Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Novel Approach to Self-potential Data Interpretation in Support of Mineral Resource Development

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Natural Resources Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A new efficient technique has been developed to interpret self-potential data from different mineralized sources (horizontal cylinder, vertical cylinder, sphere, and 2-D inclined sheet). This technique is based on the first horizontal gradient filter and particle swarm optimization algorithm. This suggested method can be used for single-source and multiple-source interpretation. In this study, the developed technique was applied to five different synthetic examples (vertical cylinder model, horizontal cylinder model, sphere model, 2-D inclined sheet model, and multi-source model), using a real case from Canada—the multi-source field example—and two real cases from India. The results obtained from the synthetic and real data show that the method is fast, accurate, and effective in removing the regional background and does not require information regarding body shape. The results of the real data cases match well with the results obtained from other published methods.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abdelrahman, E. M., El-Araby, T. M., & Essa, K. S. (2009a). Shape and depth determination from second moving average residual self-potential anomalies. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 6, 43–52.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdelrahman, E. M., Essa, K. S., Abo-Ezz, E. R., & Soliman, K. S. (2006a). Self-potential data interpretation using standard deviations of depths computed from moving-average residual anomalies. Geophysical Prospecting, 54, 409–423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdelrahman, E. M., Essa, K. S., Abo-Ezz, E. R., Soliman, K. S., & El-Araby, T. M. (2006b). A least-squares depth-horizontal position curves method to interpret residual SP anomaly profiles. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 3, 252–259.

    Google Scholar 

  • Abdelrahman, E. M., Soliman, K. S., Essa, K. S., Abo-Ezz, E. R., & El-Araby, T. M. (2009b). A least-squares minimisation approach to depth determination from numerical second horizontal self-potential anomalies. Exploration Geophysics, 40, 214–221.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asfahani, J., & Tlas, M. (2005). A constrained nonlinear inversion approach to quantitative interpretation of self-potential anomalies caused by cylinders, spheres and sheet-like structures. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 162, 609–624.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asfahani, J., & Tlas, M. (2016). Interpretation of self-potential anomalies by developing an approach based on linear optimization. Geosciences and Engineering, 5, 7–21.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhattacharya, B. B., & Roy, N. (1981). A note on the use of nomograms for self-potential anomalies. Geophysical Prospecting, 29, 102–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, A. (2013). Identification and Resolution of Ambiguities in Interpretation of Self-Potential Data: Analysis and Integrated Study around South Purulia Shear Zone. India (Ph.D Thesis), Department of Geology and Geophysics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (p. 199). https://www.idr.iitkgp.ac.in/xmlui/handle/123456789/3247.

  • Biswas, A. (2016). A comparative performance of least square method and very fast simulated annealing global optimization method for interpretation of self-potential anomaly over 2-D inclined sheet type structure. Journal Geological Society of India, 88, 493–502.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, A. (2017). A review on modeling, inversion and interpretation of self-potential in mineral exploration and tracing paleo-shear zones. Ore Geology Reviews, 91, 21–56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, A., & Sharma, S. P. (2014a). Optimization of self-potential interpretation of 2-D inclined sheet-type structures based on very fast simulated annealing and analysis of ambiguity. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 105, 235–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, A., & Sharma, S. P. (2014b). Resolution of multiple sheet-type structures in self-potential measurement. Journal of Earth System Science, 123, 809–825.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biswas, A., & Sharma, S. P. (2015). Interpretation of self-potential anomaly over idealized body and analysis of ambiguity using very fast simulated annealing global optimization. Near Surface Geophysics, 13(2), 179–195.

    Google Scholar 

  • Corwin, R. F., & Hoover, D. B. (1979). The self-potential method in geothermal exploration. Geophysics, 44, 226–245.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dmitriev, A. N. (2012). Forward and inverse self-potential modeling: a new approach. Russian Geology and Geophysics, 53, 611–622.

    Google Scholar 

  • Drahor, M. G. (2004). Application of the self-potential method to archaeological prospection: Some case histories. Archaeological Prospection, 11, 77–105.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eberhart, R. C., & Kennedy, J. (1995). A new optimizer using particle swarm theory. In: Proceedings of the IEEE. The sixth Symposium on Micro Machine and Human Centre, Nagoya, Japan, pp. 39–43.

  • El-Kaliouby, H., & Al-Garni, M. A. (2009). Inversion of self-potential anomalies caused by 2D inclined sheets using neural networks. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 6, 29–34.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S. (2007). Gravity data interpretation using the s-curves method. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 4, 204–213.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S. (2011). A new algorithm for gravity or self-potential data interpretation. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 8, 434–446.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S. (2019). A particle swarm optimization method for interpreting self-potential anomalies. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 16, 463–477.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S. (2020). Self-potential data interpretation utilizing the particle swarm method for the finite 2D inclined dike: Mineralized zones delineation. Acta Geodaetica et Geophysica. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40328-020-00289-2.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S., & Elhussein, M. (2017). A new approach for the interpretation of self-potential data by 2-D inclined plate. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 136, 455–461.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S., & Elhussein, M. (2018). PSO (particle swarm optimization). For interpretation of magnetic anomalies caused by simple geometrical structures. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 175, 3539–3553.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S., & Elhussein, M. (2020). Interpretation of magnetic data through particle swarm optimization: Mineral exploration cases studies. Natural Resources Research, 29(1), 521–537.

    Google Scholar 

  • Essa, K. S., Mehanee, S., & Smith, P. (2008). A new inversion algorithm for estimating the best fitting parameters of some geometrically simple body from measured self-potential anomalies. Exploration Geophysics, 39, 155–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fedi, M., & Abbas, M. A. (2013). A fast interpretation of self-potential data using the depth from extreme points method. Geophysics, 78, E107–116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fernandez-Martinez, J., Garcia-Gonzalo, E., & Naudet, V. (2010). Particle swarm optimization applied to solving and appraising the streaming potential inverse problem. Geophysics, 75, WA3–WA15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Göktürkler, G., & Balkaya, Ç. (2012). Inversion of self-potential anomalies caused by simple-geometry bodies using global optimization algorithms. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 9, 498–507.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kawada, Y., & Kasaya, T. (2018). Self-potential mapping using an autonomous underwater vehicle for the Sunrise deposit, Izu-Ogasawara arc, southern Japan. Earth, Planets and Space, 70, 142.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehanee, S. (2014). An efficient regularized inversion approach for self-potential data interpretation of ore exploration using a mix of logarithmic and non-logarithmic model parameters. Ore Geology Reviews, 57, 87–115.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehanee, S. (2015). Tracing of paleo-shear zones by self-potential data inversion: case studies from the KTB, Rittsteig, and Grossensees graphite-bearing fault planes. Earth, Planets and Space, 67, 14–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehanee, S. A., & Essa, K. S. (2015). 2.5D regularized inversion for the interpretation of residual gravity data by a dipping thin sheet: Numerical examples and case studies with an insight on sensitivity and non-uniqueness. Earth, Planets and Space, 67, 130.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehanee, S., Essa, K. S., & Smith, P. D. (2011). A rapid technique for estimating the depth and width of a two-dimensional plate from self-potential data. Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, 8, 447–456.

    Google Scholar 

  • Minsley, B. J., Coles, D. A., Vichabian, Y., & Morgan, F. D. (2008). Minimization of self-potential survey mis-ties acquired with multiple reference locations. Geophysics, 73, F71–F81.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, B., Pal, N., & Ghosh, S. (2003). Fluid evolution of the mosabani and rakha copper deposits, Singhbhum District, Jharkhand: Evidence from fluid inclusion study of mineralized quartz veins. Journal Geological Society of India, 61, 51–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murthy, B. V. S., & Haricharan, P. (1985). Nomograms for the complete interpretation of spontaneous potential profiles over sheet like and cylindrical 2D structures. Geophysics, 50, 1127–1135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murthy, I. V. R., Sudhakar, K. S., & Rao, P. R. (2005). A new method of interpreting self-potential anomalies of two-dimensional inclined sheets. Computers & Geosciences, 31, 661–665.

    Google Scholar 

  • Parsopoulos, K. E., & Vrahatis, M. N. (2002). Recent approaches to global optimization problems through particle swarm optimization. Natural Computing, 1, 235–306.

    Google Scholar 

  • Paul, M. K. (1965). Direct interpretation of self-potential anomalies caused by inclined sheets of infinite extension. Geophysics, 30, 418–423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Plumb, K. A. (1981). Workshop: Comparison of the Cuddapah basin, India and the Adelaide Geosyncline, Australia, Report of overseas visit. In: Bureau of mineral resources, geology and geophysics, Record.

  • Rao, A. D., Babu, H., & Sivakumar Sinha, G. D. (1982). A Fourier transform method for the interpretation of self-potential anomalies due to two-dimensional inclined sheet of finite depth extent. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 120, 365–374.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roudsari, M. S., & Beitollahi, A. (2013). Forward modelling and inversion of self-potential anomalies caused by 2D inclined sheets. Exploration Geophysics, 44, 176–184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saha, D., & Tripathy, V. (2012). Palaeoproterozoic sedimentation in the Cuddapah Basin, South India and regional tectonics––a review. In R. Mazumder & D. Saha (Eds.), Paleoproterozoic of India, Geological Society, London (Vol. 365, pp. 159–182). London: Special Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Santos, F. A. (2010). Inversion of self-potential of idealized bodies’ anomalies using particle swarm optimization. Computers & Geosciences, 36, 1185–1190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sen, M. K., & Stoffa, P. L. (2013). Global optimization methods in geophysical inversion. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, S. P., & Biswas, A. (2013). Interpretation of self-potential anomaly over 2D inclined structure using very fast simulated annealing global optimization—An insight about ambiguity. Geophysics, 78, 3–15.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, A., & Biswas, A. (2016). Application of global particle swarm optimization for inversion of residual gravity anomalies over geological bodies with idealized geometries. Natural Resources Research, 25, 297–314.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoll, J., Bigalke, J., & Grabner, E. W. (1995). Electrochemical modelling of self-potential anomalies. Surveys in Geophysics, 16, 107–120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sundararajan, N., Arun Kumar, I., Mohan, N. L., & Seshagiri Rao, S. V. (1990). Use of Hilbert transform to interpret self-potential anomalies due to two-dimensional inclined sheets. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 133, 117–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sundararajan, N., SrinivasaRao, P., & Sunitha, V. (1998). An analytical method to interpret self-potential anomalies caused by 2D inclined sheets. Geophysics, 63, 1551–1555.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tarantola, A. (2005). Inverse problem theory and methods for model parameter estimation. Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM), Philadelphia.

  • Telford, W. M., Geldart, L. P., & Sheriff, R. E. (1990). Applied geophysics. London: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tlas, M., & Asfahani, J. (2008). Using of the adaptive simulated annealing (ASA) for quantitative interpretation of self-potential anomalies due to simple geometrical structures. Journal of King Abdulaziz University Earth Sciences, 19, 99–118.

    Google Scholar 

  • Venter, G., & Sobieski, J. (2002). Particle swarm optimization. In AIAA 2002–1235, 43rd AIAA/ASME/ASCE/AHS/ASC structures, structural dynamics, and materials conference, Denver, CO.

  • Vichabian, Y., & Morgan, F. D. (2002). Self-potentials in cave detection. The Leading Edge, 21, 866–871.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Y. (2016). Seismic inversion: Theory and applications. New York: Wiley-Blackwell.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wynn, J. C., & Sherwood, S. I. (1984). The self-potential (SP) method: An inexpensive reconnaissance archaeological mapping tool. Journal of Field Archaeology, 11(2), 195–204.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhdanov, M. S. (2002). Geophysical inversion theory and regularization problems. Amsterdam: Elsevier.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Prof. Dr. John Carranza the Editor-in-Chief, and the reviewers of Natural Resources Research for their keen interest, valuable comments on the manuscript, and suggestions for improvements to this work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, P.O. 12613, Giza, Egypt

    Mahmoud Elhussein

Authors
  1. Mahmoud Elhussein
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mahmoud Elhussein.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Elhussein, M. A Novel Approach to Self-potential Data Interpretation in Support of Mineral Resource Development. Nat Resour Res 30, 97–127 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-020-09708-1

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-020-09708-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation