Time domain spectral IP and FCM-constrained CSAMT inversions: An integrated approach to gold exploration
- 1Langfang Integrated Natural Resources Survey Center, China Geological Survey, Tianjin 300304, China
Abstract
To address the challenges of strong electromagnetic interference and thick layers in the exploration of gold mines in Zhangjiakou, this study proposes a joint exploration strategy based on induced polarization (IP) and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT). Time-domain IP data are subjected to time–frequency conversion and spectral parameter inversion using the Cole–Cole model. For 1D inversion of CSAMT, the physical-property-based FCM clustering constraints are incorporated with the total variation regularization factor to improve inversion resolution and sharpen anomalous boundaries. Field application in the Yaoziwan area adjacent to the Dongping gold mine demonstrates that (1) spectral IP inversion can effectively suppress interference and clearly delineate the polarization anomalies, (2) the improved CSAMT inversion algorithm can significantly improve the resolution of the resistivity model and the definition of anomalous boundaries, and (3) the joint exploration scheme combining an IP intermediate-gradient array survey with CSAMT depth measurement can successfully delineate high-resistivity and polarization anomalies (m1). This has been verified by drilling as gold-bearing quartz veins and altered rocks, confirming the vertical extension of the ore body. The integration of IP and CSAMT techniques facilitates gold exploration in areas affected by severe electromagnetic interference, while the proposed prior-physical-property-constrained inversion strategy improves the recognition and interpretation accuracy of deep concealed ore bodies. The results provide a reliable technical pathway and practical reference for deep concealed gold exploration under complex geological and electromagnetic conditions.
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BibTeX
@article{qiao2026time,
title = {{Time domain spectral IP and FCM-constrained CSAMT inversions: An integrated approach to gold exploration}},
author = {Yanyi Qiao and Xueyao Niu and Zheng Dai and Yubo Tian and Jianhua Hu and Jie Wei and Chao Tian},
journal = {AIP Advances},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1063/5.0314140},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0314140},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Time domain spectral IP and FCM-constrained CSAMT inversions: An integrated approach to gold exploration
AU - Yanyi Qiao
AU - Xueyao Niu
AU - Zheng Dai
AU - Yubo Tian
AU - Jianhua Hu
AU - Jie Wei
AU - Chao Tian
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/03
JO - AIP Advances
DO - 10.1063/5.0314140
UR - https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0314140
AB - To address the challenges of strong electromagnetic interference and thick layers in the exploration of gold mines in Zhangjiakou, this study proposes a joint exploration strategy based on induced polarization (IP) and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT). Time-domain IP data are subjected to time–frequency conversion and spectral parameter inversion using the Cole–Cole model. For 1D inversion of CSAMT, the physical-property-based FCM clustering constraints are incorporated with the total variation regularization factor to improve inversion resolution and sharpen anomalous boundaries. Field application in the Yaoziwan area adjacent to the Dongping gold mine demonstrates that (1) spectral IP inversion can effectively suppress interference and clearly delineate the polarization anomalies, (2) the improved CSAMT inversion algorithm can significantly improve the resolution of the resistivity model and the definition of anomalous boundaries, and (3) the joint exploration scheme combining an IP intermediate-gradient array survey with CSAMT depth measurement can successfully delineate high-resistivity and polarization anomalies (m1). This has been verified by drilling as gold-bearing quartz veins and altered rocks, confirming the vertical extension of the ore body. The integration of IP and CSAMT techniques facilitates gold exploration in areas affected by severe electromagnetic interference, while the proposed prior-physical-property-constrained inversion strategy improves the recognition and interpretation accuracy of deep concealed ore bodies. The results provide a reliable technical pathway and practical reference for deep concealed gold exploration under complex geological and electromagnetic conditions.
SN - 2158-3226
ER -