depositscan

Depositscan is a term used in geology and mineral exploration to describe a range of techniques and tools designed to locate, image, and characterize subsurface deposits, including minerals, ores, oil, and natural gas. The concept emphasizes rapid assessment of prospective areas by integrating multiple data streams to detect anomalies associated with economically recoverable deposits. Depositscan is not a single device but an approach that combines geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and borehole data with geological modeling.

Common components include airborne and ground-based geophysical methods such as seismic reflection or refraction, gravity, magnetic, electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization; radiometric surveys; and geochemical methods including soil and stream-sediment sampling, rock chip analysis, and borehole logging. Data are processed and integrated into 2D or 3D models to delineate deposit geometry, grade distribution, and resource potential.

Depositscan supports early-stage exploration, prioritization of drill targets, and monitoring of known deposits. Its effectiveness depends on data quality, geological complexity, depth, and the contrast between disseminated minerals and host rock. Limitations include non-uniqueness of geophysical signatures, high costs, and the need for calibration against ground truth. Ethical and environmental considerations, such as land use and radiometric exposure, are typically addressed through standard regulatory procedures.