Geophysical Companies Aid Governments and Mining Companies in Uncovering Locations of Valuable Resources

Geophysical companies conduct efficient geophysical explorations for governments, individuals, mapping professionals, mining companies and others who are in the field of geophysics and who depend upon geoscientific data. The exploration of geophysics involves acquiring data from a specific terrain in terms of the mineral qualities present in the Earth's crust. Data that can be uncovered applying the use of geophysical exploration are the concentration levels of the following commodities in specific areas:

Efficient geophysical explorations employ the use of precise data acquisition systems in order to ensure that the data obtained during an exploration is highly precise and dependable should it be the instigating factor in a costly mineral exploration.

 

The majority of geophysical explorations are conducted using airborne methods and as such, can be a large financial investment. Therefore, governments and mining companies often choose to conduct their explorations with geophysical companies who specialize in conducting airborne geophysical surveys.

 

A professional geophysical company will be able to offer the use of highly developed data acquisition systems and conduct airborne magnetic, electromagnetic and gamma spectrometry surveys.

 

Unlike using a standard aircraft to conduct an airborne geophysical survey, an advanced geophysical company will employ the use of a specially developed aircraft that has been made specifically for the purpose of conducting airborne surveys.

 

Geophysical companies are able to offer fixed wing aircrafts that can conduct high resolution and detailed surveys. Using methods such as pre-planned drape flying, it is possible to greatly enhance the precision and quality of the data acquired during an airborne survey. Pre-planned drape flying allows for consistent line-to-line correlation at intersections of traverse and tie lines. It also enables the surveyor to comprehend the exact positioning of the aircraft, leading to better quality data.

 

Airborne magnetic surveys are the most commonly used airborne geophysical surveys. There are basically two categories for airborne magnetic surveys: regional surveys and detailed surveys.

 

A regional survey will acquire data at a lower resolution due to a wide traverse line spacing of over 500 meters. This type of geophysical survey will cover at least 5000 square kilometers and is used a means of creating maps and developing perspective on the concentration of nonmetallic resources such as petroleum and coal. A regional survey is conducted as well for tectonic studies.

 

As indicated by the name, detailed surveys offer higher resolution data regarding specific magnetic mineral ores that are present in the Earth's crust of a particular area. As such, detailed surveys are capable of providing sufficient data for mining companies, and can act as a means of prospecting prior to a mineral exploration.

 

A detailed survey will indicate where there are highly concentrated areas of magnetic mineral ores, such as magnetic iron ores. These surveys are also applied as a means of indicating basement targets for hydrocarbon exploration.

 

Geophysical exploration companies offer highly effective means of surveying terrain and mineral prospecting. The sophistication of the data acquisition systems used, combined with specially developed aircrafts make geophysical companies a main component in mapping lithology and mineral prospecting.

 

As the process of collecting geoscientific data can be costly, it is important to work with a geophysical company that has a strong procedure for dealing with factors that can possibly interfere with the relay of vital data. These factors are referred to as "geological noise” and work to conceal conductive targets. The following factors can cause geological noise in a geophysical survey:

Electromagnetic surveys are used to address the above. This method employs the use of an alternating electric current that is passed through a sending coil that will cause a magnetic field. An eddy current is generated when the coil is underground where a second current develops. Here, the electromagnetic field is measured by an electronic amplifier. As the receiver and source broach closer to a conductive zone, the eddy current circulates and intensifies, in turn initiating a secondary current.