Exploration geophysics
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Exploration geophysics is the applied branch of geophysics which uses surface methods to probe or detect properties of the subsurface Earth.
Exploration geophysics is the practical application of physical methods (such as seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic) to remotely sense underground anomalies. The conventional application to this science is searching for mineral and petroleum deposits. However it can also be used in other areas such as monitoring environmental impact, imaging subsurface archeaological sites and interplanetary imaging. In addition to universities and technical institutes such as the Colorado School of Mines, professional societies such as the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) (seg.org) and the CSEG have the most recent updates of the sciences and technologies of exploration geophysics.
Exploration Geophysics careers are in such widely varying industries as oil & gas exploration, mining, environmental studies, planetary physics and even archaeology.
The following techniques are used:
- Seismic methods, such as reflection seismology and seismic tomography.
- Magnetotellurics
- Scientific drilling
- Transient electromagnetic (EM) (see, e.g. Geonics instruments)
- Radio frequency electromagnetic propagation (e.g., ground penetrating radar)
- Electrical resistivity techniques, including Electrical resistivity tomography.
- Induced Polarization (IP)
- Magnetic (see aeromagnetic survey and magnetometer).
- Gravity and Gravity Gradiometry
- Geodesy
- Remote Sensing
