BCGS Technical Talk – October 29, 2020

Speaker 1: Ron Bell, Senior Geophysicist & geoDRONEologist;
International Geophysical Services, LLC

Title 1: An All to Brief Review of Drone Enabled Geophysics

Speaker 2: Callum Walker, Ph.D Candidate, Applied Geophysics;
Department of Geological Services & Geological Engineering
Queen’s University

Title 2: Characterization and Mitigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Electromagnetic Interference for Geophysical Surveying

Date/Time: Thursday, October 29, 2020 @ 4:30pm PST

Location: Online Webinar

Abstract: & Bio

Ron Bell, Senior Geophysicist & geoDRONEologist; International Geophysical Services, LLC

Abstract:
An All to Brief Review of Drone Enabled Geophysics

My presentation will begin with brief review on utilizing drones for geophysical mapping as it stands today. It is much more than hanging a magnetometer from a quadcopter. I will then opine on the Drivers and Restrictors that impact the use of drones. Following this bit, I will share a few of the lessons learned during the past several years which will be followed by a few predictions about what we are likely to see emerge in the next few years. I will close out my presentation with a few observations about the business of drone enabled geophysics.

Bio:
Upon entering the realm of exploration geophysics soon after graduating with a BSc in Applied Physics from Michigan Technological University in 1976, Ron realized he had found a home in a very special place.  The place where a science driven working life intersected with a young man’s desire for adventure.  For the next 4 decades, he gained experience in all manner of geophysical techniques applied to resource exploration, environmental and engineering subsurface site characterization, and resource extraction monitoring.   In 2014, he began another phase of what is best described as “an unconventional career” when he began learning about unmanned robotic aircraft and how best to upgrade geophysical mapping with a touch of automation.  In 2016, after a bit of introspection, he realized that he had become the world’s first and currently only geoDRONEologist.  (pronounced – “geo”  – “DRONE”  – “ologist”}.   In consideration of the amount of time he has devoted to the geophysics business,  he reckons he can rightfully take on the title of “Senior Geophysicist and  geoDRONEologist”.

Abstract:

Callum Walker, PhD Candidate, Applied Geophysics, Department of Geological Sciences & Geological Engineering, Queen’s University

Characterization and Mitigation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Electromagnetic Interference for Geophysical Surveying

An important consideration when designing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) geophysical systems involves characterizing and mitigating the electromagnetic interference signals generated by the UAV platform. The multiple, high-frequency electromagnetic interference signals, generated by a UAVs motors, have the potential to compromise the data quality of both UAV-borne magnetic and electromagnetic surveys. In this study, the permanent and induced components of the electromagnetic interference signals generated by a UAV’s permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) were characterized using spectral analysis. A specific electromagnetic interference characterization methodology was applied using three different magnetometers with unique sensitivities and sampling frequencies. These magnetometers included a low sensitivity, vector, fluxgate magnetometer and two high-sensitivity, scalar, optically pumped magnetometers. The results of these laboratory experiments where then tested and confirmed in the field during a suite of aeromagnetic surveys using a sampling frequency up to 1000 Hz. The successful integration of a specific geophysical payload and UAV platform, into a UAV-borne geophysical system, will be a unique process that preserves the integrity of the gathered geophysical measurements. This process can be informed by: (1) characterizing the sources of magnetic and electromagnetic interference generated by the UAV platform, and (2) analyzing the spectral content (up to 500 Hz) of the sensed total magnetic field in real-time during surveying. Once the UAV’s electromagnetic interference signals have been characterized, this information can be used to inform the appropriate mitigation strategy for specific sensors and applications. Appropriate mitigation techniques can include magnetic compensation, spectral filtering, magnetic shielding and positioning the geophysical sensor at a distance from the UAV. Noise characterization and the application of the correct mitigation technique allow for each survey to be optimized, leading to the acquisition of higher quality geophysical observations. Overall, this approach enables target-focused surveys and aims to optimize flight endurance of these geophysical systems.

Webinar:

A recording of this webinar is available on Youtube.

BCGS Technical Talk – October 8, 2020

Speaker: Patrick Mah & Robert Perrin, DMT Geosciences

Title: An Integrated approach to Geophysics for near surface Engineering and Exploration Applications

Date/Time: Thursday, October 8, 2020 @ 4:30pm PST

Location: Online Webinar

Abstract:

DMT Geosciences presents a case study where we successfully map a series of near-surface and deep features for a risk analysis project. An integrated approach that included a combination of airborne surveying, ground TDEM, and an extensive seismic reflection/refraction survey allowed us to identify features that would not be possible with a single system. The flexibility of the state-of-the-art SUMMIT X-1 seismic system enabled the field crew to optimize acquisition parameters in real time to ensure the near surface and deep survey objectives were satisfied. This approach can be applied to a variety of project types to reduce field acquisition time, improve overall data quality, and reduce project risk.

Webinar:

A recording of this webinar is available on Youtube.

BCGS Talk, Friday September 25, 2020

Speaker: Sergio Espinosa, Ph.D, SEGeoscience & Exploration

Title: Multivariate Statistical Risk Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Date/Time: Friday, September 25, 2020 @ 4:30pm PST

Location: Online Webinar

Abstract:

“Multivariate Statistical Risk Analysis during the COVID-19 Pandemic”
Sergio Espinosa, Ph.D, SEGeoscience & Exploration

The risk of a disaster can be quantified with the probability  of occurrence of the catastrophic event within a time period (UNDRR).
This study examines the risk of death from COVID-19 of a healthy person during the on-going pandemic caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.
 
In any Risk (R) assessment, e.g. earthquake-related, three elements are always  analyzed:

• Hazard (H)
• Exposure (E)
• Vulnerability (V)

Those three elements relate to Risk as follows: R = H + E + V

This means, the higher the Hazard level (H), the higher the  Exposure (E), and the higher the Vulnerability (V) of a  single person or of a community, the higher will be the Risk (R) of dying from the disease.

Furthermore, the probability of falling critically ill and from eventually dying from COVID-19 depends firstly on the  probability of getting infected. So, these two different risks, of firstly getting infected (R1) and of secondly dying (R2),  is described separately, starting with a single healthy non-infected person, called the susceptible host,  who is exposed to the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Bio:

Sergio studied Applied Geophysics at the School of Mines “Bergakademie” in Freiberg, Germany completing a BSc (Hauptstudium) in 1988 and a MSc (Diplom) in 1989. 

Besides being a mineral exploration geophysicist with almost 25 years of experience working for major and junior mining companies across various commodities, deposit styles and in diverse geological settings, Sergio has also a background in Seismology (PhD 1993, Freiberg, Germany), with also some training in Volcanology (e.g. Canary Islands) and Meteorology (FU Berlin), as well as a postdoc in Earthquake Hazards (1994/1995, GFZ Potsdam, Germany).

BCGS Technical Talk – August 27, 2020

Speaker: Jonathan Rudd, Dias Airborne

Title: Introducing two airborne systems with SQUID sensor technology

Date/Time: Thursday, August 27, 2020 @ 4:30pm PST

Location: Online Webinar

Abstract:

Dias Airborne is introducing the QMAGT full tensor magnetic gradiometer (FTMG) system, and the QAMT passive EM system. These helicopter-borne systems are both built around low temperature SQUID sensor technologies that provide low-noise data acquisition. Ground-based low temperature and high temperature SQUID systems are well-established in mineral exploration industry, and their low noise advantage has brought significant benefits to many exploration programs. The QMAGT FTMG system is the product of over 20 years of research and development by the Supracon-IPHT and Anglo American – DeBeers groups. Anglo-DeBeers are operating this FTMG technology widely on their various exploration projects worldwide. The QMAGT system delivers all 9 magnetic tensors, from which the 5 independent tensors are derived for final delivery. The FTMG method brings clear advantages to exploration for kimberlites, but is also valuable in the exploration and characterization of iron ore deposits, ultramafic intrusions, and in complex structural settings – particularly where remanent magnetization is present. The QAMT system measures the Earth’s response to natural EM energy – principally lightning and solar events. The QAMT system measures all three components of the magnetic field, and uses a full-tensor MT base station, necessary for the processing, modeling and final products. The principal advantage of the QAMT system over other natural field airborne EM systems are in its ability to accurately measure all three components of the magnetic field, which significantly improves the resolution of the final imaging and modeling.

Webinar:

A recording of the webinar is available on Youtube.