Eastern Rhodopes - Passive Seismic Processing for Mineral Exploration

Photo by Antonia Glaskova

Project Timeline

The ambient seismic record took place over approximately 30 days. During this period, 235 three-components SmartSolo geophones recorded natural ambient noise across the survey area. Invert was then contracted to process this dataset and deliver a one-week course on the use and interpretation of NANT, including participation in one of our deployments.

Within three months, Invert performed the complete processing of the dataset from raw data to the final 3D Shear-wave velocity model using advanced inversion techniques (Cabrera-Pérez et al.). 

Why Passive Seismic?

Passive seismic methods offer a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to subsurface imaging, making it an ideal method for mineral exploration in environmentally sensitive areas. The 3D shear wave velocity model reveals key geological properties that can serve as proxies for economic mineralization. We believe passive seismic should become a standard tool in mineral exploration.

Project Overview

• Survey Type: NANT

• Deployment: 235 three-component SmartSolo geophones

• Survey Region: 7.8 km × 2 km

• Duration: June 2024 - October 2024

This project employs Nodal Ambient Noise Tomography (NANT) to investigate ore deposits in the Eastern Rhodopes. Using shear wave velocity imaging, we aim to reveal the structure of the subsurface, in particular the boundary between sediments and the underlying metamorphic basement. In addition, it seeks to identify key geological features such as faults and cataclastic zones, while detecting variations in rock properties that could indicate ore concentration.

Key findings include:

• Identification of low-velocity zones in shallow regions, suggesting confined geological bodies.

• Deeper anomalies associated with large geological structures.

Shear wave velocity 3D model of the survey area.