The Volterra system is capable of performing induced polarization and resistivity surveys with customized 3D arrays. Furthermore, it can also execute conventional 2D array designs including pole-dipole, dipole-dipole, and gradient. Due to the distributed and portable features, SJ Geophysics is able to gap the array, that is, to set up half the array on one side of challenging terrain like mining infrastructure, rivers, or cliffs, and set up the other half of the array on the other side without the need to link them with cable. The flexibility allows SJ Geophysics to adapt the array in real time to find the best ground contact resistance. Four channels on each unit and a completely active array provides data density which far exceeds industry standards.

The Volterra acquisition units are well suited to the demands of electromagnetic surveys. With four data channels, multiple sensors can be attached simultaneously for 3-component data acquisition. Sensors available include a very sensitive B-field coil and a 3-component Fluxgate magnetometer. Due to their customizable nature, any EM survey design can be used including fixed-loop, moving-loop (step-wise and slingram), and in-loop soundings. The distributed nature means that multiple acquisition units can be laid out simultaneously improving logistics and allowing for better survey designs. Advanced signal processing allows for data to be acquired from multiple data acquisition units at the same time.

When placed into highly specialized borehole packaging, the Volterra acquisition units are capable of acquiring borehole data at depths greater than 2 km. The distributed nature of the Volterra borehole system eliminates the need for heavy, bulky, and expensive cables to send the data back to the surface. Instead all data is logged within the acquisition unit downhole. This key feature provides for the ability to survey below the drill rods as the rods are pulled out of the hole. This ability is critical when holes are at high risk of collapse. The customizable nature of the Volterra acquisition units means that different sensors can be connected to the acquisition unit allowing for EM, MAG, and IP data to be acquired.

Volterra Acquisition units are capable of acquiring Electric field (Ex, Ey) and Magnetic field (Bx, By, Bz) data simultaneously. The data can be collected in a variety of configurations from a simple 4-component single site MT sounding to complex 3D Full Tensor MT arrays consisting of numerous electric dipoles and multiple B-field sites. The latter configuration can be efficiently integrated with a 3DIP survey utilizing the same electric dipoles. The MT results complement the resistivity results to provide greater depth of investigation. Unique to SJ Geophysics is the acquisition of multiple short-interval MT readings during IP acquisition quiet periods, although we can also acquire longer periods over the evening hours.

The Volterra system utilizes very sensitive B-field coils that provide a frequency range between 0.1 Hz to 10 kHz. In addition, fluxgate magnetometers are available to acquire responses of lower frequencies. For survey regions where quality data is not acceptable due to a weak natural signal or contamination by local cultural noise, the addition of a controlled source can be incorporated. Collection of controlled data in a specific frequency band is referred to as CSAMT.