Natural resources

Clay exploration

The exploration of clay deposits is of great importance for the nonmetallic minerals industry mainly. Due to the higher conductivity of clay compared to coarser sediments such as sand and gravel geoelectric is an appropriate method to determine the expansion and thickness of clay deposits.

Example:
In order to explore the molasses of the Alpine foothills, the geoelectric was used to distinguish between clay deposits, the coverage, under overburden and sand lenses.

 

Geoelectric Tomogram

Resisitivity Distribution and layer model

Geoelectric Topography

Resistivity distribution and topographic model


Gravel exploration

Geophysical methods are effective methods for large-scale exploration of natural resources, particularly its extent and thickness. Especially, geoelectric has proven to explore in detail the storage conditions of the subsurface for the non-metallic minerals industry. Geoelectric measures the electrical resistance of the subsoil. Highly conductive clays with low resistance values can be distinguished from coarse gravels which show higher resistances. The depth position of layer boundaries can be calculated based on individual electrical sounding curves and the correlation with existing core information.

Example:
Geoelectric soundings were used for large-scale exploration of gravel deposits and their thickness. The picture represents the extent of sediments in a depth between 15 and 20 m with different resistances. High resistance values (green) are shown in the northwest indicateing the presence of gravel layers, while in the southeast mainly lower resistances (blue-violet) are present. Mainly silty and clayey layers are expected in this area. Based on the layer model calculation three geoelectrical relevant layers can be determined: the overburden, the gravel and the silt layer.

 

Layermodel

Calculated layer model based on electrical soundings

GResistancedistribution.jpg

Resisitivity distribution in a depth between 15 and 20 m