Airborne IP detects only fine-grained minerals when compared to conventional IP

Abstract

Using a thin-sheet model, it is possible to predict Cole-Cole parameters of polarizable materials in the near-surface from airborne EM data. With the high frequency of AEM systems, typically more than 100 times higher than ground IP systems, most conventional IP targets will often not show an AIP response. Very fine-grained minerals, around 0.1 mm in average dimension, are however good sources for AIP responses. In 6 examples from Tasmania and NSW comparing AIP with ground IP, 5 have AIP responses that are not coincident with ground responses, but may detect finer grained minerals in the periphery of the alteration system associated with a mineral deposit.