A geophysical exploration plan typically outlines the objectives, methods, equipment, and procedures to be used in conducting a survey to investigate subsurface geological structures or resources.
The plan might include:
- Objectives: Clearly stating the purpose of the survey, whether it’s to locate mineral deposits, map underground water resources, identify geological hazards, or for any other specific purpose.
- Survey Area: Defining the geographical area to be surveyed. This could be a specific site or a larger region depending on the scope of the project.
- Geophysical Methods: Describing the geophysical techniques to be employed such as seismic surveys, electromagnetic surveys, gravity surveys, magnetic surveys, ground-penetrating radar, etc. Each method has its own advantages and limitations, and the choice depends on the geological conditions and the objectives of the survey.
- Survey Equipment: Listing the equipment required for data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. This could include instruments like seismographs, magnetometers, gravimeters, GPS units, computers with specialized software, etc.
- Survey Design: Planning the layout of survey lines or grids, spacing of measurement points, and other parameters to ensure adequate coverage and resolution of the target area.
- Field Procedures: Detailing how the survey will be conducted in the field, including safety protocols, data collection protocols, quality control measures, and environmental considerations.
- Data Processing and Interpretation: Outlining the procedures for processing raw data into interpretable results, and the methods for interpreting these results to derive geological or resource-related information.
- Reporting: Specifying the format and content of the final report, which typically includes background information, survey methodology, data analysis, interpretations, conclusions, and recommendations.
