EarthProbe IP/Resistivity

         

Caracle Creek and Geoserve have partnered to introduce a new high-resolution IP/Resistivity technology to the industry.

 

is a state-of-the art means to collect highly detailed and deeper IP and resistivity information. This new high resolution resistivity and induced polarization (DCIP) system is challenging the way geophysical surveys have been done by integrating surface, borehole, and borehole-to-borehole subsurface imaging into one convenient system. Through initial funding by CAMIRO and development at University of Toronto, EarthProbe has proven to be an effective tool for mineral exploration, environmental, and engineering applications.

Benefits of EarthProbe:
  • Characterize – determines bulk resistivity/chargeability.
  • Detect – locates off-hole conductive/chargeable zones.
  • Detail – achieves higher lateral resolution and depth penetration than traditional IP.
  • Delineate – delineates both large targets and narrow vein alteration zones.
  • Target – maps continuity of conductive/chargeable zones between boreholes.
  • Drill – test targets with confidence and improved cost efficiency.
EarthProbe vs Traditional IP

Traditional IP surveys have historically compromised target size, horizontal resolution, and depth of investigation to accommodate for logistical survey limitations. EarthProbe high-resolution DCIP surface surveys offer higher lateral and deeper vertical resolution by deploying tightly spaced electrodes (5 m spacing) along a single cable that is connected to a centralized data acquisition system. This allows for “on-the-fly” changes to current and potential electrodes through relays and customizing your survey in real-time. Rapid data acquisition and signal processing techniques allow for efficient use of conventional and non-conventional arrays and the removal of natural and cultural noise.

The result is a high resolution DCIP system able to delineate both large resistivity/chargeability anomalies and narrow structural features down to depths of approximately 250 metres. The system is particularly relevant for narrow vein precious metal (gold-silver) exploration where traditional DCIP systems have failed due to depth limitations and the lack of lateral resolution. Other proven applications are groundwater mapping and monitoring, overburden mapping, and shallow sub-surface structural mapping for tailings site selection.

The EarthProbe system and team provides:

  • Surface surveys to greater than 250 metres depth.
  • Borehole characterization studies:
    • Off-hole detection (+100 metres).
    • Imaging between holes (>200 metre spacing).
Rapid Data Acquisition and Signal Processing

Tightly spaced electrodes are interfaced to a centralized data acquisition system enabling tailored selection of conventional and non-conventional arrays through relays. Rapid data acquisition and signal processing techniques allow for effective removal of natural and cultural noise. The result is a survey able to delineate both large resistivity/chargeability anomalies and narrow structural features at both shallow and mid-earth depths.

Vertical Resistivity and Chargeability Profiling

Resistivity/chargeability characterization, identify in-hole and off-hole targets

By using a single borehole, in-hole vertical resistivity/chargeability profiling can be rapidly undertaken to depths up to 400 metres (limited by cable length) to characterize bulk and in-situ resistivity/chargeability of host rocks, which can assist with the calibration/interpretation of other resistivity, IP and EM data sets.

Furthermore, the down hole electrodes can be rapidly configured to operate using standard “surface” arrays thus providing down hole pseudo-sections. The profiles collected assist to define the off-hole extent of intersected mineralization, and identify conductive/chargeable features in the vicinity of the borehole that have been missed by drilling.