Geophysics
The purpose of the Geophysic Research Programs is to develop and improve techniques in support of advanced exploration and ore delineation in the context of the Voisey’s Bay deposits.
The major components are:
Seismic detection and imaging
The overall objective of this research project is the detection and imaging of massive-sulphide ore deposits and host rocks at depth. A variety of approaches include:
- Property Scale – Surface-to-Surface studies which will involve collecting high-resolution, multichannel, three-component seismic data, with the goal of structural delineation;
- Mine Scale – Surface-to-surface and surface-to-borehole studies (surface and borehole 3-component sensors) with the goal of sulphide detection;
- Mine Scale – Borehole tomography which consists of
lowering a set of receivers (hydrophones or accelerometers) in one
borehole and a seismic source in a second hole, analogous to the
medical CAT scan.
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Geomodelling of potential fields (inversion and visualization)
This element of the research involves developing 3D characterization and immersive visualization techniques of ore bodies and geology. The project will take existing surface and borehole geological, geophysical and geochemical data and bring it into 3D modelling/GIS software (Gocad). Models will be viewed immersively in Memorial’s visualization centre. Geophysical results will be incorporated using forward and inverse modelling techniques.
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Microseismic monitoring (mine scale)
The microseismic monitoring research component will involve installation of a number of surface and borehole geophones or accelerometers and a seismic monitoring/telemetry system. The array will be established throughout the line of known deposits. In addition to assisting in understanding the active seismic results (at both the property and mine scale), this will be invaluable in understanding the local stress field for mine planning.
