Magnetic intensity measurements are used to identify metallic mineralization related to magnetic materials in the ground (e.g., magnetite and/or pyrrhotite). Magnetic data are also used as a mapping tool to distinguish rock types and to identify faults, bedding, structure and alteration zones. The magnetic field has both an amplitude and a direction and there is instrumentation available that measures both components.
SJ Geophysics Ltd. employs both proton precession and overhauser type magnetometers manufactured by EDA, Geometrics Inc., Geonics Ltd., GEM Systems and Scintrex. Back in the office, magnetic data are processed and can be inverted (using UBC-GIF inversion software) to produce a 3D model of the subsurface magnetic susceptibility distribution.
Applications
- Detecting magnetic ores or deposits
- Mapping bedrock features
- Locating buried tanks and drums
