Airborne geophysical surveys are used to acquire a regional overview of the geology. Many mining and exploration companies utilize airborne surveys to acquire geophysical data over their project areas. Airborne surveys provide a cost and time effective means of acquiring high resolution geophysical data over large areas of interest.

 

Airborne surveys make it possible to acquire geophysical data over large areas in a fraction of the time and using minimal manpower compared to ground surveys.

 

 

Airborne geophysical survey companies can utilize several different types of technologies to gather data for specific applications. Each type of technology is specialized for mapping particular physical properties within the survey area, and each particular technology has distinct differences in the manner in which the airborne survey must be flown in order to acquire the highest quality of data.

 

Principal airborne geophysical technologies include:

• Magnetics – used to measure the presence and intensity of magnetic anomalies. These magnetic anomalies can signal concentrations of magnetic minerals in the subsurface.
• Radiometrics – used to measure the levels of gamma-ray radiation which can be interpreted to map near surface geology.
• Electromagnetics– used to measure the electrical conductivity and resistivity of the subsurface.  
• Gravity – used to measure gravity anomalies which can be used to determine rock densities.

Today’s premier airborne geophysical survey companies utilize innovative and flexible data acquisition systems to acquire data from a variety of sensors and technologies simultaneously,offering unparalleled performance, accuracy and reliability.  Their experienced crews are able to execute these surveys in the most efficient manner possible, and plan specific survey flight specifications that optimize data quality of each geophysical technology being employed.

 

 

Terraquest was established in 1984 and since then, our dedicated team has flown over 1,500 airborne geophysical surveys using both fixed wing and helicopter platforms.  Our professional crews provide significant experience having carried out airborne magnetic, gravity, gamma ray spectrometry, and electromagnetics on five continents.  Our quality data sets have been utilized in the exploration for base and precious metals, kimberlite, hydrocarbons, uranium, rare earth minerals and water. The company has performed exemplary surveys for both small and large exploration groups as well as many government agencies.  References can be provided upon request.    Visit www.terraquest.ca.