Mineral Exploration Techniques

Question 1

Seismic Survey

Answer 1

• Vibrations/ sound waves sent underground from explosions or seismic vibrator
• vibrations reflect off strata where there is a change in rock density, depth and shape
• Geo phones detect vibrations to create cat scan of earths sub surface

Question 2

Satellite imagery

Answer 2

Large scale survey aerially to detect

Question 3

Gravimetry

Answer 3

Measures variations in gravity cause by variations in density and mass

Question 4

IR Spectroscopy

Answer 4

Infrared radiation of different wavelengths emitted from different minerals

Question 5

Magnetometry

Answer 5

Detects more magnetic rocks and variations in the geomagnetic field

Question 6

Resistivity

Answer 6

Difficulty that electricity passes through material

Sedimentary lower resistivities than igneous from higher water content

Question 7

Trial drilling

Answer 7

Most spenny
Produces samples of rock underground

Question 8

Chemical analysis

Answer 8

Lab tests confirm chemical composition/ purity of minerals from trial drilling