Introduction to this special section: Gravity, electrical, and magnetic methods

Abstract

Geophysics plays an important role in all aspects of geologic analysis, spanning from regional exploration and tectonic mapping to local prospect-level studies and energy transition projects. Out of a variety of geophysical techniques, seismic methods often play the most central role, while less expensive nonseismic methods are less frequently applied. One of the objectives of SEG's Gravity and Magnetics Committee is to promote nonseismic geophysical methods and showcase their value in various geologic applications. As members of that committee, we, the editors of this special section, assert that gravity, magnetic, and electrical methodologies are powerful yet often undervalued tools. We present this special section focused on nonseismic geophysical methods and the impact they can make on various geoscience projects. Included here are a regional tectonic study in Antarctica, a local mining exploration mapping project in Canada, and an analytical methodology capable of providing critical information about subsurface geology and helping to determine the depths of important geologic structures. Although our scope is to provide a broader discussion of different types of nonseismic techniques, all of the papers presented in this special section focus on magnetic surveying.