Exploration geophysics
Exploration geophysics uses measurements of physical fields and waves to infer subsurface geology and locate resources or other targets of interest.
Seismic reflection: A geophysical method that images underground structure from seismic waves reflected at geological boundaries. Reflected waves map layer geometry and faults, especially in hydrocarbon exploration.
Petroleum exploration: The search for accumulations of oil and natural gas and the assessment of their commercial potential. Seismic imaging is widely used to map prospective reservoirs and traps.
Geophysics: The study of Earth using physical principles and measurements. Exploration geophysics is an applied branch focused on subsurface targets.
Seismic refraction: A seismic method that analyzes waves refracted along subsurface interfaces to estimate layer velocities and depths. Unlike reflection imaging, it emphasizes refracted arrivals and is often used for near-surface structure.
Gravity survey: A survey that measures spatial variations in gravitational acceleration to infer underground mass distribution. Density contrasts reveal buried basins, salt bodies, and ore-bearing structures.
Mineral exploration: The search for economically valuable concentrations of minerals in the Earth's crust. Magnetic, gravity, and electromagnetic surveys help locate and delineate ore bodies.
Inverse problem: A problem that infers hidden causes or properties from observed effects. Subsurface models must be inferred from measurements that rarely determine a unique answer.
Well logging: The measurement of physical properties along a borehole using instruments lowered underground. It samples a borehole directly, complementing the broader but indirect coverage of surface surveys.
Magnetic survey: A survey that measures variations in Earth's magnetic field caused by magnetized rocks and objects. Magnetic anomalies help trace igneous bodies, faults, and mineral deposits.
Geothermal exploration: The investigation of subsurface heat, fluids, and permeability for potential geothermal energy production. Geophysical anomalies help assess reservoirs and structures controlling fluid flow.