Ground gravity experts
Initial Exploration Services launched in 1991 as a ground gravity service provider. Today, we are regarded as world leaders in this field, and our expertise in gravity geophysics is recognized nationally and internationally.
Our inventory of state-of-the-art Scintrex CG6 gravity meters is the largest in Canada, enabling us to undertake multiple projects of all sizes, ranging from small micro-gravity projects to country-wide, regional geoid projects.
Our extensive experience in diverse climates and extreme terrains has led us to develop specialized field procedures prioritizing safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Initial Exploration Services was the first ground gravity service provider to incorporate UAV LiDAR/Photogrammetry and Ground Penetrating Radar data into digital elevation models. This unique approach has enabled us to process the industry's most rigorous terrain corrections.
1 of 6500 gravity stations used to create the new geoid model for the Sultanate of Oman.
Evolution of our instrumentation
LaCoste & Romberge G Meter (1991-2002)
Introduced in 1959, LaCoste & Romberge gravity meters use a metal 'zero-length' spring and were considered state-of-the-art before the introduction of the fused quartz spring by Scintrex Ltd.
L&R Meters Suffer From
- Thermal noise errors (Thermal instability around the sensor is by far the largest source of instrument error. It produces a variable drift in the gravity readings)
- Electronic noise errors
- Mechanical and electrical rectification noise errors
- Temporal mass variation
- Frequent instrument tares
- Erratic and excessive drift errors requiring base occupation every 2 hours, significantly affecting production
- Spring hysteresis
- Clamping errors
L&R Specifications
- Sensor Type: Metal 'zero-length' spring
- Reading Resolution: < 5 microGal (Differential gravity measurements to an accuracy of 20 microGal without excessive error)
- Reading Standard Deviation (Repeatability): 10 -20 microGal
- Operating Range: 7,000 mGal without resetting
- Absolute Drift: < 1000 microGal/month (40 microGal/day)
- Operating Temperature: 0 C to +45 C
Scintrex CG-5 (2002 to 2016)
- RUGGED, ROBUST SENSOR WITH NO CLAMPING REQUIRED
- FREEDOM FROM TARES
CG-5 Specifications
- Sensor Type: Fused quartz using electrostatic nulling
- Reading Resolution: 1 microGal
- Reading Standard Deviation: < 5 microGal
- Operating Range: World-wide (8,000 mGal without resetting)
- Residual Drift: < 20 microGal/day
- Uncompensated Drift: <200 microGal/day
- Range of Auto Tilt Compensation: 200 arcseconds
- Tares: Typically < 5 microGal for shocks up to 20 g
- Data Output Rate: Continuous averaging of 6 Hz samples
- Automated Corrections: Tide, instrument tilt, temperature, noisy sample filter, seismic noise filter, drift.
- Operating Temperature: -40 C to +40 C
Scintrex CG-6 (2016 -Present)
The CG-6 Autograv is Scintrex Ltd's next-generation micro gravity meter. It offers extremely fast, reliable, accurate, and precise gravity measurements using the same patented fused quartz sensor technology as its predecessor (the CG-5 Autograv).
Building on the success of the CG-5 Autograv, Scintrex re-engineered the design to make the CG-6 Autograv lighter, faster, and more powerful.
CG-6 Specifications
- Sensor Type: Fused quartz using electrostatic nulling
- Reading Resolution: 1 microGal
- Reading Standard Deviation: < 5 microGal
- Operating Range: World-wide (8,000 mGal without resetting
- Residual Drift: < 20 microGal/day
- Uncompensated Drift: <200 microGal/day
- Range of Auto Tilt Compensation: 200 arcseconds
- Tares: Typically < 5 microGal for shocks up to 20 g
- Data Output Rate: Up to 10 HZ, user defined
- Automated Corrections: Tide, instrument tilt, temperature, noisy sample filter, seismic noise filter, drift.
- Operating Temperature: -40 C to +40 C
Applications for resource exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Gravity is used for geological and structural reconnaissance to determine rock type, soil compaction, the presence of water and to create plausible deposit models: (greenstone belts, sedimentary basins, ultramafic rocks, granitic batholiths, karst, calderas, volcanic domes, structural corridors and faults).
Local Mineral Exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Gravity is used for geological and structural mapping to directly delineate ore-bearing structures: (skarns, horsts, grabens, brecchias, silicification and alteration or intense fracture zones).
Mine / Deposit Exploration
Regional Mineral Exploration
Mine / Deposit Exploration
Gravity is used for the direct detection of either excess of mass: (massive sulphide deposits associated with nickel, chromite ore, banded iron formations, stock works, and barite deposits) or depletion of mass: (coal, lignite, salt deposits, placer, karst and kimberlites).
Petroleum Exploration
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Mine / Deposit Exploration
Gravity is used where seismic imaging has been challenged by complex geology, crew safety or practical inaccessibility. Gravity is used to map the subsurface structures under thick salt and in volcanic provinces where seismic methods have imaging problems.
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Gravity is used to measure the density change in an oil reservoir assisting in the oil and gas estimate and recovery process.
Groundwater Exploration
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Petroleum Reserve Exploration
Gravity surveys are used in groundwater exploration to detect density variations related to water resources. These surveys detect variations in subsurface density and aid in groundwater management.
Additional Applications
Environmental Studies
Gravity surveys are used in environmental studies to investigate subsurface structures that relate to natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides. Understanding subsurface geology is crucial to assessing potential risks.
Civil Engineering Studies
Gravity surveys are used in civil engineering studies to evaluate ground stability and identify potential challenges related to subsurface conditions. This information is crucial for infrastructure projects such as dams, bridges, and tunnels.
Archaeological Studies
Gravity surveys are used in archaeological studies to detect buried structures or anomalies indicative of archaeological features. This non-invasive method aids in site assessments and cultural heritage preservation.
Tectonic Studies
Gravity surveys are used in tectonic studies to provide information about the Earth’s crustal structure, subsurface composition, and tectonic processes. They aid researchers in understanding the dynamics of tectonic plates and the forces that shape the Earth’s crust.
Isostatic Studies
Gravity surveys are used in isostatic studies to analyze variations in crustal thickness and isostatic equilibrium, contributing to understanding compensating adjustments in the Earth’s lithosphere.
Climate & Environmental Change
Gravity data can be used to monitor changes in water storage, such as variations in ice mass or groundwater levels. This information contributes to studies on climate change and its impacts on Earth’s systems.
Global Geoid Modeling
Gravity data is used to model the geoid, representing the Earth’s equipotential surface of gravitational potential energy. Accurate geoid models are essential for precise measurements and mapping of the Earth’s surface.