Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Prospecting Geophysical methods Oman'

[Truncated abstract. Please see the pdf version of the abstract for the complete text.] Thirty impact structures of confirmed or possible status are currently identified in Australia. Twenty-two of these structures are confirmed by the presence of meteorite fragments or shock metamorphic features that are diagnostic of meteorite impact. The remainder have an impact origin supported by strong secondary evidence. New impact structures are being discovered in Australia at a rate of about one every year, with geophysics a key tool in the identification of candidate structures for further investigation. It is estimated that between two and five times the current number of impact structures are yet to be discovered on the Australian continent. Past compilations of the geophysical signatures of impact structures, particularly of their potential field responses, have been focused on structures formed in mainly crystalline targets. From these studies the expected gravity response is an overall low due to fracturing of the target rocks, with a local gravity high common over the centre of large complex structures, due to the structural uplift of denser material. An overall demagnetisation of the target rocks by the high shock pressures generated by the impact is also expected, although central magnetic highs may also be produced by remanently magnetised melt or the uplift of magnetic rocks from depth. The geophysical signatures of fifteen Australian impact structures are discussed, including individual case studies on nine structures and a detailed study of the Yallalie structure. Only one of the structures discussed here was formed in crystalline rocks, with a further two in mixed sedimentary / crystalline targets. The other structures that were studied were formed in either Phanerozoic basins or mildly-deformed Proterozoic sedimentary rocks. The potential field responses of these structures show a greater variability than was expected, particularly between structures that were formed in different types of target rock. A positive gravity response is found over four structures formed in clastic sedimentary rocks deposited in a Phanerozoic basin. These anomalies are due to the emplacement of denser rock into the central uplift. A decrease in density due to brecciation is not apparent in this target rock type. Furthermore, it is suggested that by collapsing pore space and removing water, the density of wet sedimentary rocks may be locally increased by impact. Circular magnetic anomalies are found outside the central uplift of six impact structures formed in either Phanerozoic or weakly-metamorphosed Proterozoic sedimentary basins.Four possible sources for these anomalies are proposed; remanently magnetised melt or suevite surrounding the central uplift, creation of new magnetic minerals along internal faults within the crater by post-impact hydrothermal fluids, deformation of a flat-lying magnetic layer within the target stratigraphy, and magnetic (maghemite, heavy minerals) minerals concentrated within the post-impact crater fill. It is not possible to definitively identify an impact crater from geophysical evidence alone. Consequently, candidate structures selected from geophysical data, even those as strongly supported as Silverpit, should not be given equal status to structures that have been proven beyond doubt by diagnostic geological criteria. However, it is proposed that structures that possess several pieces of secondary evidence, such as circular shape, interpretation of characteristic geophysical features and crater morphometry, be reclassified as “provisional” impact structures and be given a status that is between “possible” and “probable”. A global compilation of the natural resources known to be associated with impact structures has been undertaken. Where possible, an economic value is calculated for the total definable resource for each structure. The prospectivity of impact structures for petroleum, mineral or water resources is reconfirmed by this work. Almost 20% of all known terrestrial impact structures are associated with some form of resource that is, or has been, exploited. The most numerous, and generally most valuable, of these resources are hydrocarbon accumulations stored in structural traps or brecciated rocks within, or around, the structure. The structural displacements resulting from crater formation can expose from beneath cover, or preserve from erosion, a pre-existing, or progenetic, mineral deposit. While the massive base-metal deposits of the Sudbury Mining Camp are perhaps the most famous of all impact-related economic resources, they require the preservation of the melt sheet formed by a very large (>150 km diameter) impact structure. The Sudbury mineralisation is probably unique on the Earth, but may be a valid target for metal exploration on other planets. Other types of natural resource include surface or ground water, deposits of chemical or organic-rich sedimentary material, hydrothermal ores and industrial diamonds.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Missouri University of Science and Technology, 2010.
Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed June 30, 2010) Includes bibliographical references (p. 129-135).

Orientadores: Saul Barisnik Suslick, Alexandre Campane Vidal
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecanica e Instituto de Geociencias
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Resumo: Este estudo se foca na elaboração de um método de caracterização de eletrofácies, o qual utiliza dados de perfis geofísicos de poços referentes às classes litológicas identificadas nos testemunhos desses poços, por meio do emprego de análises qualitativas associadas a tratamentos estatísticos multivariados. A princípio, o estudo visa estabelecer uma rotina de análises qualitativas para os dados litológicos extraídos dos testemunhos e associados aos perfis, por meio de ferramentas estatísticas básicas, com o objetivo de identificar agrupamentos de classes litológicas e caracterizar as eletrofácies presentes no intervalo testemunhado. Numa segunda etapa, aplica-se a técnica estatística multivariada da Análise de Agrupamentos em dois passos, a qual gera agrupamentos (eletrofácies) por meio da associação dos dados dos perfis com as classes litológicas descritas nos testemunhos. Numa terceira etapa, esses agrupamentos são avaliados quantitativamente por intermédio de ferramentas estatísticas, as quais incluem a Análise de Variância Simples (one way Anova), o Teste de Médias e a Análise Discriminante. Como exemplo de aplicação, utiliza-se um conjunto de dados que inclui perfis e descrições de testemunhos de três poços verticais do Campo Escola de Namorado, localizado na Bacia de Campos, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os resultados obtidos mostram um bom desempenho da Análise de Agrupamentos em dois passos para a caracterização de eletrofácies, e permitem que se obtenham informações acerca da qualidade da amostragem, no que se refere aos ajustes das mesmas com as profundidades de perfis, além de proporcionar agilidade ao processo de investigação exploratória de dados de perfis em relação às classes litológicas a estes associadas.
Abstract: This study is focused on the elaboration of a method for electrofacies characterization which uses well log data related to the lithological classes identified in the core samples of the wells, based upon qualitative approach and multivariate statistics analysis. The first step of this method involves the establishment of a qualitative approach routine which includes the analysis of a package of well log data, which are extracted from the cored intervals, using basic statistics tools (histograms and cross plots) and aiming to delineate and characterize electrofacies. The second step involves the utilization of a classical multivariate technique called Two Steps Cluster Analysis, which generates clusters (electrofacies) based upon the association between well log data and the lithological classes identified from the core samples. The details of the Cluster Analysis technique are showed during the development of this study. During the third step of proposed method, all the clusters generated in the previous steps are quantitatively evaluated by ordinary statistical tools, which include one-way Anova, Test of Means and Discriminant Analysis. As an example of application of this method it is used a complete package of data which includes well logs and macroscope reports of three sets of core samples, extracted from three vertical wells, located in the producing Oil Field of Namorado, in the Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The results of the statistical tests show a good performance for the Two Steps Cluster Analysis tool in characterizing electrofacies. Furthermore, all the statistical tests applied in this study allow the researcher to obtain information about the quality of the sampling process and the accuracy related to the correlation between the sampling and the logging depth, speeding-up the process of the exploratory investigation by using well log data and associated to the lithological classes present in the cored intervals of the oil wells.
Doutorado
Reservatórios e Gestão
Doutor em Ciências e Engenharia de Petróleo

This study is informed by the rising demand for power needs in South Africa and aims at understanding the geophysical and geochemical characteristics of the energy minerals in the Springbok Flats Basin and relating them to the prevailing geological and structural setting for improved exploration targeting. The Springbok Flats Basin is part of the Karoo sediments and host to uranium, coal and coal bed methane (CBM) resources. The lithology sections in the basin indicate presence of basaltic lavas at the top, underlain by mudrocks, siltstones, sandstones, conglomerates and diamictite, with interbedded coal beds occasionally. The coals are uraniferous and shale bounded and of lower Beaufort age at 250 Ma. The regional radiometric data identifies the regional extent of the Springbok Flats Basin as a basin with low total count values. This information is useful in exploration as it gives an idea of the limits of the area where to focus application for prospecting licenses. The reduced to pole of the total magnetic field, residuals and first vertical derivative maps clearly show the high magnetic susceptibility nature of the surrounding Bushveld rocks as compared to the low Karoo sediment susceptibility within the basin. There are distinct ring shaped picks within the basin possibly due to known Karoo dolerite sills in particular to the central south western part of the grid. The regional geochemical mapping program is a cost-effective way of providing an overview of the relative abundance levels, regional trends and anomalous patterns in the underlying lithological units. Background values of elements in soils over different lithological units and the identification of anomalous values relative to these elements can easily be identified. The geochemical results show an excellent correlation between soil chemistry and underlying geological formations. A few distinct gravity highs are clearly shown within the basin. Assuming the effect of the Letaba basalt to the gravity readings is uniform across the basin; these distinct anomalies could be due to Karoo dolerite sills as they coincide with areas of distinct high magnetic signature. A conceptual model was generated assuming that the Karoo sediments’ layering is uniform across the gravity profile but changes in the residual are due to an increased thickness of the sill supported by the gentle changes on the surface topography. Satellite imagery has got its challenges especially in areas of vegetation but it does provide a very useful tool in exploration. A number of spectral analysis techniques and band rations can be used to differentiate the areas underlain by the Letaba basalts, the Karoo sandstones/shale and Bushveld granites for mapping purposes. The priority focus will be on the shallower Karoo sediments because of the potential for cheaper mining. Exploration targeting needs to be guided by observed geochemical and geophysical characteristics in order to prioritize areas taking into account the presence of Karoo intrusives such as the dolerite sills that tend to devolatize the coal hence affecting the quality/rank. Structures and gravity signatures are very important in delineating areas with thick sediments that have a potential for CBM. The same understanding in targeting goes a long way in planning drill holes, resource modelling and pre-feasibility stages for mine planning. A high resolution airborne geophysical survey is recommended over the basin to better resolve structures. Geophysical borehole logging is recommended to be part of the exploration drilling programs in the Springbok Flats Basin in order to define the in-situ geophysical characteristics. Geophysical logging is useful in particular for the uranium reserves that cannot be delineated from the surface due to deep intersection.

Orientador: Emilson Pereira Leite
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências
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Resumo: Uma boa caracterização geológica dos reservatórios é de grande importância para a diminuição dos riscos da perfuração de um poço seco, assim como os custos de exploração e desenvolvimento de tal reservatório. No presente trabalho, buscou-se predizer os valores de porosidade de um reservatório através da integração de dados sísmicos 3D com perfis geofísicos de poços através de dois métodos: Regressão Linear Multiatributo e Redes Neurais Artificiais. O reservatório em questão é de constituição carbonática de origem Albiana, do final do Cretáceo Inferior. Na primeira etapa, foram traçados horizontes baseando-se em eventos sísmicos contínuos nas seções sísmicas, chamados superfícies cronoestratigráficas, no intervalo de profundidade que abrange o reservatório. Na segunda etapa, foram obtidos predições dos valores de porosidade do reservatório, assim como os respectivos modelos 3D, através dos dois métodos acima citados. Com a RLM, foram obtidos valores altos, baixos e intermediários de porosidade, variando desde 5% até 40%. Já com a RNA, tais valores variaram de 5% a 30%. Em ambos os métodos, os valores de porosidade apresentaram um crescimento da porção sudoeste em direção à porção nordeste, apresentando baixos valores nas profundidades referentes aos horizontes traçados. Picos com os valores máximos de porosidade foram observados em pontos dispersos por todo o volume 3D. Comparando-se os resultados obtidos pelos dois métodos, ficou evidente a maior eficácia da RNA, a qual apresentou correlação de 0,90 entre os valores reais e os valores preditos e erro de 2,86%, enquanto que os resultados obtidos através da RLM apresentou correlação de 0,55 e erro de 5,45%. Além disso, foi feita uma comparação com os aspectos geológicos do reservatório, na qual concluiu-se que as baixas porosidades da porção sudoeste se deve à presença de microporosidade e as altas porosidades da porção nordeste, à macroporosidade original das rochas. Concluiu-se também que as baixas porosidades encontradas nas regiões dos horizontes sísmicos estão relacionadas às diferentes texturas de rochas, já que as rochas presentes nessas regiões possuem maiores quantidades de matriz carbonática (packstones e wackestones) quando comparadas com as rochas das regiões entre os horizontes (grainstones)
Abstract: A good geological reservoirs characterization is very important for reducing the risk of drilling a dry hole as well as the costs for reservoir exploration and development. In this study, it was attempted to predict the porosity values of a reservoir through the integrations of 3D seismic data with geophysical well logs using two different methods: Multiattribute Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Networks. The studied reservoir has a carbonate composite, with the age of Albian, in late Early Cretaceous. On the first stage of the study, horizons have been traced based on continuous seismic events on seismic sections, in depths that cover the reservoir. On the second stage, it was obtained some predictions of reservoir porosity values, as well as their 3D models by the two methods that was already mentioned. High, low and intermediate porosity values have been obtained by the MLR, ranging from 5% to 40%. With the ANN, these values ranged from 5% to 30%. In both methods, the porosity values grew from south-west portion toward the northeast portion, with low values on the depths related to the horizons traced. We can observe maximum value peaks of porosity at points scattered throughout the 3D volume. A comparison of the results obtained by the two methods evidence the greater efficiency of the ANN, with a correlation of 0,90, between actual porosity and predicted values, and 2.86% of error, while the results obtained by the MLR showed a correlation of 0,55 and an error of 5.45%. Furthermore, we have made a comparison between the results obtained and the reservoir geological features, which allows us to conclude that the low porosity in the south-west portion is because of microporosity, while the high porosity in the northeast is because of the original macroporosity of the rocks. We also conclude that low porosity found on horizon surfaces are related to different rock textures, once the rocks on these horizon regions have more carbonatic matrix in their constitution (packstones and wackestones) than the rocks in the other regions between the horizons (grainstones)
Mestrado
Geologia e Recursos Naturais
Mestra em Geociências

Orientador: Sueli Yoshinaga Pereira, Rodrigo de Souza Portugal
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências
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Resumo: Essa pesquisa objetivou a aplicação e o entendimento da relação de três métodos geofísicos: eletrorresistividade, sísmica de refração e sismoelétrica; em pontos selecionados no Estuário do Rio Itanhaém e se eles podem ser validados pelas informações geológicas e hidrogeológicas da região. Os levantamentos foram realizados em duas etapas. A primeira etapa foi o de reconhecimento de campo, realizado no período de 21 a 26 de setembro/2009 que é considerado um período menos chuvoso. Os pontos escolhidos foram denominados de Ponto Praia, Ponto Chácara, Ponto Lixão e Ponto Country Club. A segunda etapa consistiu na coleta de dados propriamente dita nos pontos Chácara, Lixão e Country Club; o ponto Praia foi excluído por estar próximo às grandes torres de transmissão de energia, fazendo com que houvesse interferência nos dados. No ponto Lixão foi verificada a existência de gás metano, na superfície, através das bolhas de ar nas poças de água, no Ponto Country se localizava próximo a dois brejos e um pequeno córrego, e por fim o Ponto Chácara se localizava próximo ao Rio Branco, onde foi possível perceber a influência do aquífero livre na coleta dos dados. O período da segunda etapa dos levantamentos de dados ocorreu entre setembro de 2010 e agosto de 2011. Os levantamentos resultaram em um perfil vertical central, dos pontos selecionados, onde foram encontrados os seguintes materiais: areia, sedimentos arenosos, areia argilosa, argila seca, dois tipos de aquífero (de água doce e de água salobra), além de solos saturados e não saturados, e lixo. Em alguns levantamentos atingiram a rocha sã. Os levantamentos eletrorresistivos foram os que tiveram melhor resultado, os levantamentos de sísmica obtiveram uma camada apenas em quase todos os levantamentos, sendo que em um deles, o segundo campo do Ponto Country Club, se obteve mais de uma camada de material. Os levantamentos sismoelétricos não tiveram seus tratamentos finalizados, pois se percebeu que era necessária a utilização pré-amplificador; sua ausência no levantamento no campo, aliado a presença de linhas elétricas nos locais do levantamento, prejudicou nos resultados dos dados coletados, fato indicado pela presença das linhas harmônicas nos dados, e consequentemente não ter finalizado o algoritmo de tratamento desses dados
Abstract: This research intended the application and understanding about connexion among three geophysical methods: eletrical resistivity, refraction seismic and eletrical seismic; in selected places along Itanhaem River Estuary and if they can be accepted by geological and hydrogeological information of the region. The survey was accomplished in two phases. The first one was to recognize field of study, which was realized from 21st to 26th of September 2009, that is considered a less rainy season. The chosen sites were: Praia Point, Chácara Point, Lixão Point and Country Club Point. The second phase was the data collection, at these chosen sites, Chácara, Lixão and Country Club; The Praia Point was excluded because it was very near of large power transmission towers and it was causing interference in the collected information, at the Lixão Point was verified existence of methane, on the surface, through the air bubbles in puddles, in the case of Country Club Point was located near two swamps and a small stream, the Ranch Point was located near the river called Branco, and it was possible to realized the free influence of this aquifer in data collection. The second phase period of data collection, occurred between September 2010 and August 2011. The surveys resulted in a central vertical shape of the selected sites, where the following materials were found sand, sandy sediments, clayey sand, dry clay, two types of groundwater (freshwater and brackish water), and saturated and unsaturated soils and waste. In some surveys reached the bedrock. The electrical resistivity surveys were those who obtained better results, the seismic surveys obtained only a layer in almost all surveys, and in one of them, the second Country Club Point, got more than one layer of material. The electrical seismic surveys were not their treatments finalized, because it was realized the need to use a preamplifier; its absence in the field survey, combined with the presence of power lines in the survey sites, affected the collected data results, condition indicated by the presence of harmonic lines in the data, and consequently have not finalized these data processing algorithm
Doutorado
Geologia e Recursos Naturais
Doutora em Ciências

Cada vez mais os arqueólogos se apercebem que existe uma necessidade de estudar os sítios arqueológicos recorrendo a métodos não destrutivos e não intrusivos, dando importância às técnicas de prospeção geofísicas, em particular ao Georradar. Este é, na atualidade, uma das metodologias geofísicas mais utilizadas a nível mundial para o estudo arqueológico. Em Portugal a utilização destas metodologias para fins arqueológicos (e por arqueólogos) está ainda a dar os primeiros passos. Este trabalho pretende mostrar as potencialidades destas técnicas e incentivar os arqueólogos nacionais a abrirem as suas portas a este tipo de recursos, não apenas na qualidade de clientes, mas sobretudo como autores. O presente trabalho descreve a aplicação do Georradar em três estações arqueológicas neolíticas e calcolíticas do Alentejo Central: Menir do Patalou (Nisa); Menir do Monte da Caeira (Vimieiro); Povoado de Santa Cruz 13 (Brotas). Mais especificamente este estudo tem como objetivos: a descoberta da localização dos alvéolos de encaixe de dois menires; a descoberta das áreas de maior abundância de estruturas pertencentes a um povoado calcolítico, com o propósito de planificar futuras escavações; a definição de uma metodologia de aquisição de dados geofísicos mais adequados a sítios arqueológicos neolíticos e calcolíticos; e a definição de uma metodologia de interpretação dos dados adquiridos em campo; Abstract: Application of non-invasive geophysical techniques to the exploration of prehistoric sites in Alentejo: 3 cases studies More and more archaeologists are realizing that there is a need to study archaeological sites using non-destructive and non-intrusive methods, giving importance to geophysical prospecting techniques, in particular GPR. This is currently one of the most widely used geophysical methodologies in the world for archaeological studies. In Portugal the use of these methodologies for archaeological purposes and by archaeologists is still taking its first steps. This thesis intends to show the potential of these techniques and to encourage national archaeologists to open their doors to this type of resources, not only as clients but mainly as authors. This paper describes the application of Georadar in the following three Neolithic and Chalcolithic archaeological stations in Central Alentejo: Menir do Patalou (Nisa); Menir do Monte da Caeira (Vimieiro); Povoado de Santa Cruz 13 (Brotas). More specifically this study has as the following objectives: the discovery of the location of the two menhirs alveoli; the discovery of the most abundant areas of structures belonging to a chalcolithic settlement, with the purpose of planning future excavations; the definition of a methodology of geophysical data acquisition more adequate to Neolithic and Chalcolithic archaeological sites; and the definition of a methodology for the interpretation of the data acquired in the field.

This study is part of an NRF sponsored research project entitled “Neotectonics and its applications for the exploration of groundwater in the fractured Karoo aquifers in the Eastern Cape” under the NRF Niche area of Water Resources Management and Sustainable Development in the Eastern Cape Province. The identification of relatively highly productive wells in the Karoo fractured aquifers is extremely difficult. This study aims to identify neotectonic zones and lower stress fields, and apply the results to groundwater exploration in the Eastern Cape Province. The methodologies adopted in this study include: a comprehensive literature review, extensive field mapping and investigation such as road cuts, sampling for laboratory studies, examination of seismic data, study of hot and ordinary springs, and interpretation of aerial photography and satellite images. Three main neotectonic belts were identified in the Eastern Cape (southern neotectonic belt, northern neotectonic belt and eastern neotectonic belt) based on literature review and field interpretations. The southern neotectonic belt (from the Cape Fold Belt to the lower Beaufort Group boundary) is characterized by the reactivation of the Coega-Bavianskloof and Sauer faults, the presence of a hot spring near Fort Beaufort, the slickenlines and discrete slickenlines and specifically the seismic events that were recorded in the Eastern Cape from 1850 to 2007. In this southern neotectonic belt the remote sensing has also revealed the presence of the Fort Beaufort fracture, the quartz veins seen in some dolerites and the different vegetation types along it may indicate that this fracture is possibly a fault; moreover the Quaternary sediments and weathered dolerites indicate that the Fort iii Beaufort fracture is characterized by groundwater circulation and accordingly is a good target for groundwater exploration, this fracture is a post-Karoo structure and possibly a neotectonic feature. In addition, the kaolin deposit, chiefly developed in the Dwyka tillite near Grahamstown is clearly controlled by neotectonic fracture zones. The northern neotectonic belt near the country of Lesotho is marked by the presence of the Senqu seismotectonic regime and hot springs. The Quaternary Amatole-Swaziland (formerly Ciskei-Swaziland) axis of uplift makes the eastern part of the province the third neotectonic zone, the asymmetric meanders of the Mbashe river in the vicinity of Qunu near Mthatha derived possibly from this Quaternary uplift; this asymmetric feature of meanders implies that the river has tried to maintain stability of its valley where tilting occurred. Within these neotectonic belts the central part of the Eastern Cape may be considered a static and inactive belt. A northwesterly trend for the maximum principal compresssional stress predominates in the Eastern Cape and is correlated with the present major structural control of the province. The current stress regime determination was derived from faults, joints and quartz veins only on kaolin deposits. Systematic joints reflect regional tectonic stress trajectories at the time of fracturing. Discharge rates of groundwater from boreholes as provided by the Department of Water and Forestry were used to confirm and predict water exploration targets. The region of Tabankulu (near Kwazulu Natal) in the northern neotectonic belt has remarkable discharge rates of groundwater (11.1 l/s, 4.65 l/s, 6.49 l/s, 42 l/s). The region of Mthatha, nearly surrounding the Amatole-Swaziland axis (former Ciskei-Swaziland iv axis) of uplift which might have generated some new faults, has a number of springs. These two regions should serve as case studies for future research. Apart from these two regions, two others regions can be considered as case studies for future groundwater exploration targets: the Bath Farm hot spring near the Fort Beaufort neotectonic fault and the vicinity of what is known as the Fort Beaufort fracture near Teba and Cimezile villages 20km north west of Fort Beaufort. It is concluded that the study of neotectonics and stress fields may be a useful tool for groundwater exploration in the Karoo fractured aquifers in the Eastern Cape, and in similar regions elsewhere in South Africa and in Africa.

Orientadores: Emilson Pereira Leite, Antônio João Paes de Barros
Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Geociências
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Resumo: A região garimpeira de Flor da Serra situa-se na porção Leste da Província Aurífera Alta Floresta, Norte do Mato Grosso, inserida no contexto geológico da porção Centro-Sul do Cráton Amazônico, constituída por suítes plutono-vulcânicas de idade paleoproterozóica e coberturas sedimentares associadas. Várias ocorrências de ouro estão dispostas em grandes zonas de descontinuidade crustal que delimitam terrenos geocronológicos e geológicos. O expressivo adensamento de corpos filoneanos e o histórico de produção destaca essa região de expressivo potencial exploratório. Neste contexto, o trabalho teve por objetivo a identificação de novos alvos exploratórios por meio da análise de dados geofísicos, descrição de testemunhos de sondagem e mapeamento de cavas garimpeiras. A integração desses dados contribuiu em especial à evolução do conhecimento geológico da região Flor da Serra, e também de maneira geral para o setor leste da PAAF. A área de estudo está inserida na Suíte Intrusiva Flor da Serra, que é constituída eminentemente por gabros, dioritos a monzogabros, entretanto com o mapeamento de cavas garimpeiras e descrição de furos de sondagem, verificou-se a existência de quatro unidades geológicas principais: (i) Granitóides do Embasamento de composição tonalítica a granodiorítica com associação de magnetita + granada, intrudidos por rochas da (ii) Unidade Granodiorítica a Tonalítica de mesma composição. Essa unidade é truncada por (iii) Diques Máficos a Intermediários e localmente há presença de (iv) Rochas Cataclásticas a Miloníticas. Os litotipos foram variavelmente afetados por sete tipos de alteração hidrotermal (ordem temporal): (i) alteração potássica intensa, (ii) silicificação pervasiva, (iii) carbonatação, (iv) alteração com muscovita, (v) propilitização mais pontual, (vi) alteração Quartzo-Sericita-Pirita (QSP) com substituição total da rocha e, (vii) vênulas de calcita tardias. Foram realizados levantamentos geofísicos utilizando métodos geoelétricos (Polarização Induzida/Resistividade - IP/RES) e magnetometria em escala de depósito. Valores anômalos de cargabilidade e resistividade obtidos após aplicação de um algoritmo de inversão com vínculo de suavidade definiram zonas de intensa silicificação e de QSP. Essas zonas estão diretamente relacionadas a um minério do tipo disseminado, além de terem possibilitado a delimitação da interface saprólito-rocha sã (manto intempérico profundo de até 50 m). Para facilitar a interpretação geológica, foram gerados mapas do campo magnético anômalo reduzido ao equador magnético e da amplitude do sinal analítico. Esse último possibilitou a definição de um stock granítico intrusivo no embasamento heterogêneo. Para eliminar ruídos remanescentes nos mapas de anomalias magnéticas, foram aplicados os filtros cosseno direcional e continuação para cima, com geração de mapa que confirmou o padrão estrutural vigente no Sistema Flor da Serra. Essa estruturação está associada à diferentes níveis crustais, balizam os principais corpos filoneano da região e também estão associadas a alteração QSP. A integração dos principais lineamentos estruturais; bolsões de alta cargabilidade e resistividade; mapeamento detalhado de cavas desativadas e zona de borda da intrusão possibilitou a definição de pontos de interesse prospectivo metalogenético
Abstract: The gold mining area of Flor da Serra is located in the East portion of the Alta Floresta Gold Province (PAAF), North of the state of Mato Grosso, inserted into the geological context of the South-Central portion of the Amazon Craton, which comprises plutono-Paleoproterozoic volcanic suites and associated sedimentary cover. Several gold occurrences are arranged in large zones of crustal discontinuities demarcating land geochronological and geological. The significant densification of filoneano bodies and production history highlights the significant exploration potential of the area. In this context, this study aimed to identify new exploration targets through analysis of geophysical data, description of drill core samples and prospecting pits. The integrated analysis of these data contributed in particular to the development of the geological knowledge of Flor da Serra, and also generally for the eastern sector of the PAAF. The study area covers the Intrusive Suite Flor da Serra which consists essentially of gabbros, diorites to monzogabros, however mapping of prospecting pits and description of borehole samples confirmed the existence of at least four main geological units: (i) granitoids in Basement of tonalitic to granodioritic composition association with magnetite + garnet rocks intruded by (ii) granodioritic to tonalitic of the same composition. This unit is truncated by (iii) the Intermediate Mafic Dykes and locally by (iv) cataclastic to mylonitic rocks. Rocks of the Flor da Serra have been affected by the following hydrothermal alteration types (temporal sequence): (i) intense potassic alteration, (ii) pervasive silicification, (iii) carbonation, (iv) alteration with muscovite, (v) punctual propylitization, (vi) Quartz-Sericite-Pyrite (QSP) alteration with total replacement of the rock and (vii) late calcite veinlets. The geophysical survey consisted of the application of geoelectrical methods (Induced Polarization/Resistivity - IP/RES) and magnetometry at deposit scale. Anomalous values of chargeability and resistivity allowed defining zones of intense silicification and QSP closely related to a disseminated ore type, beyond the boundaries of the saprolite-bedrock interface (deep weathering mantle of up to 50 m). To facilitate geological interpretation, maps of the magnetic anomalous field reduced to the magnetic equador and the analytic signal amplitude were generated. The latter allowed the identification of granitic intrusive stock in heterogeneous basement. To improve the final product and eliminate remaining noise cosine directional filter and upward continuation to 100 m were applied, providing a map which confirmed the structural pattern prevailing in the Flor da Serra system. This structural system is associated with different crustal levels, controls the main filoneano bodies of the region and is attached to QSP alteration. The integration of the main structural lineaments; zones of high chargeability/resistivity; detailed mapping of deactivated pits; and boundary zone of the intrusion led to the definition of prospective metallogenic targets
Mestrado
Geologia e Recursos Naturais
Mestra em Geociências

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2016
The Mesoproterozoic Pilanesberg Complex, South Africa, is the world’s largest alkaline intrusive complex. Mapped geological field relationships suggest the Complex has circular inward dipping layers. However, it is unclear how the dipping layers extend at depth. As a result, the 3D geometry of the Pilanesberg Complex is unknown. Modelling of the Pilanesberg Complex uses 2D forward models as well as 3D forward and inversion, gravity and magnetic data models, to set limits on the 3D geometry of the Pilanesberg Complex. The 2D Bouguer gravity models and geology maps indicate that some of the Bushveld Complex Main Zone shifted to the west of the Pilanesberg Complex during emplacement. This, and a highly faulted country rock, accounts for a portion of how the host rock was able to accommodate the Pilanesberg Complex intrusion. The geometry of the Complex is explored with test gravity models where the model of outward dipping and vertically dipping cylinders are unable to match the Bouguer gravity signal over the Complex, but the inward dipping model matched the data to provide a possible solution for the geometry of the Complex. The Pilanesberg Complex geometry is modelled with 3D magnetic inversion, 3D forward gravity models and 2.5D gravity test profiles that were all constrained by the surface geology. The different models correlate so that best data fit for the Complex is represented by an overall inward dipping structure. Surface geological measurements indicate that the northern edge of the Complex dip out to the north. The 3D forward modelling was able to produce a positive solution that matched the gravity data with a northward dipping northern edge. The dipping northern edge is also observed on the University of British Columbia, UBC, 3D gravity inversion and the Euler deconvolution gravity profile solutions. The depth of the Pilanesberg Complex from 3D forward gravity modelling is estimated to be between 5 and 6 km. The Complex is suggested to have undergone block movement where the northern block and southern block are separated by the 30 km long Vlakfontein fault, which bisects the Complex from the north-east to the south-west. The image processing contact depth, Euler deconvolution solutions and the 3D Voxi inversion model suggest that the fresh bedrock is closer to surface in the north, while the southern block appears to be approximately 1km deeper than the northern block. The northern dip and block movement are explained by complicated structural events that include trap door graben settling which hinged on the northern edge as well as faulting and external block movement during a regional lateral extensional event. The Pilanesberg Complex intruded during a larger system of alkaline intrusions, known as the Pilanesberg Alkaline Province. The intrusions are associated with the Province due to their ages and chemical affinity. This Province includes two dyke swarms that radiate to the north-west and south of the Pilanesberg Complex, as well as smaller circular clinopyroxenite intrusions throughout the Bushveld Complex. The Pilanesberg dyke system and the circular clinopyroxenite intrusions are reversely magnetised with IGRF corrected values ranging between -150 to -320 nT compared to the normally magnetised 166 to 330 nT values of the Pilanesberg Complex. This suggests that a magnetic reversal occurred between the emplacement of the Pilanesberg Complex and the dyke System. The age data of the Complex and dyke Swarm suggest a magnetic reversal could have occurred between the emplacement of the Pilanesberg Complex and the Pilanesberg dyke System. The Complex is dated at 1602 ± 38 Ma and 1583 ± 10 Ma, from two white foyaite samples from the southern edge (using 40Ar/39Ar amphibole spectrum analysis). These ages are vastly different from previously reported ages, which ranged between 1200 Ma and 1450 Ma (Harmer R., 1992; Hansen et al., 2006). The error analysis has improved considerably from the published dates making the proposed dates plausible for the intrusion of the Pilanesberg Complex as the first and main intrusion of the Pilanesberg Alkaline Province. The Pilanesberg dyke System intruded much later between 1219 ± 6 Ma to 1268 ± 10 Ma for the red syenite dyke samples (using 40Ar/39Ar on feldspars spectrum analysis) and 1139 ± 18 Ma obtained for the grey syenite dyke (using 40Ar/39Ar on amphiboles inverse isochronal analysis). The dyke Swarm dates are significantly younger than the previously published ages for the dykes, which were between 1290 Ma and 1330 Ma (Van Niekerk, 1962; Emerman, 1991).
LG2017

A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science. Johannesburg, 2016.
The Jacomynspan Ni-Cu sulphide mineralisation is hosted within a 100m thick steeply dipping tabular, differentiated, sill of mafic to ultramafic composition intruded into country gneissic rocks of the Namaqualand Metamorphic complex. This sill is predominantly composed of tremolite schist (metamorphosed pyroxenite) containing lenticular bodies of harzburgite. The harzburgite generally hosts net-textured mineralisation with up to 50% by volume of the rock. Massive sulphide veins and stringers are occasionally present within the harzburgite. The sulphide minerals are a typical magmatic assemblage of pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite. The sill covers an approximate strike length of about 5km but only a small portion covering 1km x 1km was selected for this study. Physical property studies carried out on the drill core (magnetic susceptibility and conductivity) indicate that the country gneissic rocks are not conductive and neither are they magnetically susceptible. However, the mineralized sill has elevated values of both magnetic susceptibility and relative conductivity compared to its host making it a suitable target for both magnetic and electromagnetic inversion. Drilling done so far on the study area has shown that the well-mineralised harzburgite (hosted within the poorly mineralised ultramafic sill) is not a continuous body but occurs in ‘pockets’. There is therefore need to use the available geophysical and geological datasets to derive a model of these well mineralised pods. This study is therefore intended to assess the feasibility of using electromagnetic (EM) methods together with other geophysical methods and geology in obtaining a model of the harzburgite pods hosted within the less conductive poorly mineralised ultramafic sill in order to guide further drilling. Geosoft’s VOXI Earth Modelling software was used to model the high resolution airborne magnetic data for this study. Cooper’s Mag2dc (www.wits.ac.za) and Stettler’s Magmodintrp software (personal communication, 2015) was also used during modelling of the magnetic data to compliment the modelling from VOXI. The mineralised ultramafic sill was clearly mapped in both the 3D model representation from Mag2dc modelling and VOXI’s 3D unconstrained smooth model inversion for the study area. Based on the physical properties studies carried out on the study area, EM data (both ground and downhole EM) were modelled using Maxwell software. The poorly mineralised tremolite schist was clearly modelled. In order to better constrain the targets, an assumption was made that at late decay times the currents would be focused in the centre of the large EM plate probably giving an indication of the most conductive part of the intrusion. Smaller ‘Resultant EM plates’ of dimensions, 300mx300m that coincide with the centre of the large EM plates (with a conductance above 100S) were constructed in iv Maxwell software and integrated with the DXF file of the Micromine geology model of the well mineralised harzburgite clearly mapping the well-mineralised harzburgite and showing its possible extensions. 2D inversion modelling was conducted on all audio-frequency magnetotelluric (AMT) data for this study area. The modelling results clearly mapped the mineralised intrusion.

The need to construct optimal drape surfaces arises in airborne geophysical surveys where it is necessary to fly a safe distance above the ground and within the performance limits of the aircraft used, but as close as possible to the surface. The problem is formulated as an LP with constraints at every point of a grid covering the area concerned, yielding a very large problem. The objective of the LP is to create as "good" a surface as possible. This formulation is new, as previous methods did not aim to minimise an objective function. If the desired surface has only slope limitations, the resulting drape surface must be constrained in the first derivative. Such a drape surface is readily constructed using the Lifting Algoritlun. It is shown that the Litling Algorithm is both exact and has great speed advantages. Some numerical results confinning exacmcss and speed are presented, as is the algorithm's analogy to a flow network method. An enhanced lifting method with a better order of complexity is also proposed and tested numerically. In most practical situations a drape surface is required which has both first and second derivatives constrained. If only a cut through such a surface is considered, the problem can be solved with relative ease by exploiting its nctwork~Jike structure. This method fonns the basis of one of the preferred heuristics developed later. It was not possible to generalise this method to a full two~dimensional drape surface. A commercially available LP package fares better in finding the optimal solution. Several heuristic methods were examined. first a general heuristic method based on a lifting approach was developed. This was followed by a method using repeated application of the method used for sections (the Alternating One-dimensional Dual Algorithm ["AODA"]). Three heuristics based on thimbles were also designed. Thimbles are caps whose first and second derivatives are acceptable and which are placed over local infeasibilities in the topography The work ends with a chapter comparing the efficiency of various heuristics and comparing the results obtained using a number of test datasets. It was fOLmd that heuristic methods provide acceptable drape surfaces and that the choice lies between speed and accuracy, with a previously designed smoothing method being the fastesl and the AODA the most accurate and quick enough.
Operations Research
D.Phil.

This thesis deals with gamma-ray field of size-limited uranium objects and with possibilities of their localization by a field radiometric measurement. The gamma-ray field attenuates progressively with distance from the ground source of radiation. The applied method of radiometric survey plays an important role in localization of a radioactive object. The gamma- ray field of uranium anomalous objects was studied for variable signatures of ground anomalous objects and different methods of gamma-ray survey by using mathematical modelling. The method of modelling was derived from fundamental theoretical laws describing the gamma-ray field of a point source. The verification of applied mathematical modelling was carried out by the comparison of calculated model of the gamma-ray field at three real uranium anomalous objects with experimental data of ground and mini-airborne measurement. Mini-airborne measurement was realized by the prototype of a gamma spectrometer Georadis D230A. This instrument is characterized by relatively high sensitivity compared to previously used similar devices. Airborne platform was a hexacopter Kingfischer. One of the aims of this thesis was to assess the applicability and technical capacity of D230A instrument. Calculated values of the gamma-ray field at different detection...