Field Geophysics (magnetic and electric)

Some minerals deposits have physical characteristics which can be detected by certain types of geophysical measurements. The common types of physical phenomena that are usually measured in a mineral search are magnetic and electrical methods. They all combine geology and physics in the search for mineral deposits. Geophysical instruments vary widely in size and complexity but all are used to make physical measurements, of the sort commonly made in laboratories, at temporary sites in sometimes hostile conditions. They should be economical in power use, portable, rugged, reliable and simple. These criteria are satisfied to varying extents by the commercial equipment currently available (Milsom, 2003).