A test site for the magnetic detection of buried steel drums

Abstract

An environmental investigation test site for the application of magnetic techniques to detect buried steel drums was performed in Central Italy. A magnetic survey was carried out on the area of the test site, where 12 steel drums had previously been buried. The survey was performed by means of a proton precession magnetometer for total field measurements in single sensor as well as in gradiometer configurations. The experiment has led to the definition of the magnetic signature of vertically oriented drums buried at 4.5 m below ground level. A digitally enhanced magnetic anomaly map was then produced, allowing further modelling procedures. Data reduction, processing procedures and results are presented.