeing 6% decline the dipole moment per
century.[11]

1.5.2 SECULAR VARIATION

Earth magnetic field is changing with time and it ranges from years to millennium with very
slow rate due to the molten outer core,this is known as Secular variationThe magnetic
declination is opt to vary over ten of degrees over the last century[12]This variation takes
place in a span of long period so it can be ignored during geographical survey.To know this
variation “International Geomagnetic reference field(IGRF)” model is used.

1.5.3 DIURNAL VARIATION

The electric current induced in earth from an external source cause Diurnal
Variation.The external source is the electric current ionosphere or the upper atmosphere.The
origin of these external source are of solar origin.This is a short term variation ranging around
20-30 nT.It has a great importance in the geographical survey.[13]
 Fig 1.6: Fig shows Geomagnetic reversal
[NSF https://serc.carleton.edu/download/images/39779/figure_2_normal_reverse
.gif]
 Fig 1.7 Fig shows observed declination at LONDON over the years[Natural
Resources Canadahttps://geomag.nrcan.gc.ca/mag_fld/sec-en.php,]
Fig 1.8 The plot below shows typical variations in the magnetic data recorded at a
single location (Boulder, Colorado) over a time period of two days.[GEOL
442X-Introduction to Geophysics,School of mines Colorado]

`
1.5.4 GEOMEGNETIC STORM:

Sun sometimes emits a strong surge of solar wind which disturbs the outer part of Earth‟s
magnetic field.These generates electric current in the atmosphere and due to that variation in
magnetic field is observed.It can last from hours to days.Depending upon the strength
geomagnetic storm can be divided as moderate(-50nT to -100nT),intense(-100nT to -250nT)
and super storm(>250nT)[14].Therefore no geophysical survey should be done during this
period[15]

1.6 Influence of Earth’s Magnetic Field:

1.6.1 Magnetosphere

Above Ionosphere there is region extents up to several kilometers into the space and it
consists of magnetic lines of force from earth.It acts as a bubble which protect earth and
control the solar wind so that it cant get into the atmosphere.Other benefits of this layer are
prevents cosmic rays and other charged particle to get into earth.Without Magnetosphere
earth atmosphere would have not been stabled.[16]

1.6.2 Aurora Phenomenon

Aurora is caused due to the charged particle that came with the solar wind.The
magnetosphere deflects these charged particle but some enter ionosphere in the polar
region[17.] .During these process the particle get energized to a higher state and it emits
lights to go to the ground state.Therefore in the poles red or green lights occurs that is know
as Aurora[18]

The aurora borealis has been seen as far south as 40° latitude in the United
States[19]
 Fig 1.9:Fig shows magnetic storm[The MAARBLE
project,http://www.maarble.eu/outreach/index.php/multimedia/imagesgallery/ca
tegory/11-the-magnetosphere
 Fig 2.0:The phenomenon of Aurora[Encyclopædia
Britannica,https://www.britannica.com/science/aurora-atmospheric-phenomenon/media/1/43
410/73159]
1.6.3 Remanent Magnetization:

When the inducing field is strong enough then the material will retain some portion of the
external field applied even when the field is removed.This remaining magnetization is called
Remanent Magnetization.This property is used by geophysicist to map the motion of
continents and ocean basins resulting from plate tectonics.[20]

The permanent magnetism in rocks, resulting from the orientation of the

Earth‟s magnetic field at the time of rock formation in a past geological age.This arises when
magnetic minerals forming in rocks cool through the Curie point and when the magnetic
domains within the individual minerals align themselves with the Earth‟s magnetic field, thus
making a permanent record of its orientation.[21]
 Chapter 2

How to measure Earth’s Magnetic Field

The magnitude of the Earth's magnetic field at its surface ranges from 25 to 65
microteslas (0.25 to 0.65 gauss) at the surface[22]The intensity can be measured either by
Gauss meter or Magnetometer and the basic difference between two is that Gauss meter
measures high intensity(>1mT) but Magnetometer measures low
intensity(<1mT).Magnetometer is a instrument which measures tiny change in magnetic
field.

2.1 Types of Magnetometer:

With the help of Magnetometer we can study earth‟s magnetic field which may be expressed
in vector form in terms of declination and inclination[23]

Vector magnetometers: Itmeasures the flux density value in a specific direction in 3

dimensional space. An example is a fluxgate magnetometer that can measure the strength of
any component of the Earth‟s field by orienting the sensor in the direction of the desired
component.

Scalar magnetometers: It measures only the magnitude of the vector passing

through the sensor regardless of the direction. Proton Precession magnetometers are an
example of this type of magnetometer.[24]
2.2 Induction Coil Magnetometer(Search Coil)

The most simplest magnetic field sensing device.Its based on Faraday's Law.

This law states that if a loop of wire is subjected to a changing magnetic

flux,through the area enclosed by the loop, then a emf will be induced in the loop that is
proportional to the rate of change of the flux,

e(t)= -(dɸ/dt)

Current=-N/R(dɸ/dt)

ɸ=RQ/N and B=ɸ/A

2.3 FLUXGATE MAGNETOMETER

Fluxgate are widely used in space applications and nowadays are used in satellites to study
climate change[ 25]It is a device which measures very weak magnetic field,both in direction
and magnitude[26]There is a driving coil which drive the core into saturation and the sensor
coil measures the flux itself[27]With the increase in the core diameter, the sensitivity
improves and noise level also reduces. Also in order to increase the sensitivity, signal to noise
ratio (SNR) and remove the residual magnetization, the core has to be deeply saturated. This
can be achieved by tuning the secondary winding with parallel or series capacitor[28]
 Fig:2.1 Fig shows Classification of
Magnetometers.[Wikipedia,https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetometer]
Fig 2.2: Fig shows diagram of induction Coil Magnetometer.
 Fig2.3: Fig shows Fluxgate magnetometer[Pamela Burnley
UNLV,https://pburnley.faculty.unlv.edu/GEOL442_642/MAG/NOTES/MagNotes22fluxgate
.html]
2.4 OPTICALLY PUMPED MAGNETOMETER

OPMs are capable of measuring very week magnetic field[29]OPM consists of a light
source,vapour pressure and a detection system.Laser is used as light source and a photo-diode
works as detector.The laser emits polarized light to the vapour chamber.Due to a applied
magnetic field the system become optically pumped.When it is optically pumped the light
will easily surpass the system and will be detected by the diode.The intensity depends on
whether the system is pumped or de-pumped.The photo diode measures the voltage hence we
get the magnetic field.[30]

2.5 PROTON PRECESSION MAGNETOMETER:

Sometimes refers to as Grandfather of Magnetometers PPM is one of the most important

scalar magnetometer which is used for the measurement of total magnetic field.Mineral and
petroleum exploration,geological mapping,magnetic field mapping,archeology etc can be
done with the help of PPM[31].The proton precession magnetometer is based on the
precession of protons ie hydrogen nuclei in the direction of a magnetic field[32]The magnetic
dipoles of protons (hydrogen nuclei) which are easily found in hydrocarbon are
temporarily aligned or polarized.Current flowing in the coil produces a magnetic field. When
the current is flowing the proton will align in the direction of the field and when the current is
off the proton will precess themselves along the earth magnetic field. A signal is produced
due to this proton precession The frequency of the signal is proportional to the total
magnetic field intensity.[33]
 Fig2.4 :Fig shows Optically Pumped
Magnetometer[https://www.slideshare.net/TanishGupta10/magnetometer-detailed-powerpoin
t-presentation-77435531]
Fig 2.5:The proton precession magnetometer is discussed broadly in the next chapter.
Fig 2.6: Fig shows the display of G-857 magnetometer installed at CSIR-NEIST
 CHAPTER 3

STUDY THE EARTH’S MAGNETIC FIELD WITH THE HELP OF

PROTON PRECESSION MAGNETOMETER

3.1 INTRODUCTION:

A Geometrics G-857 portable proton precession magnetometer is used here.This

provide a solution for a variety of magnetic search.G-857 can be operated by non technical
personnel.The measurement done by G-857 are accurate with no dependence such a sensor
orientation,temperature and location[34].There is a sensor filled with proton rich hydrocarbon
such as kerosene which is the heart of the PPM and the shape of the coil in the sensor is
solenoid so that noise is canceled.[35]

3.2 Magnetometer Set-up

PPM is constitute of a sensor,digitizer and a GPS.All are properly connected.Check

the GPS before taking reading and the sensor‟s north should be pointed towards earth‟s
north[34].A complete diagram of G-857 PPM is shown in fig.

3.3 SENSOR

The sensor contains a coil of insulated wire which is dipped in hydrogen rich fluid.It
is suggested not to use the sensor without the fluid inside it as that can damage the
system.There is fill port tube and fluid level should be 1cm below fill port.There are some
examples of fluid that can be put inside the sensor,[34]

1.Shell SOL-71 (Shell Oil Co. product)

2. Charcoal Lighter Fluid (Kingsford, Wizard, etc.)

3. n-Decane (chemical supply houses, oil refineries)

4.ISOPAR-1 (Exxon Oil Co. product)

5.Odorless Mineral Spirits (also known as Naptha)

6.Kerosene

Standard System Assembly:

1.G-857 console 2. Sensor 3.Sensor signal cable

4. Aluminum staff (four (4) mating sections) Console chest harness

5.Two (2) rechargeable lead acid battery packs and charger

 6.MagMap2000 Software and Manual

A G-857 with all its constituent is shown in the fig.

3.4 ORIENTATION OF THE SENSOR:

The sensor should be placed either vertical or horizontal and it should be at least one
meter above the ground.When the survey area has an inclination of more than 400 then
orientation of the sensor should be vertical and if it is less than 400 then the sensor should be
horizontal.[34]

The vertical and horizontal orientation is shown in fig a and fig b

3.4 BASE STATION CORRECTION:

Diurnal variation of earth‟s magnetic field takes place daily and it can give wrong
measurement.Therefore the disturbance diurnal variation has to be removed and these effects
are done with the help of base station correction.Addition to this magnetic storm is also
checked and if there is any then the survey should be stopped.[34]

3.5 TUNNING OF MAGNETOMETER:

To obtain the best sensitivity the magnetometer should be tuned properly and that
can be done by matching the console‟s internal frequency with the proton precession
frequency .

The world map of magnetic intensity is shown in fig and this map is overlaid with
contour lines showing the regional variation of magnetic field with position .One has to mark
a position on the map and read the field strength by looking at the nearest contour.

Thus this value is set to the digitizer and this standard value is given in the magnetic field
intensity variation map.[34]

3.6 PRESENCE OF METALLIC OBJECTS:

Metallic objects such as vehicles,rode,electric wire should not be there in the survey
area and mobile phones,watch are also must be avoided during the survey.[34]
Fig 2.7: Fig shows G-857 proton precession magnetometer installed at CSIR-NEIST
Fig 2.8: Fig shows vertical and horizontal orientation of sensor
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
 CHAPTER4

RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION

4.1 STUDY AREA:

In the CSIR-NERIST,JORHAT campus a magnetic survey is done with G-857 proton

precession magnetometer.The postion of the survey area is mentioned below.

LOCATION:CSIR-NEIST,GSTD

Longitude=94.15855390N

Latitude=26.7387175oE

4.2 MAGNETIC SURVEY:

The survey was carried out on 27/06/2019 at CSIR-NEIST,GSTD with G-5857 PPM and the
pictures taken during the survey is shown below.

4.3 DATA CORRECTION AND PROCESSING:

For data correction the base station reading is noted.With the help of proton precession
magnetometer magnetic data are taken and further are corrected for diurnal variation.After
that the magnetic map is generated.

4.4 MAGNETIC INTENSITY MAP

For four different traverse magnetic intensity is recorded with the help of PPM.The magnetic
map generated by magpick software is shown in fig.The graphs are plot between distance(X
axis) and magnetic intensity(Y axis).Therefor four graphs for four different traverse.The
lowest value of intensity is shown by blue colour and the highest values are by red colour.
Fig 2.9: Snap showing survey area with Proton Precession Magnetometer with Dr. Santanu
Baruah,Scientist at CSIR-NEIST,Jorhat.
Fig 3.0 Snap shows doing survey at CSIR-NEIST
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