Geophysical Exploration Methods

Various physical properties of subsurface materials — as well as certain geological processes — can be measured using properly designed and calibrated instruments. The recorded signals may directly reflect contrasts in these properties, or they may require normalization and processing to reveal the distribution of key parameters.

At its core, geophysical investigation aims to detect and characterize variations in physical properties — either associated with a specific target or within the surrounding host environment.

Some methods provide a surface projection of subsurface features, while others are capable of delivering depth-resolved information and three-dimensional structural insight.

The following sections highlight key characteristics of selected geophysical techniques. The intention is not to present educational material, but rather to outline their practical features and applications.