Frontier in Geophysical Exploration: Emerging Technologies & Application

Abstract

Geophysical exploration has played a key role in scientific discoveries and industrial applications, such as resource extraction, environmental monitoring, and subsurface imaging. Conventional techniques, including seismic surveys, electromagnetic (EM) methods, and gravity measurements, have been commonly applied for subsurface investigations. Technological, analytical, and computational power have significantly improved exploration efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. Emerging technologies–Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), quantum sensors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full-waveform inversion (FWI), and satellite-based remote sensing–are transforming geophysical exploration. The innovations bring higher subsurface imaging resolution, lower operational cost, and reduced environmental impact. DAS allows for real-time monitoring of seismic activity, and AI and ML are used to automate seismic interpretation and anomaly detection. Improved gravity and magnetic surveys — Quantum sensors make this possible with improved precision for mineral and hydrocarbon exploration. UAVs allow for cheap, high-resolution aerial geophysical surveys, and FWI can provide the best seismic images. Such satellite-based remote sensing techniques as synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and hyperspectral imaging enable large-scale geophysical property assessments. These technologies can also be applied to mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, geothermal energy assessment, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure evaluation. Nonetheless, issues like data integration difficulties, expensive implementations, and ecological implications persist. Future research endeavors can thus work towards streamlining AI intelligence analytics, Real-time monitoring, and sustainable exploration methodologies. This review discusses new developments in geophysical exploration and illustrates the positive influence of emerging technologies on the solution of present-day resource and environmental problems.