Chromite occurrences in ophiolite complexes present valuable natural resources and require sophisticated geophysical exploration methods. As chromite does not exhibit significant geophysical anomalies, we propose an indirect method of detection by surveying for magnetic anomalies caused by the serpentinization of the chromite host rock, which contains magnetite developed through petrogenesis. An unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV) magnetometry test survey revealed a known chromite deposit. The results show that mapping for serpentinite is a viable option to find chromite provided the survey is conducted at low flight elevations (<60m above ground). The survey results reveal the location of a known chromite deposit and indicate that the magnetic susceptibility contrast between chromite and the surrounding serpentinite is low. It further indicates a low-grade serpentinization in the area, which requires very sensitive magnetometry surveys in close proximity to the targets provided by terrestrial and UAV platforms. The ability of UAV surveys to acquire observations of the magnetic field in 3-D enables the calculation of magnetic gradients, which show higher sensitivity compared to classical gradient estimation from 2-D observations.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.