Exploratory geophysics is an applied branch of geophysics and economic geology, which utilizes physical methods on the Earth's surface, such as seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic methods, to measure the physical properties of the subsurface, along with anomalies.
Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) is a geophysical technique used for investigating the structure and properties of subsurface formations based on refracted seismic waves. It is performed on land and at sea.
It is used for mapping geological formations beneath the surface, such as rock layers, sediments, or groundwater levels. In construction planning, seismic refraction tomography is used to assess substrate and soil geotechnical characteristics. Conversely, the method can be used to locate underground water reservoirs and assess their depth, thickness, and capacity. It can also be utilized to assess seismic risk in areas potentially affected by active tectonic faults.
2D tomographic seismic sections with changes in P or S wave velocity with depth are obtained using software tools employing the delta t-V method and WET tomography. Additionally,seismic data analysis, advanced seismic analysis correlated with rock mechanics (a proprietary method providing design parameters for cohesion and internal friction angle), and dynamic elastic modulus are provided.
Shallow seismic reflection is a geophysical method used for mapping geological formations and structures near the earth's surface, typically at depths of up to several hundred meters.
It is used for detailed mapping and visualization of lithological and structural elements (changes in geological material characteristics, detection of faults, major discontinuity systems, cavities, and other voids), primarily in geotechnical engineering. If adequately executed, this technique assists engineers in planning and designing tunnels.
2D seismic reflection models with defined material boundaries, fault elements, caverns, and other voids.
Electrical resistivity tomography is a geophysical technique used to map the distribution of apparent resistivity in soil/rock based on measurements of electrical potentials at the surface. This technique provides information about geological Formations, the presence of water, mineral deposits, subsurface structures (faults, fracture systems, and caverns), and other soil/rock characteristics at a certain depth.
This method is applied in the exploration of underground water reservoirs, identifying their depth, thickness, and distribution. Additionally, the method is widely used in geotechnical engineering for mapping geological subsurface, and it is beneficial in mineral resource exploration. It is also useful when combined with seismic refraction tomography to obtain dynamic elastic modulus.
2D depth models of apparent resistivity distribution of soil/rock mass.
MASW (Multichannel analysis of surface waves) is a geophysical method used to determine the elastic properties of soil/rock based on the analysis of surface waves, especially Rayleigh waves. This technique is particularly useful for characterizing layered soil, determining layer thicknesses and S-wave velocities, and identifying anomalies in soil/rock.
This method is primarily used in geotechnical engineering for soil characterization according to EC 8.
1D and 2D models of S-wave velocities with calculated velocity in the first 30 m (Vs30), used for soil/rock characterization according to EC8.
ReMi is a geophysical method used to determine the elastic properties of soil/rock based on the analysis of surface waves known as microtremors. This technique is particularly useful for characterizing layered soil, determining layer thicknesses and S-wave velocities, and identifying anomalies in soil/rock.
This method is primarily used in geotechnical engineering for soil/rock characterization according to EC 8. It is most suitable in urban environments where conducting surveys with MASW or seismic refraction tomography is challenging since it utilizes passive noise from the urban surroundings.
1D and 2D models of S-wave velocities with calculated velocity in the first 30 m (Vs 30 ), used for soil/rock characterization according to EC8.
Downhole and crosshole are two related seismic methods used to measure P and S waves in boreholes. On one hand, the downhole method uses a surface source, lowering a geophone down the borehole (if the geophone is raised, the method is called uphole), while the crosshole method uses a surface source in an adjacent borehole.
These two methods are primarily used in geotechnical engineering to locate intervals of weak rock mass or poorer physical-mechanical properties, which may indicate potential fault zones, fractures, or cavities.
1D models of S-wave velocities with calculated average and interval velocity and indicated weak rock mass zone. 2D models are only created in the case of crosshole tomography implementation.
Ground penetrating radar profiling is a geophysical technique used for investigating underground installations, structures, etc., using electromagnetic radiation. This method enables the creation of 3D images of subsurface formations, which is extremely useful in various research, engineering, and archaeological fields.
This method is applied in geotechnical engineering (rock mass mapping), archaeology, forensics, and underground installation detection (primarily).
2D and 3D models obtained from ground penetrating radar.
