You need to prepare a geological exploration project, which includes a set of geophysical methods. How to choose this complex optimally – so as not to spend extra money and at the same time not miss an important method? Let’s figure it out together with Maria Kostina, a geophysicist with 15 years of experience in exploration geophysics. This material contains a table with complexes for different types of deposits and recommendations on how to draw up a research program based on it.
What is integration of geophysical methods and why is it needed?
A geophysical complex is a set of methods that are used together to study the properties of rocks and solve a specific geological problem. It includes the optimal combination of ground, airborne geophysical and borehole surveys, as well as data processing and interpretation.
Why is this important? One method rarely gives the complete picture. The combination of several methods increases the accuracy of identifying geological objects, improves quality control and helps to avoid errors during field development.
- Increased credibility — the coincidence of anomalies of different nature confirms the presence of the object.
- Data Augmentation – one method can reveal the structure, another will clarify the depth and shape.
- Cost optimization — a correctly selected complex allows you to avoid unnecessary work and focus on methods that will actually give results for a specific field.
As a result, integration is not a “safety net just in case”, but a tool that helps to obtain maximum information at a reasonable cost.
To understand the benefits of different geophysical methods on real objects, read our article «Geophysical methods of field exploration».
A set of geophysical methods for your field
Each type of field has its own set of optimal geophysical methods: some work best, others can give results under certain conditions, and some are ineffective. This table shows how different methods apply to specific types of ore objects. Check it out and choose the appropriate method for your tasks.
| Target | Magnetic prospecting | Gravity survey | VP and resistance method | EM research | Magnetotelluric soundings |
| Diamonds | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| Gold | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 |
| Pyrite deposits (VMS) | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| Deposits of lead-zinc ores formed along stratified sedimentary deposits (limestones, dolomites, sandstones) (MVT Pb-Zn) | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Sedimentary exhalative deposits (SEDEX) | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🔴 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Porphyry copper deposit | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟢 | 🔴 | 🟢 |
| Uranus | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| Iron oxide copper-gold ore (IOCG) deposit | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🟡 | 🟢 |
| Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE deposit (Magmatic Ni-Cu-PGE) | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| Lithium | 🟢 | 🟡 | 🔴 | 🔴 | 🟡 |
Find out how a set of geophysical methods works on a real object? Read about the search for lithium-bearing pegmatites using ground-based gravity and magnetic prospecting: How to find lithium-bearing pegmatites by ground gravity exploration
From diagram to solution to your problem
Selection of the optimal set of geophysical methods is not a “safety net just in case”, but a full-fledged and important geological exploration stage. It’s rare that one method can solve a problem completely—in most cases, at least 2–3 are needed to get the full picture.
We have shown a diagram by which you can select a set of methods for a specific type of deposit. But, as Maria Kostina notes, each project has its own nuances and limitations, so before making the final choice of a complex, be sure to consult with a geophysicist.
Tell us what problem you are currently working on and what difficulties you have when choosing methods. We and our experts will tell you which complex can work best.
