Unveiling the Potential of the ExoSphere Solution and ANT Method Finding the Ideal Fit for Exploration

In the quest to uncover new deposits efficiently, the choice of geophysical methods plays a pivotal role. Two available options stand out: 2D Active Seismic technology and our innovative ExoSphere solution utilising Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT). Both methods aim to efficiently penetrate cover layers, contributing to an enhanced local geological understanding. However, understanding which option best suits your exploration needs requires a closer examination.‍‍

Let's delve into the comparative analysis of these two techniques.

2D Active Seismic: Advantages and Challenges

Active seismic imaging has traditionally been a cornerstone in oil and gas exploration, renowned for its exceptional resolving power and depth sensitivity.

Nonetheless, this method faces notable  constraints when it comes to mineral exploration. High costs, significant environmental impact, and intricate logistical demands pose substantial  hurdles to its widespread adoption in this domain.

Moreover, active seismic technology encounters difficulties in accurately delineating subvertical features at  depth, such as faults and lithological contacts. These limitations underscore  the need for an alternative approach that offers seamless deployment, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to expedite mineral exploration  processes. This is where the ANT method shines, with the potential to  overcome these challenges and revolutionise exploration endeavours.

Comparing the Two Technologies

Our geoscientists conducted a rigorous comparison between ANT and 2D Active Seismic technologies to ascertain their effectiveness in uncovering deep structures. Both methods were applied to the same area under identical conditions, allowing for a direct evaluation of their performance.

The visual results of each method reveal striking disparities, but let’s dive into the comparison highlights.

Depth of Cover:

• ANT and 2D Active Seismic show relatively good agreement in the depth of cover.
• ANT potentially provides more detailed information regarding the nature of the cover.

Imaging of Subvertical Stratigraphy:

• While many reflection responses correlate between surveys, ANT excels in imaging subvertical stratigraphy.
• ANT method offers superior delineation of sub vertical features, such as the high-velocity region near the middle of the section, likely indicating a significant fault.

Transition in Basement Velocity:

• ANT reveals a clear transition from high to low velocity in the basement.
• Active Seismic data highlights the fault near the surface but struggles to identify and delineate it at depth.

Challenges with Short Active Seismic Lines:

• Short, active seismic lines encounter difficulties capturing complex geometries, as the comparison images show.

The comparison underscores ANT's prowess in providing comprehensive insights into deep structures, particularly in scenarios where traditional methods fall short. These findings accentuate ANT's potential to enhance exploration efforts by offering enhanced resolution and accuracy in subsurface imaging.

Strong Alignment Between ANT and 2D Active Seismic Data

This case showcases a strong correlation between ANT and Active Seismic data, as evidenced by the comparison image below. Here are the key observations:

• The top section of the figure illustrates a notable alignment between ANT and seismic reflections from layers within the cover sequence.
• Similarly, there is a clear correspondence between ANT and seismic reflections from the upper basement layer.
• On the left side of the image, ANT accurately delineates the boundary between a slow, shallow layer and a faster second layer within the cover.
• Towards the centre-right, ANT reveals a distinct three-layer cover sequence, with the second layer exhibiting anomalous high-velocity characteristics typically associated with mineralised areas.
• Notably, within the basement layer, ANT enables the identification of a velocity change at the centre, a feature that is more challenging to discern with active seismic methods.

Unveiling the Potential of the ExoSphere Solution and ANT Method

Fleet’s solution ExoSphere utilises the Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) method, which does not require an active  source to image the subsurface. It utilises sensors that measure ambient seismic noise to create a 3D model of the deep surface in just a few days.

ANT uses passive sensors deployed in an array of devices to measure ambient noise in which the post-processing of the data and the correlation between sensors yields a 3D map of seismic velocity, from which ore body candidates can be identified.

It penetrates cover with great sensitivity to deep deposits, allowing large areas to be explored quickly and providing greater confidence in deep drill targets.

For explorers, the ExoSphere offers transformative benefits, revolutionising the path to discovery. These include:

• Low environmental footprint
• Easy deployment
• Fast survey results
• Cost-effective solution
• 3D mapping survey coverage
• Better imaging of sub-vertical features

ExoSphere By Fleet® harnesses the limitless potential of space innovation and merges it with cutting-edge exploration technology, unveiling a groundbreaking solution to reveal the hidden frontiers that have previously eluded us.

Witness sub-surface details emerging within days thanks to satellite connectivity alongside edge computing, and stay updated on your exploration progress through our cloud platform.

Explore like never before with ExoSphere by Fleet®. Contact our team and find out how our technology can work for you.