Beneath our feet lies a world of hidden structures, resources and stories. We can easily look around at the exposed rocks to identify and map them, but deeper below it becomes a challenge with limited options. Subsurface uncertainty can stall projects, inflate costs and lead to missed opportunities. One key tool we do have is geophysical mapping. In this blog we’ll explore how this fascinating raw data can provide insights into real-world geological maps with critical decision making.
Geophysical surveying methods began being used about a century ago for military purposes. Since then, these methods have steadily evolved, finding new applications in areas such as mineral exploration and environmental assessments. Historically, ground geophysics surveys were lucrative and challenging (some even more trouble than they were worth). Equipment was lugged into remote areas and cables stretched through thick bushes to collect limited data points. Today, we have many options for geophysical surveys, including non-invasive aerial surveys that can provide detailed information about subsurface geologic lithologies and structures without meeting the ground.
Data Courtesy of Snow Lake Lithium
A Geophysical Survey Type for Every Need
Airborne geophysical surveys come in many shapes and sizes. Survey setups include airplanes or helicopters each with their respective advantages Helicopter surveys can fly slower and lower getting more detail overall whereas fixed-wing surveys can cover larger areas more efficiently. Survey resolution is also customizable from detailed 25 meters lines spacings to regional surveys with line spacings for 400+ meters all depending on your survey goals. Airborne surveys are also advantageous due to their ability to simultaneously collect different data types such as magnetics and radiometric or magnetics and electromagnetic giving you multiples datasets.
Our team at Sanborn has extensive experience deploying airborne systems to deliver high-resolution subsurface data. We’re particularly focused on helping partners improve mapping accuracy and get the key insights they need, whether for mineral exploration, environmental assessments, or structural geology analysis. Each geophysical method can help with a different purpose, and we can help you identify what’s best for you. Here are some examples each:
Magnetics
- Map magnetic minerals and lithologies.
- Detect structures in the subsurface.
- Highlight areas of prospectivity for mineral deposits.
Radiometric
- Identify surface compositions for lithological mapping.
- Detect radioactive contamination.
- Soil mapping and classification of agricultural fields.
Electromagnetics
- Detect conductive materials and help identify mineral deposits.
- Locate buried tanks and pipelines.
- Map and locate geological structures.
- Map and locate groundwater or differentiate ground from salt water.
Lidar
- Mapping fault lines along the Earth’s surface.
- Identify active fault lines and assess seismic risks.
- Study tectonic movements and predict earthquake-prone areas.
With a wide range of capabilities, there is something for every application.
At Sanborn Geophysics we have experience in both survey services and manufacturing state-of-the art equipment ready to fly. With several systems up and running and capabilities to do both fixed wing and helicopter surveys, we have the experience and resources to be your geophysical partner for any projects. Big or small we are ready to adapt and help you the critical subsurface data you need.
