An improved characterisation of subsurface using geophysical inversion incorporated with subsurface structure and physical properties of rocks to support mineral exploration

 

MSc Candidate: Prithwijit Chakraborti

Supervisor: Dr Aline Melo, Dr Tom Manzocchi

Funded by: Irish Research Council and iCRAG

Abstract:

Zn-Pb mineralization in the Limerick Basin exhibits a distinct spatial association with volcanic rocks, unlike other Irish ore fields (Blaney et al., 2015). This makes identifying the source and distribution of volcanic rocks crucial for understanding the evolution of the mineral system and discovering potential mineralized zones. The primary goal of this research is to identify geological features that could act as vectors for new mineral deposits in the Limerick Basin. This will be achieved by utilizing newly acquired geophysical data by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI) along with bedrock geology, drill hole data, and petrophysical data as a guide. A part of the research focuses on improving the understanding of bedrock geology of Limerick Basin hidden beneath thick glacial overburden using a multi-geophysical data integration approach, guided by outcrop and drill hole information. Additionally, the study involves applying both deterministic and deep learning-based geophysical inversion of gravity and magnetic to reveal detailed subsurface features. These inversions incorporate physical rock properties and geological structures as constraints within the geophysical inversion framework, providing deeper insights into subsurface complexities.

References:

Blaney, D, and P B Redmond, 2015, Zinc-Lead Deposits of the Limerick Basin, Ireland. Current Perspectives on Zinc Deposits, 73–84. Irish Association for Economic Geology.