DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS (APPLIED

GEOPHYSICS)
FACULTY OF PHYSICAL SCIENCES
UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

COURSE TITLE: GRAVITY PROSPECTING

METHOD

REPORT TITLE: APPLICATION OF GRAVITY

METHOD IN GOLD EXPLORATION.

BY;

SUPERVISED BY: DR MIKE

AKWELENO PRECIOUS OGHENEMAIRO PSC1909010

EKHATOR NOSAKHARE PSC1909016

OMOGIADE AUSTIN DAVID PSC1909028

AYA AFOKE PSC1909011

EZOMO DANIEL EHIZ PSC1909018

 ABSTRACT
Gold originates from hydrothermal liquids and is deposited in the form
of epithermal

deposits. Structures such as faults play an important role in the process

of gold deposition

because they form hydrothermal flow paths to the surface. One

method that can be used for gold

exploration is the gravity method. This method can identify gold

mineralization zones in the

faults of a research area. Three-dimensional (3D) inversion modeling

can be used to obtain

further information on a target. Such modeling allows the process to be

more realistic because

the geometry model can be fitted to the actual conditions in the field,
which allows the

measurements to be more accurate.

1.0
INTRODUCTION
The gravity method is a geophysical exploration technique used to
estimate the density distribution of subsurface materials. It relies on
measuring the gravitational field strength at various points on or above
the Earth's surface and using this information to create a map of the
subsurface density variations.

The gravity method is based on the principle that the gravitational

attraction between two objects is proportional to their masses and the
distance between them. In the case of geophysics, the objects of
interest are the subsurface materials and the instruments used to
measure the gravitational field are called gravimeters.

The basic procedure for the gravity method involves taking

measurements of the gravitational field strength at various points on
the Earth's surface using a gravimeter. These measurements are then
used to create a gravity anomaly map, which shows the deviation of the
gravitational field strength from the expected value based on the
Earth's average density.

The gravity anomaly map can be used to identify areas where the
subsurface density is different from the surrounding materials. For
example, if there is a large concentration of high-density minerals, such
as iron or gold, in a particular area.

1.1
MAIN APPLICATION OF GRAVITY METHOD IN GOLD
EXPLORATION
Gravity method is one of the geophysical techniques used for gold
exploration. This method is based on the measurement of gravitational
fields and the anomalies that occur due to the distribution of mass
within the earth. In this method, the measurement of the strength of
the earth's gravity is used to detect differences in the density of rocks,
which can indicate the presence of gold deposits. In this article, we will
discuss the application of the gravity method in gold exploration in
detail.

1.1.1
PRINCIPLE OF GRAVITY METHOD IN GOLD
EXPLORATION
The principle of the gravity method is based on the fact that the
strength of the earth's gravity varies depending on the density of the
underlying rocks. The strength of the earth's gravity is measured using a
gravimeter, which detects small variations in gravity caused by
differences in the density of rocks. Gold deposits tend to have a higher
density than the surrounding rocks, and this can create gravity
anomalies that can be detected using the gravity method.

1.1.2
Types of gravity surveys
There are two types of gravity surveys: absolute gravity survey and
relative gravity survey. In an absolute gravity survey, the strength of the
earth's gravity is measured directly using a gravimeter. In a relative
gravity survey, the difference in gravity between two points is
measured using a gravimeter.

1.1.3
Gravity survey design
The design of a gravity survey depends on the size and shape of the
area being surveyed. For gold exploration, a gravity survey is usually
conducted over a large area to identify regional anomalies that may
indicate the presence of gold deposits. The survey is typically
conducted using a grid pattern with evenly spaced measurement
points.
1.1.4
Gravity data processing
After the data has been collected, it is processed to create a map of the
gravity anomalies in the area. The data is usually processed using
specialized software that can detect and remove any noise or errors in
the data. The final output is a gravity map that shows the variations in
gravity across the area being surveyed.

1.1.5
Interpretation of gravity data
Interpretation of gravity data is a critical step in gold exploration.
Gravity anomalies can be caused by a variety of factors, including
changes in the density of rocks, changes in the thickness of rock layers,
and the presence of mineral deposits. To interpret the data correctly,
geologists need to understand the geological structure of the area
being surveyed.

1.1.6
Identifying target areas
Once the gravity data has been processed and interpreted, target areas
can be identified for further exploration. Areas with high gravity
anomalies may indicate the presence of gold deposits. These areas are
usually prioritized for further exploration, which may involve drilling
and sampling to confirm the presence of gold.

1.1.6
Cost-effectiveness of gravity method
The gravity method is a cost-effective exploration technique,
particularly for large areas. Compared to other exploration methods
such as drilling, the gravity method is relatively inexpensive and can
cover large areas quickly. This makes it an attractive method for
companies looking to explore new areas for gold deposits.
2.0
LIMITATIONS OF GRAVITY METHOD
The gravity method has some limitations, particularly when it comes to
detecting small deposits. The method is not very sensitive to small
variations in gravity, and this can make it difficult to detect small gold
deposits. Additionally, the gravity method is not effective in areas with
thick layers of overburden or where the topography is very steep.

3.0
Gravity method in combination with other methods
The gravity method is often used in combination with other exploration
techniques such as electromagnetic surveys, magnetic surveys, and
geochemical surveys. By combining multiple techniques, geologists can
get a more complete picture of the geology of the area being surveyed
and increase the chances of finding gold deposits.
4.0
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the gravity method is an effective and cost-effective
technique for gold exploration. By measuring gravity anomalies,
geologists can identify target areas for further exploration, which may
involve drilling and sampling.