Frequently Asked Questions

There is no method to estimate what a geophysical survey will cost without knowing site conditions and the reason(s) for the survey. Depending on the geology and the depth of the survey, different technologies might be utilized, such as GPR (ground penetrating radar), EM (electromagnetic Induction), ERI (electrical resistivity), or seismic.

You can search for underground features, such as utilities, sinkholes, groundwater, underground storage tanks, or buried munitions.

Yes, geophysical surveys can use it for identifying zones of permeability capable of providing maximum extraction rates and ultimately reducing drilling costs.

SurvTech has professional geologists and geophysicists on staff trained at collecting, processing, and interpreting geophysical data. From which we can produce a CAD or GIS map or professional report outlining our findings.

The measuring of geological, structural, and physical characteristics of the foundation soil to be properly planned.

Geophysical image maps can be shown as black and white or color. Warm colors can represent high values such as magnetic intensity, and cooler colors like blues and greens can represent lesser values. Our team can apply different filters to make results easier to see.

The definition of geophysics is geology that uses physical principles to study properties of the earth, including conductivity, soil composition, fluid dynamics, gravity, magnetism, minerals, and radioactivity.

Some common methods for geophysical exploration are cone penetrometer testing, ground-penetrating radar, gamma spectrometry, magnetometry, resistivity, and seismic reflection/refraction.

Many geophysical methods can be performed on the ground, in the air, and on the water.

GPR can be used to locate utilities and buried storage tanks, the depth of the water table, characterize stratigraphy and find void spaces and unmarked graves.

A CPT is done to characterize soil stratigraphy, measure soil compaction, and bearing capacity.

All elements on earth are radioactive to some capacity. A gamma spectrometer (GRS) fingerprints elements by their energy signature. The signatures can be quantified, and the sources can be traced, making GRS a useful tool in locating rare-earth elements.

ERI is a non-destructive method of imaging the subsurface. It involves passing an electrical current into the earth and measuring the voltage potential between pair of electrodes along a survey line. Materials such as sand and water have drastically different conductive properties that can be observed using the method. Sinkholes are just one anomaly that can be seen using ERI.

sing geophysical mapping techniques can focus mining efforts more effectively. See case example.