OceanRep
P-wave velocity measurements for preliminary assessments of the mineralization in seafloor massive sulfide mini-cores during drilling operations.
Spagnoli, Giovanni, Weymer, Bradley A. , Jegen, Marion , Spangenberg, Erik and Petersen, Sven (2017) P-wave velocity measurements for preliminary assessments of the mineralization in seafloor massive sulfide mini-cores during drilling operations. Engineering Geology, 226 . pp. 316-325. DOI 10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.07.003.
Preview |
Text (Accepted manuscript)
1-s2.0-S0013795217305525-main.pdf - Accepted Version Download (1MB) | Preview |
Text
Spagnoli.pdf - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (1MB) | Contact |
Abstract
Highlight
• It is important to develop systems able to detect and classify mineralized zones from waste materials while drilling deep-water;
• Seismic P-wave velocities (Vp) were measured on 40 SMS and unmineralized mini-cores;
• The porosity was back-calculated from Vp;
• The results were compared with electrical resistivity measurements;
• Using Archie’s Law, it is possible to observe that metallic conduction exists.
Abstract
Deep-sea mining exploration for seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits is currently increasing. At present, most exploration activities are surficial and use indirect methods to identify potential sites and perform first assessments. For a proper resource estimate, however, drilling is inevitable. By using seabed drill rigs, exploration costs can be reduced considerably. SMS deposits are normally found at depths between 1000 and 4000 m and in order for deep sea mining to be implemented, reliable technologies are needed. Additionally, the development of geophysical systems that can detect and classify mineralized zones from waste materials while drilling could decrease costs and speed up offshore operations by limiting the amount of drilling of unmineralized materials. This paper shows how the physical properties of SMS can be used to discriminate between host rocks and mineralization. Seismic P-wave velocities (Vp) were measured on 40 SMS and unmineralized mini-cores. By back-calculating the porosity from Vp, comparing the results with electrical resistivity measurements, and using Archie's Law, it is possible to observe that metallic conduction exists. For deep-sea mineral exploration, the combination of seismic tests, electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility could support the preliminary discrimination of mineralized samples in the cores while drilling at the seafloor.
Document Type: | Article |
---|---|
Keywords: | Seafloor massive sulfides; Deep-sea mining; P-wave measurement; Mineralization; Petrophysical properties |
Research affiliation: | OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB4 Dynamics of the Ocean Floor > FB4-MUHS Magmatic and Hydrothermal Systems > FB4-MUHS Marine Mineralische Rohstoffe OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB4 Dynamics of the Ocean Floor > FB4-MUHS Magmatic and Hydrothermal Systems HGF-GFZ OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB4 Dynamics of the Ocean Floor > FB4-GDY Marine Geodynamics |
Refereed: | Yes |
Open Access Journal?: | No |
Publisher: | Elsevier |
Date Deposited: | 20 Jul 2017 10:16 |
Last Modified: | 06 Feb 2020 09:03 |
URI: | https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/38842 |
Actions (login required)
View Item |
Copyright 2023 | GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel | All rights reserved
Questions, comments and suggestions regarding the GEOMAR repository are welcomed
at bibliotheksleitung@geomar.de !