Development of electrical methods (ERT) for deep targets

In this project, the geophysical method of geoelectrics (ERT) will be extended for the investigation of deeper subsurface areas with the help of an external stronger power source. This requires extensive further developments in the area of the measurement sequence and measurement configurations as well as in data processing (merging the data from the power source and the ERT system).

In this project, the GEOMON4D-IP measuring system will be improved for the detection of deep targets (500-1000m depth). In addition to a sufficiently strong power source an essential point for the successful use of geoelectrics for deep targets is the option of very accurate and flexibly adjustable recording of the voltage signals. This requires the optimization of measurement settings, measurement configurations and the adaptation of the measurement sequence. In addition, comprehensive post-processing steps are necessary to merge the data from the independently operating measuring systems (power source and GEOMON4D-IP) and prepare them for further data processing steps. For the final data evaluation/data inversion, the existing, jointly developed inversion software of KIGAM is to be adapted to the special data structure of this measuring procedure and expanded by additional analysis and filter options. The declared goal of the project is thus to provide a measuring system (external power source (commercial) + GEOMON4D-IP) including a newly developed measurement protocol for the detection of deep targets and an evaluation software that has been further developed according to the requirements. In detail, the first step is to develop a new measurement protocol that will enable efficient use of the commercial power source in combination with the GEOMON4D-IP. Finally, there is also an essential task in the further development of the processing software for the inclusion of deep measuring points in data processing and inversion. These further developments will be implemented by Dr. Myeong-Jong Yi, from the South Korean Geological Survey KIGAM, as part of a corresponding cooperation. In a final step, the optimized measurement method will be tested for practical suitability at a selected deposit or location with a correspondingly interesting subsurface structure at the defined target depth. All these development steps will enable a best possible use of the potential of the geoelectrical measurement method for the purposes of searching for raw materials for deep targets.