GEOLOGY FINALS PART 4

Airborne Exploration

Conducted using low-flying aircraft or helicopters. Measures the magnetic, radiometric, gravity, or electromagnetic properties of the site. Used mainly in the early stages of exploration

Ground-Based exploration

Seismic exploration

Magnetic exploration

Radiometric exploration

Gravity exploration

Induced Polarisation (IP) exploration

Electromagnetic (EM) exploration

Seismic exploration

Measure vibrations to study underground rock layers; often used in petroleum and coal exploration.

Magnetic exploration

Detects variations in Earth’s magnetic field to find magnetic minerals; used for metallic minerals

Radiometric exploration

Measure natural radiation from minerals like uranium, thorium, and potassium.

Gravity exploration

Measure small changes in gravity to detect rock density differences.

Induced Polarisation (IP) exploration

Use electric currents to identify metallic minerals and aquifers.

Electromagnetic (EM) exploration

Use electromagnetic fields to detect conductive materials like metals or groundwater.

Drilling

Drilling gives direct information about rocks below the surface. The method depends on the depth and type of material. All drill sites must be restored after drilling

Drilling 

Shallow Drilling

Deep Drilling 

Shallow Drilling

Auger Drilling

Air Drilling

Auger Drilling

Uses a hand or vehicle-mounted auger, similar to a large drill bit.

Air Drilling

Uses compressed air to bring rock chips to the surface, requires minimal site work.

Deep Drilling

Reverse Circulation (RC) and Percussion Drilling

Diamond Drilling

Rotary Mud Drilling

Reverse Circulation (RC) and Percussion Drilling

Deeper air drilling methods that use compressed air to lift rock chips.

Diamond Drilling

 Extracts a solid core of rock using a diamond-tipped bit, gives detailed information but needs more preparation.

Rotary Mud Drilling

Common in petroleum exploration, uses water and drilling fluids to bring up rock fragments from deep layers.