Mineral Exploration Methods

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Questions and Answers

Which term describes the direction relative to north in geological exploration?

Dip

Plunge

Strike

Bearing (correct)

What does 'azimuth' specifically refer to in geological mapping?

The steepest angle of a bed

A line representing a geological feature

Bearing measured clockwise from north (correct)

Inclination measured downward

Which mapping technique uses high polarizing cameras to capture geological features?

Air Photograph Mapping (correct)

Soil Mapping

Underground Mapping

Surface Mapping

What is meant by the term 'strike' in geological terms?

The direction of a geological feature at the surface Signup and view all the answers

In geological exploration, what does 'trend' refer to?

Azimuth measured in the direction of plunge Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic does not pertain to underground mapping?

Focused on identifying surficial geological features Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the rock or material located above a vein or fault zone?

Hanging Wall Signup and view all the answers

Which geological tool is primarily used for mapping?

Brunton Compass Signup and view all the answers

Which geophysical exploration method uses satellite technology?

Spectra Satellite Mapping Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes True Dip from Apparent Dip?

True Dip is measured perpendicular to the strike. Signup and view all the answers

Which method of geophysical exploration involves measuring gravitational variations?

Gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a sample ring in geological exploration?

To keep sample bags during chip sampling. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following airborne surveys is primarily used to detect the earth's magnetic fields?

Aeromagnetic Survey Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is NOT typically used in geological exploration?

Summit Gauge Signup and view all the answers

Which method is employed to measure gravity variations during ground-based geophysical exploration?

Base Gravity Survey Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting a radiometric survey from an airborne platform?

To detect gamma rays from natural radiation Signup and view all the answers

Which ground-based survey method can help locate buried channels that may contain gold or uranium minerals?

Gravity Survey Signup and view all the answers

What reflects the function of magnetometers in geophysical exploration?

Detecting minor variations in the Earth's magnetic field Signup and view all the answers

What type of technology does remote sensing in airborne geophysical exploration primarily utilize?

High-altitude radar and satellite images Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of surface materials is utilized in the electrical survey method?

Resistivity to electrical currents Signup and view all the answers

What information can be gathered from the airborne isostatic gravity anomaly map?

Variations in rock density Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation of the radiometric survey method?

Limited penetration depth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geological Exploration Methods

Mapping includes two key structures:
- Hanging Wall: Rock or material above a vein or fault zone.
- Foot Wall: Lower underlying wall of a vein or ore deposit in a mine.
Two types of dip angles are important in geological mapping:
- True Dip: Dip angle perpendicular to the strike.
- Apparent Dip: Any dip angle not measured perpendicularly to the strike.

Geological Exploration Equipment

Common tools include:
- Brunton compass, geologist pick, hand lens, and hand tapes.
- Geological knife, protractor, dilute HCl, magnet, and survey pads.
- Portable GPS, camera, laptop, and mapping sheets for data recording.
Sample collection tools include bags, tags, and sample rings for chip sampling.

Geophysical Exploration Techniques

This method examines physical properties of the Earth’s surface:
- Utilizes seismic, gravitational, magnetic, electrical, and electromagnetic properties.
- Detects anomalies in subsurface characteristics.

Types of Geophysical Exploration

Airborne Techniques:
- Aeromagnetic Survey: Detects Earth's magnetic fields with high accuracy.
- Electromagnetic Survey: Conducted using fixed-wing aircraft with various techniques.
- Radiometric Survey: Measures gamma rays to analyze natural radiation from the Earth.
- Remote Sensing: Uses radar-equipped aircraft for topographic mapping and identifying underground features.
Ground-Based Techniques:
- Gravity Survey: Measures gravity variations with advanced instruments to locate subsurface voids and mineral channels.
- Magnetic Survey: Utilizes magnetometers to detect magnetic minerals in rocks.
- Electrical Survey: Analyzes the conductance of surface materials using direct currents.

Geological Mapping Practices

Surface Mapping: Involves field surveys by geologists to record geological information for mapping.
Underground Mapping: Conducted within mines to update geological records.
Air Photograph Mapping: Uses high polarizing cameras to capture aerial geological features.

Additional Geological Terms

Bearing: Direction relative to north.
Azimuth: Bearing measured clockwise from north.
Strike: Intersection line of a geological feature with a horizontal plane.
Dip: Inclination of a geological feature from the horizontal plane.
Plunge: Downward inclination of a feature.
Trend: Feature's azimuth, measured according to its plunge direction.

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Description

This quiz focuses on various methods of mineral exploration, emphasizing geological mapping techniques. Key concepts such as hanging wall, foot wall, true dip, and apparent dip are explored to enhance understanding of geological structures. Perfect for students or professionals in geology and mineral resources.