| Webster's Online Dictionary |
| Expressions | Domain | Definition | |
| Electrical prospecting | Mining | Prospecting that makes use of three fundamental properties of rocks. One is the resistivity, or inverse conductivity. This governs the amount of current that passes through the rock when a specified potential difference is applied. Another is the electrochemical activity with respect to electrolytes in the ground. This is the basis of the self-potential method. The third is the dielectric constant. This gives information on the capacity of a rock material to store electric charge, and it must be taken into consideration when high-frequency alternating currents are introduced into the earth, as in inductive prospecting techniques. Electrical methods are more frequently used in searching for metals and minerals than in exploring for petroleum, mainly because most of them have proved effective only for shallow explorations. (references) | |
| Observer, electrical prospecting | Occupations | Measures resistance of earth formations to electrical charges, using electrical apparatus to obtain data for locating rock strata favorable to further petroleum exploration activities: Transports electrical equipment and instruments to designated locations, and directs and assists in laying out and connecting cables, electrodes, instrument panels, and other electrical equipment. Adjusts electrical instruments to eliminate electrical interferences from earth currents or weather conditions. Opens and closes circuits to send electrical current through electrodes into earth. Reads dials and records data of millivoltmeter readings at various receptor points along cable to detect loss of potential due to resistance of earth formations. Diagnoses cause of malfunctioning of instruments and cables and makes repairs. (references) | |
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits. | Top | ||
