Determination of rock mass integrity coefficient using a non-invasive geophysical approach

Determination of rock mechanical parameters is the most important step in rock mass quality evaluation and has significant impacts on geotechnical engineering practice.Rock mass integrity coefficient(KV)is one of the most efficient parameters,which is conventionally determined from boreholes.Such approaches,however,are time-consuming and expensive,offer low data coverage of point measurements,require heavy equipment,and are hardly conducted in steep topographic sites.Hence,borehole approaches cannot assess the subsurface thoroughly for rock mass quality evaluation.Alternatively,use of geophysical methods is non-invasive,rapid and economical.The proposed geophysical approach makes useful empirical correlation between geophysical and geotechnical parameters.We evaluated the rock mass quality via integration between KV measured from the limited boreholes and inverted resistivity obtained from electrical resistivity tomography(ERT).The borehole-ERT correlation provided KV along various geophysical profiles for more detailed 2D/3D(two-/three-dimensional)mapping of rock mass quality.The subsurface was thoroughly evaluated for rock masses with different engineering qualities,including highly weathered rock,semi-weathered rock,and fresh rock.Furthermore,ERT was integrated with induced polarization(IP)to resolve the uncertainty caused by water/clay content.Our results show that the proposed method,compared with the conventional approaches,can reduce the ambiguities caused by inadequate data,and give more accurate insights into the subsurface for rock mass quality evaluation.

Research progress in geophysical exploration of the Antarctic ice sheet

The Antarctic ice sheet is an important target of Antarctic research.Thickness and structure,including intraice and subice,are closely related to the mass balance of the ice sheet,and play an important role in the study of global sea level and climate change.Subglacial topography is an important basis for studying ice sheet dynamics and ice sheet evolution.This paper briefly reviews the geophysical detection methods and research status of the Antarctic ice sheet:(1)Conventional methods such as ice radar are the main methods for studying the ice sheet today,and passive source seismic methods such as the receiver function method,H/V method and P-wave coda autocorrelation method have good development prospects;(2)the high-resolution(1 km)ice thickness and subglacial topographic database BEDMAP2 established based on various data has greatly improved the ability to detect internal isochronous layers,anisotropic layers,and temperature changes within ice and has advanced research on ice sheet evolution;and(3)ice radar,numerical simulation and core drilling are the main methods to study subglacial lakes and sediments.More than 400 subglacial lakes have been confirmed,and more than 12000 simulation results have been obtained.Research on the Antarctic ice sheet faces enormous challenges and is of great urgency.Aiming at hot issues,such as Antarctic geological evolution,glacial retreat,ice sheet melting and their relationships with global climate change,it is the frontier and trend of future Antarctic ice sheet research to carry out multidisciplinary and multicountry comprehensive geophysical exploration based on the traditional ice radar method combined with passive seismic methods,especially new technologies such as short-period dense array technology,unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence.This is expected to further promote Antarctic research.

Reconnaissance Geophysical Study on the Southeastern Part of Al-Qashah Aera, KSA

The investigated study area locates about 72 km from Jeddah City, Makkah District, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study mainly aimed to define the most significant zones of possible mineralization and outline their subsurface parameters (location and strike) in the southeast of Jabal Al-Qashah. Several geophysical methods have been conducted to carry out the goal, including ground magnetic, self-potential (SP), and induced polarization (IP) methods. Integrating these methods aims to help delineate the possible mineralization in the study area. The magnetic survey was conducted along 17 profiles where these profiles were chosen to be perpendicular to the strike of the quartz shear zone. Self-potential was applied along with five profiles covering the study area. At the same time, induced polarization was used along with one profile located at the western side of the study area corresponding to some magnetic and SP profiles. The most interesting zones of mineralization were successfully determined by comparing the results of residual magnetic profile (3), SP profile (1), and IP profile, where geological structures control some mineralization.

Recent advances in petrophysical and geophysical characterization of unconventional resources:Introduction

As a bridge between the reservoir performance and the geophysical well logging data,petrophysical measurements and its characterization are very important for the exploration and development of the unconventional resources in tight sandstone,carbonate and shale reservoirs.In this special issue of Energy Geoscience,“Recent advances in petrophysical and geophysical characterization of unconventional resources”,we organized and invited authors to present recent advances in various subjects addressing new petrophysical characterizations and geophysical models in unconventional reservoirs.

Metallogenic model of the Shuangjianzishan Ag-Pb-Zn district,Northeast China:Revealed from integrated geophysical investigation

The Shuangjianzishan deposit in Inner Mongolia is a typical Ag-Pb-Zn deposit of the southern Great Xing’an Range.Proven reserves of Ag,Pb,and Zn in this deposit have reached the scale of super-large deposits,with favorable metallogenic conditions,strong prospecting signs,and high metallogenic potential.This paper reports a study involving integrated geophysical methods,including controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric,gravity,magnetic,and shallow-seismic-reflection methods,to determine the spatial distribution of ore-controlling structures and subsurface intrusive rock for a depth range of<2000 m in the Shuangjianzishan ore district.The objective of this study is to construct a metallogenic model of the ore district and provide a scientific basis for the exploration of similar deposits in the deep and surrounding regions.We used three-dimensional inversion for controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotelluric data based on the limited memory quasi-Newton algorithm,and three-dimensional physical-property inversion for the gravity and magnetic data to obtain information about the subsurface distribution of ore-controlling structures and intrusive rocks.Under seismic reflection results,regional geology,petrophysical properties,and borehole information,the geophysical investigation shows that the Dashizhai group,which contains the main ore-bearing strata in the ore district,is distributed within a depth range of<1239 m,and is thick in the Xinglongshan ore block and the eastern part of the Shuangjianzishan ore block.The mineralization is spatially associated with a fault system characterized by NE-,NW-,and N-trending faults.The magnetic and electrical models identify large,deep bodies of intrusive rock that are inferred to have been involved in mineralization,with local shallow emplacement of some intrusions.Combining the subsurface spatial distributions of ore-bearing strata,ore-controlling faults,and intrusive rock,we propose two different metallogenic models for the Shuangjianzishan ore district,which provide a scientific basis for further prospecting in the deep regions of the ore district and surrounding areas.

Time-lapse geophysical technology-based study on overburden strata changes induced by modern coal mining

To study the impact of modern coal mining on overlying strata and its water bearing conditions,integrated time-lapse geophysical prospecting integrating 3D seismic,electrical and ground penetrating radar method were used.Through observing and analyzing the geophysical data variations of all stages of pre-mining,mining and post-mining as well as post-mining deposition stable period,impacts of coal mining on stratigraphic structure and its water bearing were studied and modern coal mining induced stratigraphic change pattern was summarized.The research result shows that the stratigraphic structure and the water bearing of surface layer during modern coal mining have self-healing pattern with mining time;the self-healing capability of near-surface strata is relatively strong while the roof weak;water bearing selfhealing of near-surface strata is relatively high while the roof strata adjacent to mined coal beds low.Due to integrated time-lapse geophysical prospecting technology has extra time dimension which makes up the deficiency of static analysis of conventional geophysical methods,it can better highlight the dynamic changes of modern coal mining induced overburden strata and its water bearing conditions.

Numerical analysis and geophysical monitoring for stability assessment of the Northwest tailings dam at Westwood Mine

The Westwood Mine aims to reuse the tailings storage facility #1(TSF #1) for solid waste storage, but,downstream of the Northwest dike is considered critical in terms of stability. This paper uses numerical modeling along with geophysical monitoring for assessing the Northwest dike stability during the restoration phase. The impact of waste rock deposition in the upstream TSF #1 is considered. The geophysical monitoring is based on electrical resistivity methods and was used to investigate the internal structure of the dike embankment in different deposition stages. The numerical simulations were performed with SLOPE/W code. The results show a factor of safety well above the minimum recommended value of 1.5. Geophysical monitoring revealed a vertical variation in the electrical resistivity across the dike, which indicates a multilayer structure of the embankment. Without any current in situ data, the geophysical monitoring helped estimating the nature of the materials used and the internal structure of the embankment. These interpretations were validated by geological observation of geotechnical log of the embankment. Based on this study, it is recommended that the water polishing pond be partly filled before waste rock is deposited in TSF #1. In addition, to ensure the stability of the dike, the piezometric head monitoring prior to and during waste rock deposition is recommended.

Geochemical and Geophysical Data Processing Aided by“Multifractal-Spectrum”Filters for GIS-Based Mineral Exploration

A recently developed method, on the bases of “multifractal spectrum” filters for mineral exploration, is introduced in this paper. The “multifractal spectrum” filters, a group of irregularly shaped filters that are constructed on each processed datum, can be used to separate various types of geochemical and geophysical anomalies. The basic model, with an emphasis on the GIS based implementation and the application to the geochemical and geophysical data processing for mineral exploration in southern Nova Scotia, Canada, indicates its advantage in the separation of multiple anomalies from the background.

Review:Progress in SQUID⁃Based Geophysical Precision Measurement Technology

Superconducting quantum interference device(SQUID),with the advantages of ultra⁃high sensitivity,low noise,broad frequency bandwidth,and excellent low⁃frequency response,is widely used in several geophysical methods,such as vector magnetic survey,electromagnetic method,gravity and gravity gradient measurement.In this paper,the latest technological progress of SQUID and SQUID⁃based geophysical precision measurement technology are described.In addition,the advantages,characteristics,and existing problems of each measurement technology are analyzed.Combined with the requirements of current geophysical technology,the future application prospect is discussed and development suggestions are given.

Application of Geophysical and Remote Sensing Methods to Predict for Potash Resource

1 Introduction Potassium is listed as one of the shortage of mineral resources in china.Geophysical and remote sensing technology plays an important role in prospecting for potash ressources.

Anomalies of geophysical field in deep crustand earthquakes in Central-South Shanxi

Comprehensive studies on the crustal structures, the anomalies of geophysical field and the seismicity in Central South Shanxi are conducted. The research results show that there are deep tectonic background for occurring moderate earthquakes in Lingshi-Jiexiu region between Linfen and Taiyuan. From now on, the region should be attached closely.

An unidentified geophysical event recorded with L&R-ET gravity meter at Zhongshan Station,Antarctica

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Surface Geophysical Methods used to Verify the Karst Geological Structure in the Built-up Area:A Case Study of Specific Engineering-Geological Conditions

This article presents a research study of complex limestone karst engineering-geological conditions in the municipality Valaskanear Banska Bystrica in Slovakia.The aim of the study is to demonstrate the impossibility of spatial identification of cave spaces using surface geophysical methods due to the specific engineering-geological conditions of a thick surface layer of anthropogenic fill containing highly heterogeneous anthropogenic material.Its maximum thickness is 3 m.Another specificific condition of the study area is its location in the built-up area,due to which the applicability of geophysical methods was limited.The article contains methodological recommendations to be used in analogous geological conditions with karst structures topped with anthropogenic fill,which complicates the identification of cave spaces.The recommended solution herein is the identification of the cave system using underground mapping of the karst and its projection onto the surface for which surface geophysical methods have been combined.

Geophysical Study: Estimation of Deposit Depth Using Gravimetric Data and Euler Method (Jalalabad Iron Mine, Kerman Province of IRAN)

Mineral exploration is done by different methods. Geophysical and geochemical studies are two powerful tools in this field. In integrated studies, the results of each study are used to determine the location of the drilling boreholes. The purpose of this study is to use field geophysics to calculate the depth of mineral reserve. The study area is located 38 km from Zarand city called Jalalabad iron mine. In this study, gravimetric data were measured and mineral depth was calculated using the Euler method. 1314 readings have been performed in this area. The rocks of the region include volcanic and sedimentary. The source of the mineralization in the area is hydrothermal processes. After gravity measuring in the region, the data were corrected, then various methods such as anomalous map remaining in levels one and two, upward expansion, first and second-degree vertical derivatives, analytical method, and analytical signal were drawn, and finally, the depth of the deposit was estimated by Euler method. As a result, the depth of the mineral deposit was calculated to be between 20 and 30 meters on average.

Application Strategy of Integrated Geophysical Prospecting in the Treatment of a Tunnel Disease

China is a country with complex terrain and complex geological conditions.With the development of economy and society,the demand for transportation is also increasing.There are many railways on the mountainous areas.Geological diseases severely affect the construction quality and safe operation of the tunnel,causing huge economic losses.This paper introduces the principles and application strategies of these technologies.

Features of Geophysical Fields and Geodynamics of the China Sea

During 1960—1990, an extensive geological-geophysical investigation was carried out in the marine areas of China. According to the materials obtained, the "Geological—Geophysical Serial Maps of the China Seas and the Adjacent Areas (1:2,000,000)" was compiled. In fact, it is a systematic summary of the geological and geophysical work of the China Seas in the past 30 years.In this paper, the author explains the guiding thought and methodology of the compilation of the serial maps, and then briefly discusses the characteristics of geophysical fields and geodynamics, stratigraphy, tectonics and magmatism.

Geophysical and Hydrogeological Investigations in the Cuvelai-Etosha Sedimentary Basin,Namibia

The project"Groundwater Investigation in the Cuvelai-Etosha Basin"was a 3 year project in the framework of the German-Namibian Technical Cooperation,concluded between the Republic of Namibia and the Federal Republic of Germany.The study is conducted by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry(DWAF) and the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources(BGR).

The Potash Mine Features and the Geophysical Response Features at Mengyejing Area,Yunnan

According to constructed features and deposition features at Yunnan Mengyejing area,combines research district known of drilling and Geophysical,information,through on research district of Monroe head and the

Aerogeophysical,Geological and Geochemical Investigation of the Late Archaean Granitoids in the Musoma-Mara Greenstone Belt,NE Tanzania

Based on the analysis and interpretations made on high resolution airborne radiometric data and previous geological maps,a geophysical interpretation map of Musoma-Mara Greenstone Belt(MMGB) was obtained, and the map categorized the MMGB granitoids into two types:high K,U and Th granites and high K relative to U and Th granites.The geophysical interpretation map used as base map during ground follow-up whereby granite types were sampled accordingly.Geochemical