Marine DC resistivity and self-potential survey in the hydrothermal deposit areas using multiple AUVs and ASV

Takafumi Kasaya,Yoshifumi Kawada,Tadahiro Hyakudome,Hisanori Iwamoto

doi:10.3319/tao.2019.09.02.01

Abstract

Marine DC resistivity and self-potential survey in the hydrothermal deposit areas using multiple AUVs and ASV

Highlights

Resistivity is regarded as an important parameter for the exploration of metallic ore deposits because of the specific electrical properties of metals and metal sulfides
Safipour et al (2017b) obtained horizontal electric field data above a sulfide deposit using an electrometer equipped on their transient electromagnetic (TEM) system and detected some negative SP anomalies related to the deposit
To pursue more efficient survey techniques, we conducted field tests using two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver optimized for use on the AUV, and an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) for monitoring their condition

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Resistivity is regarded as an important parameter for the exploration of metallic ore deposits because of the specific electrical properties of metals and metal sulfides. Kawada and Kasaya (2018) conducted a dense SP survey using a middle-class AUV “JINBEI” as well as mapping turbidity and side-scan sonar data at the same time They detected a negative SP anomaly related to known hydrothermal deposits that are localized compared to a widely spreading turbidity anomaly distribution. “Zipangu in the Ocean program”, a Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP) managed by the cabinet office of the government of Japan, was launched for the scientific and technological development of natural resources around the Japan Islands to meet expectations of recent national requirements for marine natural resources in Japan This project encompasses various research fields to assess phenomena including the growth of hydrothermal deposits. The very low resistivity zone (< 0.15 ohm-m) associated with the hydrothermal mound area was imaged by the MDCR data in the North Iheya field (Kasaya et al 2019) Obtaining these two physical parameters simultaneously is extremely beneficial for the survey of hydrothermal deposits. To pursue more efficient survey techniques, we conducted field tests using two AUVs, each equipped with a transmitter and a receiver optimized for use on the AUV, and an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) for monitoring their condition

Outline of Vehicles

Instruments and Survey Design

Geological Background of Target Area

AUVs and ASV Operation

Data Analysis and Results

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS