Session 1. Instrumentation, sources and data processing

 This session solicits contributions on EM data processing, source field analysis, instrumentation, and field practice. We welcome contributions on all aspects of data processing, including theory and practical applications. Development and application of time lapse observations (monitoring) of transfer functions and other parameters as well as new approaches to estimation of transfer functions and their uncertainty can be presented here. We also solicit studies on source fields, whether controlled or uncontrolled. This includes characterization of external source spatial structure and temporal variability, novel (distributed) transmitter configurations, and effects of finite spatial-scale sources (natural and anthropogenic) on transfer functions. Contributions on new instrumentation and field practice and related methodological developments are also appropriate for this session. Studies of sensor fidelity either by noise level analysis or by field comparison with other sensors are appropriate. Sensors can include ohmic or capacitively coupled electrodes, magnetometers, and any other instruments whose inter-comparison with EM data demonstrates new insights.

Conveners: Pierre Wawrzyniak, Karl Kappler, Maxim Smirnov

Session 2. Theory, Modelling and Inversion

The geo-electromagnetic phenomenon is fundamentally governed by Maxwell's equations, in which the Earth's electric properties are often the sought parameters associated with specific geoscientific problems. This session covers all aspects of theory, modelling and inversion when working with Maxwell's equations. We invite contributions on advances in EM theory, analytic and numerical solutions, physical modelling, imaging and inversion algorithms, software implementations, as well as case studies related to the above topics. We further welcome methodological contributions, which solve or provide new insight into multi-disciplinary data integration, complex earth medium modelling, 3D/4D inversion algorithms and initiatives like open source software that benefit the community at large. Works that make good use of emerging technologies, like machine learning and cloud computing, are also warmly invited.

Conveners: Alexander Grayver, Dikun Yang, Tomas Kalscheuer, Hao Dong

Session 3. Exploration, Monitoring and Hazards

EM methods are widely used for obtaining electrical properties of the underground (the resistivity, magnetic permeability, dielectric constant, or IP parameters) ranging from the near surface to the upper mantle. Different techniques and their combinations are applied for different tasks in exploration, monitoring and hazard assessment. We are pleased to invite researchers to submit abstracts of their works related to recent developments and case studies that highlight the role of EM induction in mineral exploration, oil and gas, groundwater and geothermal, environmental and engineering, and natural hazards assessment. We will appreciate contributions on different aspects of EM methods application to exploring, tracking, fluid injections and sequestration studies. We warmly solicit contributions that emphasize and evaluate the role of EM methods to natural resources exploitation, hazard assessment through EM monitoring both in seismic and volcanic environments. Finally, we also encourage contributions addressing the data processing and interpretation of EM exploration techniques aimed at lithological characterization as well as at determination of petrophysical and hydrophysicall properties of rocks.

Conveners: Shimeles Fisseha , Jared Peacock ,Ted Bertrand, Yin Changchun  

Session 4. Tectonics, Magmatism, Geodynamics

 Electromagnetic (EM) methods provide information on the Earth’s electrical conductivity, a parameter that is sensitive to the presence of fluids, melts and/or conductive mineral phases. Fluid processes play a key role at subduction margins and in continental collision zones. Electrical resistivity models also allow us to map temperature variations and to image shallow and deep magmatic processes, phase transitions and mineralization. Therefore, EM methods play an important role in geophysical studies of major geodynamic processes in the Earth.We invite a wide range of crust and mantle studies in different tectonic settings, including active continent collision zones, subduction zones, stable tectonic settings and volcanic areas. We encourage submission of multiparameter geophysical-petrological studies, in which electrical conductivity models are used alongside other geophysical methods to provide new insights into tectonics, magmatism and geodynamics.

Conveners: Wiebke Heise , Perla Piña-Varas ,Kate Selway

Session 5. Marine EM

Marine EM encompasses both active and passive soundings of the sub-seafloor from the Arctic to the tropics and from mid-Ocean ridges to continental shelves. We invite contributions from authors working at all scales of marine EM, stretching from large arrays for offshore and amphibious exploration to borehole logging and monitoring. We welcome results of basic and applied research including the challenges inherent in running field campaigns, developing instruments, processing data, estimating errors, and implementing inversion algorithms. We encourage discussions on state-of-the art methods for marine magnetotelluric and controlled source electromagnetic data acquisition, inversion and interpretation as well as where active exploration is heading given recent emphasis in deep-sea mineral deposits, petroleum exploration and shallow water CO2 sequestration.

Conveners: Romina Gehrmann, Kim Senger, Yuguo Li  

Session 6. Rock and Mineral Resistivity, and Anisotropy

The link between electrical resistivity from the laboratory/outcrop scale to lithospheric-asthenospheric scale is challenging due to several factors (sampling procedure, local heterogeneity, anisotropy on multiple scales, geological structure, coupling between rocks and fluids,...). Despite major experimental, theoretical and modelling advances a remaining future goal is the development of meaningful experiments and models that allow us to identify and quantify the relationship between causative processes and electrical rock resistivity on different scales and in different environments (P,T, fluids). This is a critical step in order to unravel the complex evolution and dynamics of the earth's lithosphere-asthenosphere and also to develop predictive capabilities for energy applications. In this session, we therefore welcome studies that adopt novel approaches and combined methodologies using experimental and numerical methods in the laboratory and the field related to rock and mineral resistivity, as well as developments in the study of electrical anisotropy.

Conveners: Jana Boerner, Juanjo Ledo, Ute Weckmann

Session 7. Global and Planetary Studies

We solicit new contributions on induced electromagnetic fields at a planetary scale. We invite presentation of studies that shed light on the progress in our understanding of global electrical conductivity structures in the Earth´s mantle. Development of new methods of global forward and inverse modelling, use of new transfer functions, joint inversion for ionospheric sources and mantle conductivity, and interpretation of satellite magnetic field data are welcome. New methods that incorporate space physics constraints on the sources of electromagnetic induction at periods relevant to the Earth's mantle conductivity structures are particularly welcome. We also call for studies dedicated to magnetism and induction on other planets.

Conveners: Joan Campanya, Jakub Velimsky, Svetlana Kovacikova

Session 8. EM Induction Education and Outreach (Poster session)

In addition to the advancement and application of electromagnetic induction science, members of IAGA Division VI play critical roles in education and outreach. In terms of education, this work may involve teaching undergraduate or graduate students, supervision of undergraduate or graduate research, or training new scientists how to use electromagnetic equipment. In terms of outreach, it may involve promoting large-scale electromagnetic projects to senior officials or other scientists, writing statements on the socioeconomic importance of electromagnetic induction studies, or providing entertaining visits to high school students. This session, the second of its kind at our electromagnetic workshops, is intended to collect posters highlighting novel, interesting, and/or important experiences from the teaching and outreach of electromagnetic induction. The sharing of ideas and information in these areas will help contribute to the overall public understanding of electromagnetic induction studies.

Convener: Nikolay Palshin