Near-surface thermal prospecting: review of processing and interpretation

Temperature measurements at shallow depths (up to 3 m) contain useful information about features of the geological structure however, the noise caused by seasonal temperature variations and terrain relief may significantly distort the observed temperature field. Therefore, procedures are developed for the calculation and removal of these noise sources. Essential similarities between thermal and magnetic prospecting make it possible to apply to thermal prospecting modifications of the rapid methods of characteristic points and tangents developed for magnetic prospecting. The methods can be used to locate disturbing bodies by their associated temperature anomalies. The interpretation results obtained both on models and polymetallic (Greater Caucasus) and oil and gas (Middle Kura Depression) deposits testify to the accuracy and reliability of these methods. -from Authors