What is Geophysics?
 
Geophysical Survey Companies Geophysics is the practice of using high tech, sensitive instrumentation to detect and analyze the Earth's geology. This is accomplished by discovering magnetic and gravitational fields, igneous rock formations as well as other components. Geophysical surveys are the collection and mapping of this important geophysical data. This data can prove invaluable to mining companies, oil companies and other companies as it helps to provide a means to pinpoint possible high value extraction sites.
 
Many different industries have a high dependence on geophysical surveys such as:
  • Junior Mining companies involved in Mineral Exploration
  • Archaeology
  • Geological Engineering

 

An Evolving Industry
 
There is an increased need for geophysical surveys and many companies are trying to revolutionize the industry by finding new and more creative means for acquiring accurate data.
 
Geophysical survey companies are constantly investigating the newest and most innovative sensory technologies that can increase the quality of the survey data and the ease with which they are accomplished. There is a constant push to develop the most cost effective, yet accurate and detailed results possible.
 
The escalation in the volume of mineral explorations is the main catalyst pushing the growth in the geophysical survey industry. The growing needs for minerals, uranium, rare earths and fossil fuels (potential petroleum reservoirs) have all led to increased funding for mineral exploration and also geophysical data recovery. Geophysical survey companies that can provide accurate geophysical mapping products have thus risen in prominence and are becoming a trusted part of mineral exploration process. They can provide a thorough means of mapping by both aerial and ground methods. Aerial methods are gaining favour because of the ease and large amount of area that can be mapped in a short period of time. Breakthroughs in the sensitivity of the equipment used for aerial surveys are making it possible to get more detailed data results from the safer survey altitudes.
 
The Methods and Instrumentation
 
Geophysical survey companies can use a variety of survey methods that require differing types of instrumentation that vary widely in acquisition costs and results. Some of these methods include:
  • Seismology
  • Gravity Gradiometers
  • Remote Sensing
  • Magnetometers
  • Radiometrics
  • Ground Penetrating Radar
Geophysical survey companies that are held in the highest regard are companies offering proven survey methods. Ideally, surveys should combine a number of different technologies to analyze the survey area as much as possible in one flight and cross reference the data to make the survey results as accurate as possible. Together these methods can provide information to help reliably predict the differences between rock formations that contain deposits of minerals or hydrocarbons and regular igneous rocks that do not contain these valuable deposits.
 
Companies specializing in airborne geophysical surveys have made major developments in terms of the equipment used on both fixed wing and helicopter surveys . The most prominent and in-demand companies tend to be those with a proven track record of providing cost effective, and timely surveys using multiple survey methods.
 
Related Articles
gravity survey
The world’s gravity field varies from spot to spot due to subsurface density variations. Gravity surveying measures these variations and creates a map which helps geologists determine where light and dense rocks are located.
exploration geophysics
Exploration geophysics is a vital component in the mining industry, as a means of mineral prospecting. The field is also depended upon to provide accurate data for map development.
airborne radiometric surveys
Radiometric surveys involve using aircraft equipped with sensors to detect and map the presence of naturally occurring radioactive minerals in the soil.
geophysical methods of exploration
Geophysical methods of exploration are means to collect geophysical data that can be used to prospect directly for economic minerals that are characterized by anomalous magnetic, conductive or radiometric responses.
electromagnetic geophysics
Electromagnetic geophysics explorations enable mining companies to conduct advanced mineral prospecting in areas of significant bedrock. In addition, electromagnetic surveys are conducted as a means of unveiling areas that may be unsafe for people to live in.
gamma spectrometry
Gamma spectrometry is capable of measuring the highest form of radiation. It is commonly used in mapping lithology and uranium exploration.
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