Airborne Geophysics
Airborne geophysical surveying is a process of measuring the variation of several key physical or geochemical parameters of the earth. The most important parameters measured are conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, rock density, radioactive element concentration, and reflectance spectra. Any change in the Earth's near surface that causes a measurable change in these parameters presents a potential application for airborne geophysics. The systems used to measure these parameters are electromagnetic, gamma-ray spectrometry, magnetic, and gravity.
Airborne geophysics has always been at the forefront of technological developments and innovation. Modern exploration systems can measure minute changes in the geophysical properties of the Earth with high sensitivity instruments and survey platforms. Exploration projects utilise GPS navigation and timing, laser and radar altimeters, satellite communications and innovative data processing techniques.
Geophysicists interpret the final data using cutting-edge imaging and modelling software.
APPLICATIONS
Airborne geophysical surveys are used for oil and mineral exploration, engineering projects, geothermal mapping and land management.
Airborne surveys are excellent tools for mapping exposed bedrock, geological structures (such as basements, faults, dikes, sills, kimberlites), sub-surface conductors, paleochannels, mineral deposits and salinity.
Airborne electromagnetic, magnetic and gamma-ray spectroscopy surveys are very useful for mapping the distribution and movement of soil salinity, a problem that affects large areas of farming land in Australia.
TECHNIQUES
The airborne techniques that GPX Surveys offer are:
