Task 2.6: Enhancing expertise in geochemical and geophysical studies

Task lead: GTK

Action 2.6.1: Airborne low-altitude geophysical surveys – data acquisition and processing; training at GTK

A 2-day training course at GTK will establish basic knowledge of the most common airborne geophysical methods used for mineral and geothermal exploration including the best practices from Finland and Sweden. Magnetic, electromagnetic and radiometric methods on various platforms (fixed-wing, helicopter, drone) will be introduced. Most common ways to store and represent the data (geodatabases, grids, grid derivatives, inversions) will be covered together with basic interpretation methods (lineaments, depths to targets, target sizes, target strikes and dips) with the emphasis on practical examples of usage.

Action 2.6.2: Geological and geochemical field techniques in mineral exploration ; training at UOULU (UOULU & GTK)

This 7-day field course will introduce students to field techniques in mineral exploration in Finland (M18). This multidisciplinary course focuses on (i) geomorphological interpretation and geological field observation techniques commonly used in greenfield exploration campaigns ,(ii) sampling and field analyser techniques, (iii) understanding the use of surface geochemistry and indicator minerals, and (iv) the use of geophysical field survey methods as a part of the mineral exploration process.The training will demonstrate how mineral exploration requires synthesis and application of a variety of different techniques to identify and creatively solve problems that require decision making in the field. The course will be carried out as a part of GTK’s on-going exploration campaign.

Action 2.6.3: Geochemical baseline studies and urban geochemical mapping in the assessment of soil contamination; training at GTK (GTK & UKRI)

A three-day course will be arranged in Finland (Month 6). The first day will focus on geochemical data that can be used to define soil geochemical baselines in continental, national, regional, and local level. This will be followed by lectures on how the geochemical baselines have been applied in the assessment of soil contamination and remediation needs and in the assessment of excavated soil material in Finland and in UK. On the second day, we will arrange an excursion to the city of Kotka where GTK is carrying out urban soil mapping. EGT staff will have the opportunity to take some urban soil samples and collect observations using the Maapeli software. The last training day will concentrate on databases and web server applications used for soil geochemical baselines in Finland and in UK.