What makes GEMS special?
Over many years of fieldwork, it has been found that the GEMS is a cost-effective way to visualize geological features, such as deep tectonic faults and fracture zones that often carry fluids or magma. These features are usually hard to detect or can only be inferred through other geophysical methods, which may be much more expensive. The ability to clearly and affordably see these structures is especially valuable for geological exploration and prospecting.
What is the essence of the technology?
Seismic waves, as they travel through the geological structures deep within a mountain range, are uniquely altered—reflected and bent. Microseisms, a type of seismic wave, experience similar effects. As they pass through the subsurface structures, microseisms are subject to timing delays and alterations in their strength, which can be detected at the surface. GEMS examines these variations in strength to deduce the shape and characteristics of the geological formations deep beneath the Earth's surface.
In what areas does your method apply?
The application of the method has shown its effectiveness in the following areas: 1) exploration of ore bodies (in problems of the exploration and the search of copper, gold, diamonds, uranium, etc.); 2) exploration and evaluation of hydrocarbons; 3) complex engineering problems in the design and construction of complex engineering structures (dams, culverts, tunnels, hydro and nuclear power plants), in the field of security (monitoring of landslides, clusters, faults); and 4) geothermal sites.
Does your technology pose a risk to the environment?
The measurements are non-invasive, the maximum depth of the sensors location is 30 cm.
How is your technology different from other related methods of passive seismic survey?
The key distinction of our method from conventional passive seismic surveys lies in the type of signal utilized. Our approach employs microseismic sensing, focusing on variations in the amplitude of the microseismic field shaped by deep geological structures. In contrast, most other passive seismic survey methods rely on measuring the time it takes for seismic waves to travel between two spatial points.
What is the difference between GEMS and traditional SMT?
SMT is an active industrial seismic survey method that uses artificial sources of seismic waves, GEMS is a passive method that uses a natural background microseismic field as a sounding signal.
What kind of equipment do you use?
We use standard seismic equipment manufactured in Canada, France and China.
How long does the survey take?
Obtaining a 2D or 3D model containing 500 points in the network for a depth range from 0 to 20 km with a spatial step of 200-300 meters, including the preparation of the technical report, will take less than 2 months.
How quickly can you get to the site?
The mobilisation can be carried out within one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the site and the work plans.
How do you process the information you receive?
To visualize geological structures within a target area, a grid or a series of profiles are laid out above the area of interest. We deploy broadband seismometers at various points on this grid to record the microseismic field's spectrum. From these recordings, we construct maps that illustrate how the initial microseismic field's amplitude is disrupted at different frequencies throughout the grid. These maps are then translated into variations in seismic wave speeds both horizontally and vertically. This data conversion allows us to generate a three-dimensional or two-dimensional model of the geological structures based on the characteristics of the seismic wave velocities.
How accurately can you show the location for exploratory drilling?
Since 2007, more than 30 wells with a depth of 1.5 km or more have been projected for drilling, as well as 3 adits. There was not a single case when drilling did not confirm the forecast for the GEMS.
What benefits will the customer receive when using your technology?
At least 50% reduction in the volume of exploration drilling, a minimum 20% reduction in the number of dry wells, and a minimum 3-4 times gain in time.
Where has your technology already been used?
Please check the list of our projects on the website.
How long has the company been around?
We have gone from scientific experiments to industrial applications during the period of 20 years.
What is the scientific basis of your technology?
More than 70 articles have been published in the world's leading geophysical journals, the technology has been patented, and the results of GEMS application have been discussed at international scientific conferences.
How is the technology developing now?
The company has its own R&D center for technology and software development. We are using machine learning algorithms and AI to improve the quality of data interpretation and processing time.
Where does your technology work most effectively?
In conditions of complex natural terrain (mountains, slopes, rugged terrain), permafrost, in protected areas, as well as in conditions of intensively developed infrastructure.
Under what conditions is your technology not applicable?
Our technology can not be used for offshore deposits, for alluvial gold deposits.
What is the depth range and accuracy?
0-30 km in hydrocarbon problems, 0-6 km in ore body problems; 0-700 m in engineering problems. From our experience, it is known that at a depth of 1 km, GEMS has a spatial determination error of 50 meters.
Who chooses the profiles?
The profiles are chosen by the geologist of the customer in collaboration with the geophysicists of Terravox to select the optimal route.