| Abstract: | The Laboratory of Geophysics of the University of Arizona was presented with an exploration problem by Falconbridge, Ltd. of Canada. Massive mineralized hemispherical “pods” are in the vicinity of a tuff layer of high conductivity and induced polarization response, covered by large thicknesses of resistive volcanics. The initial approach was to utilize electrolytic tank modeling. The extreme resistivity and IP contrasts proved to be difficult to recreate. Two dimensional modeling was attempted next with conductive paper, using copper and silver paint for anomalous masses. This method also proved inadequate. Finally, mathematical equations were solved which could model any arbitrary anomalous body in any steady state electrical field. Plane waves as well as point current sources producing non-plane waves are possible. Finite difference equations were derived for the non-linear partial differential equations under consideration. The equations were solved using a digital computer. Initially, the boundary conditions had to be satisfied at the boundaries of resistivity changes, severely restricting possible geometric shapes for anomalous bodies. The final and successful solution was to apply numerical techniques to obtain solutions of equations which require only that the relative resistivities through the area be specified. The Falconbridge problem and its solution are analyzed. |
