Interrelations Between Thermal Conductivity and Other Physical Properties of Rocks: Experimental Data

— A new non-contact and non-destructive optical scanning instrument provided a large number of high-precision measurements of thermal conductivity tensor components in samples of sedimentary and impact rocks, as well as new insights into interrelations between thermal conductivity and other physical properties. More than 800 core samples (dry and fluid-saturated) of sedimentary rocks from different Russian oil-gas deposits and impact rocks from the well “Nördlingen 1973” drilled in the Ries impact structure (Germany) were studied using optical scanning technology. It was established that the thermal conductivity parallel to the stratification is more informative for petrophysical investigations than the thermal conductivity perpendicular to the layering. Different approaches were developed to estimate porosity, permeability, pore space geometry, and matrix thermal conductivity with a combination of thermal conductivity measurements in dry and fluid-saturated samples and mathematical modelling. These approaches allow prediction of the rock porosity and permeability and their spatial distribution along a well using thermal conductivity measurements performed with the optical scanning instrument directly applied to cores. Conditions and constraints for using Lichtenecker-Asaad's theoretical model for the estimation of porosity and thermal conductivity of sedimentary rocks were determined. A correlation between thermal conductivity and acoustic velocity, porosity, density, and electric resistivity of impact rocks was found for different rock types. New relationships between permeability, electrical and thermal conductivity found for sedimentary rocks are described.     

VLF RESISTIVITY MAPPING AND VERTICALIZATION OF THE ELECTRIC FIELD1

For over 20 years, powerful VLF transmitters have been used as electromagnetic sources for subsurface investigations in mining exploration. Measurements initially concerned the vertical component of the magnetic field or the inclination of the field and were later extended to measurement of the horizontal electric field in the direction of the transmitter, to determine the resistivity of the terrain. Measurement of the electric field is usually performed with electric lines, grounded or not, with lengths of at least 5 m. This paper presents the concept of a VLF resistivity meter with a very short electric sensor (1 m) and the results obtained with it. This technique improves the measurement of the electric field, which is in principle a point value. It also permits a higher spatial sampling rate and, by closely linking the electric sensor with the magnetic sensor on a lightweight mount, makes it possible for the instrument to be used by a single operator. In addition, transformation of the electric field data, analogous to reduction to the pole in magnetism, is proposed to correct the horizontal deformation of the anomalies created by polarization of the primary field. Comparison with direct current electrical measurements shows highly satisfactory correlations. This transformation, validated for VLF, can be extended to any electrical or electromagnetic method using a uniform primary field, i.e. gradient array in direct current or low-frequency magnetotellurics. We call this verticalization of the electric field. Resistivity measurements and mapping using the VLF frequency range can be applied not only to mining but also to a wide range of shallow geophysical studies (hydrology, civil engineering, etc.) and are not limited to problems concerning the location of conductive targets     

THE POSSIBILITIES OF GEOPHYSICAL METHODS APPLIED FOR INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF MAN ON THE GEOLOGICAL MEDIUM*

Geophysical methods can be applied to investigate the harmful effect of man's activities on the environment: the study of specific electrical resistivities and natural electric fields of filtrational origin makes it possible to control the penetration of exogenic pollutants into soil as well as desalinization and secondary salinization of soils; electrometric and seismometric methods allow to observe the groundwater level near water reservoirs thus evaluating the harmful effect of backing up natural groundwater flow; contrasting properties of bedrocks and rocks in a landslide body permit application of seismic and electrical prospecting methods. Observation of the changes in specific electrical resistivities with time on the slopes of quarries is an effective method of assessing slope stability and predicting landslide hazard. Mining activities, groundwater pumping, and oil extraction are the main causes of endogenic pollution of geological medium; surface and borehole geophysical methods make it possible to assess vertical and horizontal displacements of the interfaces between salty and fresh subterranean waters resulting from an extensive exploitation of water supply sources; activation of geodynamic processes associated with mining activities is determined from the data of ‘regime’ electrometric, seismometric, gravimetric, and inclinometric observations. Geophysical methods are applied widely for studying the intensification of physico-geological processes under the impact of man. A specific object of electrometric investigations is degradation of permafrost and intensification of karst processes in soluble rocks. The principal advantage of geophysical investigations lies in the possibility of creating high spatial and temporal density of observations permitting an extensive employment of statistical methods in the assessment of the impact of man on the geological medium.     

ELECTRICAL STRUCTURE OF UPPER CRUST IN THE SOURCE REGION OF JINGGU YUNNAN MS6.6 EARTHQUAKE AND THE SEISMOGENIC ENVIRONMENT

The October 7, 2014 M_S6.6 earthquake in southwest of Jinggu in the southwestern Yunnan Province occurred as the result of shallow strike-slip faulting within the crust of the Eurasia plate in the broad plate boundary region between the India and Eurasia plates. The strike of fault plane is 140°, and the aftershock distribution shows that the rupture plane is also NNW-trending. Tectonics of the region are controlled by the convergence of the India plate with Eurasia, which has driven the uplift of the Himalayas to the west of this earthquake, and has caused the formation of numerous intraplate continental transform structures in the surrounding region. The pattern of elastic-wave radiation from the earthquake is consistent with the shock occurring either as the result of right-lateral faulting on a northwest-trending fault or as the result of left-lateral faulting on a northeast trending fault. Faults of both types have been mapped in southwestern Yunnan, and it is unclear at this time which type of fault hosted this event. Magnetotelluric survey line is across Jinggu earthquake zone. The advanced data processing and analysis technology of MT is employed and the quantitative data from field surveys are analyzed to acquire the reliable electrical model. The MT data are inverted using nonlinear conjugate gradient (NLCG) inversion algorithm. At last, the interpretation of the electrical model is performed considering the geology and the other geophysical data. Based on the final inversion model of the target profile, it is found that:(1) Electrical structure of the source region can be divided into four layers:The surface is relatively low resistivity layer(0~5km), consisting mainly of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Basin sedimentary rocks, the value of resistivity is 100Ω·m; The high resistivity layer(5~10km) in upper crust mainly consists of Proterozoic metamorphic rocks, with resistivity higher than 1 000Ω·m; there are the upper crust high-conductivity layer(15~25km) and crust-mantle transition zone(blow 25km); (2) The focal depth of the Jinggu earthquake is about 10km, which locates in the interface between high resistivity layer and high-conductivity layer; (3) Most of the focal depths of the aftershocks are in the range of 5km and 10km, and the two depths(5km & 10km) are corresponding to the resistivity gradient belt.     

A methodology for quantifying the value of spatial information for dynamic Earth problems

We develop a methodology for assessing the value of information (VOI) from spatial data for groundwater decisions. Two sources of uncertainty are the focus of this VOI methodology: the spatial heterogeneity (how it influences the hydrogeologic response of interest) and the reliability of geophysical data (how they provide information about the spatial heterogeneity). An existing groundwater situation motivates and in turn determines the scope of this research. The objectives of this work are to (1) represent the uncertainty of the dynamic hydrogeologic response due to spatial heterogeneity, (2) provide a quantitative measure for how well a particular information reveals this heterogeneity (the uncertainty of the information) and (3) use both of these to propose a VOI workflow for spatial decisions and spatial data. The uncertainty of the hydraulic response is calculated using many Earth models that are consistent with the a priori geologic information. The information uncertainty is achieved quantitatively through Monte Carlo integration and geostatistical simulation. Two VOI results are calculated which demonstrate that a higher VOI occurs when the geophysical attribute (the data) better discriminates between geological indicators. Although geophysical data can only indirectly measure static properties that may influence the dynamic response, this transferable methodology provides a framework to estimate the value of spatial data given a particular decision scenario.     

Determining the origin of volcanic rocks in the mélange complex of Karangsambung based on the electrical resistivity imaging

An ENE-WSW-trending localized basalt-diabase outcrop along the SE margin of Luk Ulo Mélange Complex has been suggested as intrusive rocks cut through the Paleogene Totogan and Karangsambung formations. However, the absolute dating of the volcanics is older than the inferred relative age of the sedimentary formations, hence the in-situ intrusion theory is less likely. A subsurface imaging should delineate the possibility of the in-situ nature of volcanic rock by looking at the continuation of the rocks to the depth. In this study, we did a subsurface imaging by electrical resistivity method. The electrical resistivity surveys were conducted at 3 (three) lines across the ENE-WSW trend of the volcanic distribution. From those three measurements, we obtained three inversion models that present the distribution of the resistivity. We could differentiate between the high resistivity of volcanic rocks and the low resistivity of the clay-dominated sediments. Instead of the deep-rooted intrusions, the geometry of the volcanic rocks is concordant with the sedimentary strata. Since we do not observe any spatial continuity of the bodies, both laterally and vertically, the volcanic rocks might be part of broken intrusive rocks. Furthermore, the size and the sporadically distributed of the rocks also indicated that they are more likely as fragments during the olistostrome deposition, transported from its original location.     

USE OF REMOTE SENSING FROM SPACE PLATFORMS FOR REGIONAL GEOLOGIC EVALUATION AND FOR PLANNING GROUND EXPLORATION*

The advantages and limitations of remote sensing exploration from space platforms are outlined with special reference to the geologic objectives. The enhancement techniques of the multispectral imagery and their effects are illustrated in order to improve the interpretation of geologic linears and the discrimination of soils and rocks. Three cases of application are shown, dealing with different geologic regions. The ability of remote sensing from space to be employed in both regional and local problems is shown. The planning of exploration by airborne and ground geophysical methods can be substantially helped after the results of remote sensing, and large economic gains can be reached.     

HYDROGEOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF PARTS OF THE BRITISH TRIAS*

Laboratory studies of Bunter Sandstone specimens from Northwest Lancashire, Shropshire, West Cumberland, and the Vale of Clwyd have indicated that the parameters effective porosity, intergranular permeability, compressional wave velocity, formation resistivity factor, and effective matrix resistivity have significantly different distributions in each of these four regions. Regression analyses have shown that bivariate and trivariate expressions for the prediction of the two hydrological parameters from petrophysical data vary from region to region. It is concluded that, in quantitative geophysical investigations of these formations, each area must be investigated independently. For all four aquifers, and for both horizontally and vertically oriented specimens, effective porosity can be most reliably and readily estimated through a bivariate relationship involving formation resistivity factor. On the other hand, the best estimate of intergranular permeability from geophysical data is obtained through a trivariate expression involving both formation resistivity factor and effective matrix resistivity. The use of hydrogeophysical relationships to estimate hydrological parameters in situ is illustrated by reference to field examples.     

2D cooperative inversion of direct current resistivity and gravity data: A case study of uranium bearing target rock

Interpretation of a single geophysical data set is not sufficient to get complete subsurface information. Cooperative or joint inversion of geophysical data sets is the preferred method for most case studies. In the present study, we present the results of the cooperative inversion approach of direct current resistivity and gravity data. The algorithm uses fuzzy c-means clustering to determine the petrophysical relationship between density and resistivity to obtain the similarity. Synthetic data set has demonstrated that the cooperative inversion approach can produce more reliable and better resistivity and density models of the subsurface as compared to those obtained through individual inversions. To utilize the presented cooperative inversion algorithm, the number of geologic units (number of clusters) in the study region must be known a priori. As a field study, the cooperative inversion approach was used to identify the extension of uranium-bearing target rock around the Beldih open cast mine. We noted the inconsistencies in both resistivity and density models obtained from the individual inversions. However, the presented cooperative inversion approach was able to produce similar resistivity and density models while maintaining the same error level of the respective individual inversions. We have considered four geologic units in the presented cooperative inversion as a field case study. We have also compared our cooperative results with drilled borehole and found to be a reliable tool to differentiate between the target rocks (kaolinite and quartz–magnetite–apatite rocks) and the ultramafic rock (host rock quartzite/alkaline granite). However, this study is subject to certain limitations such as the inability to differentiate between closely spaced kaolinite and quartz–magnetite–apatite rocks.     

东北地区地壳结构特征与地震分布

本文利用各种地球物理场资料结合卫星影象的解释,简要地讨论了东北地区地壳构造的基本特点,指出该区的地壳构造由几个巨大的断块组成,长条状断块相间分布,平行排列。最后还讨论了区域构造与震中分布的关系     

Integrated interpretation of the magnetotelluric and magnetic data from Mahallat geothermal field,Iran

Magnetotelluric (MT) and ground magnetic surveys were conducted on the Mahallat geothermal field situated in Markazi province, central Iran, as a primary part of the explorations and developments of a geothermal energy investigation program in the region. Mahallat region has the greatest geothermal fields in Iran. MT survey was performed in November 2011 on an 8 km profile crossing the hot springs with a total of 17 stations. The 2D inversion of the determinant MT data was performed using a 2D inversion routine based on the Occam approach. The 2D resistivity model obtained from the determinant data shows a low resistivity zone at 800-2000 m depth and a higher resistivity zone above the low resistivity zone, interpreted as geothermal reservoir and cap rock, respectively. It also revealed two major concealed faults which are acting as preferential paths for the circulation of hydrothermal fluids. To obtain more geophysical evidence, a ground magnetic survey with 5000 stations was also performed over an area of 200 km² around the MT profile. Magnetic measurements show a main positive anomaly of about +1000 nT over the study area, which could be interpreted as an intrusive body with the high magnetic susceptibility (i.e. mafic and ultramafic rocks) into the sedimentary host rocks. We interpret the body as the heat source of the geothermal system. Structural index and depth estimation of the anomaly indicate that the intrusive body is similar to a cylinder extending from about one kilometer depth down to greater depths. The results of MT and magnetic investigations indicate a geothermal reservoir which proves the preliminary geological observations to a great extent.     

Electromagnetic soundings of the sedimentary cover and consolidated crust in the transition zone from the Moscow syneclise to the Voronezh anteclise: Problems and prospects

The methods and results of electromagnetic soundings (EMS) performed in the transition zone from the Moscow syneclise to the Voronezh anteclise in the vicinity of the MSU geophysical base are considered. This base is located in the village of Aleksandrovka in the Yukhnov district of Kaluga area. The composite EMS curves characterizing rock complexes composing the sedimentary cover are constructed, and changes in these complexes within the specified transition zone are traced. The standard curves of magnetotelluric (MT) and magnetovariational (MV) soundings are constructed from the results of long-term measurements at the ALX observation point located at the Moscow State University’s (MSU) geophysical base. The maps of thickness and total longitudinal conductance of the sedimentary cover are constructed from the results of interpretation of MT data obtained in the region. A conductor in the consolidated Earth’s crust is identified within the Voronezh anteclise. Prospects for further investigations of the region are associated with the tracing of the crustal conductor within the Voronezh anteclise, as well as with the organization of an observatory at the MSU’s geophysical base in order to perform long-term measurements of the electromagnetic (EM) and other geophysical fields.     

STATISTICAL MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF AIRBORNE GEOPHYSICAL DATA ON THE SE BORDER OF THE CENTRAL LAPLAND GREENSTONE COMPLEX*

Statistical multivariate methods for the integrated processing of airborne geophysical data were tested. The data consisted of magnetic, electromagnetic and gamma radiation measurements, to which cluster analysis, principal components analysis and discriminant analysis were applied. Also, auxiliary variables were derived from the original ones and their value was tested. Although the frequency distributions of the data do not favour statistical analysis, the practical results are acceptable. Principal component analyses show geological and technical aspects that are difficult to obtain from the original observations. In cluster analyses, the sources of measured fields control the grouping of variables. Discriminant analysis was applied to the automatic identification of rocks by geophysical data. The rocks investigated are metasediments and metavolcanics, some magnetic and others conductive. When all available geophysical data were included, correct identifications were made in more than 60% of cases. In particular, gamma ray observations were found to improve the discrimination of non-magnetic and non-conductive rocks. The geophysical similarity of rocks studied by cluster analysis depends on electrical and magnetic properties as well as on their origin; the content of radioactive elements in turn is related to the origin.     

南北构造带北段重磁异常的对应分析

论述了重磁异常对应分析方法原理和地质解释的地球物理基础,计算了南北构造带北段上延5 ～50km 的重磁对应分析的相关系数R和斜率α的平面分布曲线,结合其它地质和地球物理资料,初步分析认为:(1) 中朝准地台的阿拉善台隆和鄂尔多斯台缘隆起区属于正常地壳结构;鄂尔多斯台缘坳陷区属于非正常地壳结构;(2) 祁连秦岭褶皱区地壳结构比较复杂,南、北祁连和礼县 柞水褶皱带的地壳为基本正常地壳结构;祁连北部走廊过渡带、中部隆起带和南秦岭褶皱带西段的地壳属于非正常地壳结构;(3)相关系数转换带的平面分布特征大致反映了断裂带的伸展方向,在剖面上的位置大致与断裂带构造位置相对应     

应用模式识别定量划分潜在震源区

本文以陕西关中及部分邻区为例,考虑地质构造、地震活动及地球物地场等因素,采用不同的模式识别方法和多种计算方案,以定量判定潜在震源区。其结果表明,模式识别方法有利于地质、地震活动及地球物理场等多种因素综合应用,并能选择和显示判定潜有震源区的主要特征。不同模式识别方法的比较和多种试验方案的综合,则可提高潜在震源区判定的可靠性和稳定性。     

THE CLASSIFICATION OF PHYSICO-GEOLOGICAL MODELS OF MINERAL DEPOSITS*

We describe the concept of physico-geological models (PGMs) in geophysical exploration. They represent a “general model”, a spatial combination of a set of particular models (disturbing bodies). The modeling is called complete, incomplete or approximate, depending on the degree of characterization of the PGM by parameters such as dimension, shape and petrophysical property. Each of the three modeling types can be realized as a conceptual, and analytical, or a material PGM. Both deterministic and stochastic PGMs exist; deterministic models are mainly used to investigate the possibilities of a geophysical method, while stochastic models serve to substantiate complex geophysical interpretations. Depending on the geological problem, PGMs are subdivided into multi-alternative models (geological mapping, prediction, general prospecting) and double alternative models (specialized prospecting). An exploration-oriented classification of the PGMs of mineral deposits is discussed. According to this classification the variety of known genetic deposit types is reduced to a limited number of generalized PGM types. The development of typical PGMs is illustrated with examples of magnetitic deposits of Siberia.     

松辽盆地北部深层综合物探方法先导性研究

首先对岩石的速度、密度、磁化率、电阻率等物性资料进行统计分析 ,寻找它们之间的内在联系 ,在此基础上综合各种有用信息建立统一的物理 -地质模型。在统一的物理 -地质模型之上 ,进行重、磁、电、震单一方法的反演 ,分析各种物探方法反演结果的相容性与相背性 ,重新修改模型并进行重、磁、电、震的联合反演 ,最终确定深部地层的地质属性     

重视和加强岩矿物性的测量研究

本文从物探科学技术的进步,勘查任务的发展变化、物探方法应用范畴的扩大和物性勘探等几个方面,论述了岩石和矿物物理性质测量、研究的重要性,指出：物性工作不可能毕其功于一役,并提出了五点建议：１．深入研究各类矿藏及其围岩（直至地面）物性的空间变化规律,为选择、研究合适的物探方法,提高物探效果,进一步探讨“直接”找矿问题,提供依据;２．这项工作可专门进行,但最好尽可能利用为其他目的而设计的钻井进行;３．物     

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION OF A FAULT ZONE–CASE HISTORY FROM ILE-IFE,SOUTHWEST NIGERIA*

A fault zone, inferred as a major linear structure from aerial photographs of the University of Ife Campus, has been investigated. Results of a multi-method geophysical survey indicate that the zone is characterized by relatively low resistivity and high magnetic effect. They are characteristic of a sheared and perhaps saturated fault zone with magnetic mineral infillings along its plane. The near symmetry of the magnetic anomalies over the fault zone may not be indicative of a step faulting. The geoelectric sections show no indication of any significant displacement. The above supports results of a previous study that the fault is a strike-slip fault.     

Electrical resistivity imaging of hydrologic flow through surface coal mine valley fills with comparison to other landforms

Surface coal mining has altered land cover, near‐surface geologic structure, and hydrologic processes of large areas in central Appalachia, USA. These alterations are associated with changes in water quality such as elevated total‐dissolved solids, which is usually measured via its surrogate, specific conductance (SC). The SC of valley fill effluent streams is a function of fill construction methods, materials, and age; yet hydrologic studies that relate these variables to water quality are sparse due to the difficulty of conducting traditional hydrologic studies in mined landscapes. We used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) to visualize the subsurface geologic structure and hydrologic flow paths within a valley fill. ERI is a noninvasive geophysical technique that maps spatiotemporal changes in resistivity of the subsurface. We paired ERI with artificial rainfall experiments to track infiltrated water as it moved through the valley fill. Results indicate that ERI can be used to identify subsurface geologic structure and track advancing wetting fronts or preferential flow paths. Our results suggest that the upper portion of the fill contains significant fines, whereas the deeper profile is primarily large rocks and void spaces. Water tended to pond on the surface of compacted areas until it reached preferential flow paths, where it appeared to infiltrate quickly down to >15 m depth in 75 min. ERI applications can improve understanding of how fill construction techniques influence subsurface water movement, and in turn may aid in the development of valley fill construction methods to reduce water quality effects.