Magnetic prospecting 

:
 A geophysical method based on the examination of magnetic
field anomalies of the Earth caused by non-similar
magnetization intensity of rocks.
It is one of the methods of prospecting geophysics.

Physical and geological prerequisites of this method

implementation are based on magnetic dissimilarities of rocks,
which form geological structures in the Earth crust. The
magnetic field of the Earth magnetizes rocks to a variable
degree which is determined by their magnetic susceptibility,
intensity and magnetizing force.
Sedimentary rocks, being gas and oil repositories,
are most commonly non-magnetic.
 Principle of Magnetic Prospecting
It is well known that the earth possesses a weak but
permanent magnetic field . A study of the distribution of this
field reveals that it may adequately be explained by an
eccentric dipole situated at the earth’s centre , inclined to the
geographic axis at about 11 degrees.

Carrying out airborne or ground surveys of variations in the
 earth's magnetic field.
Using a magnetometer or other equipment, to locate magnetic de
posits of iron, nickel , or titanium ,or nonmagnetic deposits which
either contain magnetic gangue minerals or are associated with
magnetic structures.
 A Geophysical prospecting method based on the
different in the magnetic properties of rocks. Magnetic
prospecting is used in all stages of geological studies
and includes measurements of the geomagnetic field
or it’s elements, complication of the results of
measurements based on determinations of the
magnetic characteristics of the rocks.
Magnetic prospecting studies the magnetic anomalies
produced by geological bodies that have been
magnetized by present-day (induced magnetization)
and ancient (residual magnetization ) geomagnetic
field.
 The magnetization of rocks is determined by the
presence of ferromagnetic minerals (magnetite,
pyrrhotite).Especially intensive magnetic
anomalies are produced by igneous rocks of basic
and ultrabasic composition, magnetite iron ores,
and other rocks. Measurements in magnetic
prospecting are made on the ground, from
airplanes or helicopters (aeromagnetic surveying),
from moving ships (hydro-magnetic surveying or
marine magnetic prospecting), in underground
workings (under ground prospecting), and in drill
holes (well magnetic prospecting).
• Various magnetometers are used for
measurements. The relative values of the vertical
component of the geomagnetic field intensity Z
(ground survey ) are measured most often, and
the values of the horizontal component H are
measured less frequently. In aeromagnetic and
hydro magnetic surveying the vectoral modulus
of the intensity of the geomagnetic field.
• In prospecting for iron ores magnetic
prospecting , used in conjunction with
measurements of the magnetic susceptibility of
rocks in underground workings and drill holes.
• The crustal rock cannot be magnetized in the absence of
an external field, and this itself is a sufficient indication to
show that the cause of geomagnetism is not due to crustal
rocks.
• A most convincing modern theory that explains all the
features of the geomagnetic field is called dynamo theory,
which postulates a system of electric currents in the core
and lower mantle.
• The electric currents are generated and maintained by
the fluid motions in the conducting outer core , which is
caused by thermal convection .Due to fluid motions , an
induced current system in generated in such a way that
the magnetic field due to the existing current system.
• The earth’s main magnetic field varies rather
uniformly over large distance of hundreds of
miles and is thus easily predictable. This ,when
subtracted from the observed field ,leaves the
magnetic anomaly.
• By the moving the magnetometer on the earths
surface and thus recording the distribution of
anomalies, the various structures can be
delineated.
• The temperature inside the earth rises at a rate
of about 30 degrees Celsius per Km .
 Materials at a dept of 20 km and below do not possess any magnetic properties The
magnetic effects decrease inversely as the cube of the distance, any variation in the
magnetic parameters of the deeper layers of the crust cannot influence the anomalies.

Thus the observed magnetic variations may be assumed to have been produced by the
fist few km s of the crust alone.

Majority of crustal rocks possess natural remnant magnetization(NRM), which

substantially differs in direction and magnitude from the induced magnetism. Igneous
and metamorphic rocks acquire relatively stable magnetization when they cool down
though their curie temperature.

The TRH thus acquired is a function of the temperature difference which the rock has
cooled through, the magnitude of the magnetic field at the time of cooling, and also the
percentage of ferromagnetic minerals the rock contains.

The magnetic particles of sedimentary rocks are believed to align themselves with
their magnetic axes parallel to the ambient field during their deposition, and gives rise to
DRM sedimentary rocks also acquire chemical magnetization .
• Sedimentary rocks also acquired chemical
magnetization due to the chemical reactions of their
constituents with the various acidic solutions that
may enter their pores.
• These magnetic components are usually very stable.
• The high magnetic fields generated by lightning, and
their subsequent disappearance give rise to an IRM
by virtue of the hysteresis properties of the Ferro-
magnetic constituents of the rock.
• The mechanical stresses on the rocks are
responsible for piezo-remanent magnetization.
• The effective magnetization vector of a rock mass is the
resultant of the remnant and induced components and thus
necessarily deviates from the induced magnetic vector.
• Magnetic interpretation is some what complicated, the
principle involved in magnetic prospecting are identical with
those in gravity.
• Since no external energy is applied to the ground, the
magnetic method also a natural source method and has thus
depth control. Before the magnetic anomalies are subjected
to quantitative analysis they must be thoroughly cleaned for
the noise, and also for the regional anomalies caused by
deep-seated features. In the quantitative interpretation, it is
usually assumed that the effective magnetization does not
vary both in direction and magnitude throughout the model.