Magnetic exploration at WCU is done with a Proton Precession Magnetometer.

This kind of field magnetometer can make very accurate measurements of the earth's total magnetic field. Total magnetic field measurements include the effects of local materials on earth's magnetic field. This allows us to detect differences in the magnetic character (susceptibility) of subsurface materials or features.

A magnetometer is particularly useful where contrasts in magnetic susceptibility are high. For instance, an environmental geologist might use a magnetometer to determine the location of buried metal pipe or an archeologist could use a magnetometer to detect buried iron artifacts.