Magnetics

Magnetic Methods from Quantec Geoscience Quantec Geoscience is fully experienced in performing gravity and magnetic ground surveys for various applications, including Oil & Gas Exploration, Geothermal Exploration, and Mineral Exploration. In this brief overview, we look at Oil & Gas Exploration and Mineral Exploration applications.

Overview of Magnetic Methods

The Earth’s magnetic field is known as a dipole – consisting of two alignments of magnetic poles; one in the North-seeking direction and one in the South-seeking direction. Within the earth, alignments of magnetic minerals, primarily magnetite, affect the amplitude and direction of the measured magnetic field – resulting in a very useful regime for detecting large or small variations that may reflect the geology, attitude and structural components in resource exploration.

As with gravitational measurements, magnetics can be assessed either through the air or on the ground; as a ground geophysical services partner, we consider ground methods our main area of focus although capabilities exist for processing and interpretation of airborne datasets.

Processing is a simple process, comprising corrections for diurnal variations, which may be followed by derivation of more advanced magnetic products, such as first and second derivatives, etc. which may guide exploration and which each serve their own purpose. Inversions may also be carried out using forward or inverse models to determine the magnetic structure of the ground in the vicinity of the measurements.

GEM GSM-19 Walking Magnetometer similar to the models used by Quantec Geoscience. The GSM-19 is
known for its accuracy and precision. It is the most reliable and robust field magnetometer in
use worldwide as determined by many examples in the earth sciences.

Applications of Magnetics in Oil & Gas Exploration

Magnetic surveys for Oil & Gas Exploration are often obtained in the air; however, there is a clear role of ground surveys to play for detailing anomalies identified from the air in order to clearly position anomalies over their sources on the ground. Historically, magnetics has been used in reconnaissance to map bedrock surfaces or structure related to Oil & Gas plays. However, this role is changing as more advanced means of utilizing magnetic results are coming to the forefront.

Some of these newer roles include the following:

• Mapping associated anomalies related to magnetic fault blocks
• Mapping structure-associated anomalies related to volcanic rocks
• Mapping structure-associated anomalies related to magnetic sedimentary formations
• Integration with seismic and geochemical data
• Direct detect ion of oil & gas

Quantec Geoscience is fully qualified to conduct, process and interpret magnetic surveys from either reconnaissance or local surveys based on its extensive experience with magnetics throughout its history. The company operates proven GEM model walking magnetometers which are known for their operating effectiveness and data quality. We also have the ability to process and interpret airborne data or ground data as required.

Applications of Magnetics in Mineral Exploration

Ground magnetic surveying plays a large role in the Mineral Exploration industry as magnetics data are widely accepted as a mapping tool and are complementary to many exploration programmes. Magnetics was first realized as a tool for direct detection of mineralized (magnetic) orebodies; this use has been extended to characterizing geologic units using magnetic maps and mapping structure.

The role of magnetics has subsequently been extended to include mapping of alteration zones, lithologic boundaries, and orientation of geologic targets (including shape, attitude, etc.).  Magnetic data can also be extremely useful for integrating with other earth science data as well as using data to guide the design and planning of further ground geophysical surveys.

Why Choose Quantec as Your Magnetic Services Partner?

What makes Quantec unique as a Magnetics services partner are attention to high quality data, cost and safe operating procedures. Quantec’s specially trained and experienced operators are a key component to acquiring the best quality data possible. These operators quickly recognize issues in the field and can deal with these effectively. Cost considerations are also key as Quantec has proven in the past. Moreover, Quantec is conscious of the need to maintain measurement sites in an environmentally acceptable manner and operator safety as two components of its safe operating policy. When it’s time to consider a partner for your next ground survey, Quantec is the group to which to turn.