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Integrated application of 2D resistivity and electromagnetic methods to investigate a metallic-sulfide deposit in Soap Gulch, Montana. A case study

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Abstract

Geoelectrical methods involving electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential (SP), frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM), and very low frequency (VLF) methods have been used to provide valuable information in locating a known sulfide ore body in Soap Gulch, Montana. The study develops basis of comparison for the geophysical techniques employed. Ranges of resistivity along the area have been established using interpreted ERT which can help to understand the subsurface distribution of sulfides in the area. A sulfide body was delineated from the survey area corresponding to anomalously low resistivity values on the ERT section, negative SP, and high apparent current density zone in VLF. Depth to the localized ore zone ranges approximately from 10 to 20 m. FDEM data reflect the conductivity distribution of the shallow subsurface (less than 6 m deep); hence, the delineated sulfide zone had minimal contribution to FDEM measurements. The results of the study show that SP, VLF, and ERT methods provide significant information in localizing ore bodies. The survey revealed that the resistivity values obtained from ERT profile corroborate the FDEM, SP, and VLF from the area.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geophysical Engineering Department, Montana Tech, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

    Mohamed Khalil, Akpofure Orubu, Brad Rutherford & Marvin Speece

  2. Instituto Dom Luiz (IDL), University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal

    Fernando Santos & Mohammad Farzamian

Authors
  1. Mohamed Khalil
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  2. Akpofure Orubu
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  3. Brad Rutherford
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  4. Marvin Speece
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  5. Fernando Santos
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  6. Mohammad Farzamian
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Correspondence to Mohamed Khalil.

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Khalil, M., Orubu, A., Rutherford, B. et al. Integrated application of 2D resistivity and electromagnetic methods to investigate a metallic-sulfide deposit in Soap Gulch, Montana. A case study. Arab J Geosci 11, 764 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-4130-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-018-4130-1

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