Terraquest’s clients typically utilize the company’s airborne radiometric survey capabilities to achieve a number of goals – both for direct uranium exploration but also for mapping of geology / lithology.
Figure 6 – Terraquest’s high quality Max-Gamma™ airborne radiometric survey data showing total count (left), uranium window (middle), and vertical magnetic derivative (right).
Terraquest focuses on:
- Detecting the presence of uranium.
- Locating other mineral deposits using U, Th and K concentration maps.
- Mapping ratios for U, Th. and K that reflect lithologic variations.
- Applying airborne radiometric surveys for reconnaissance exploration purposes.
- There are several variables that can influence the measurements and data acquired during a radiometric geophysical survey. Terraquest carefully operates its gamma spectrometers to account for:
- Influence of cosmic environment.
- Prior precipitation.
- Speed of the aircraft during acquisition.
- Crystal pack volume (minimal acceptable is two packs (42 litres) for fixed wing surveys, or one pack (21 litres) for helicopter surveys)
- Topography of the area to be surveyed for applicable corrections.
Terraquest’s Radiometric Expertise
For fixed wing surveys Terraquest typically flies with two or three Alpha Spectra crystal packs, each consisting of four 4.2 litre downward looking crystals and one 4.2 litre upwards looking crystal, in conjunction with a digital 512 channel gamma ray spectrometer.
The system utilizes individual signal processing from each crystal which provides a significant improvement in the instrumentation, data processing and interpretation.
Benefits
There are a number of benefits to the Terraquest Max-Gamma™ airborne radiometric surveys:
- New technology on-board leads to more reliable and higher amplitude spectral resolution
- Improved processing technology provides new insights via advanced correction, presentation, and interpretation procedures.
- Experience in survey design and processing (please see case history and example, next).
