Airborne Geophysics Data Analysis and Interpretation, Central Alberta

Publication Type
Special Report
Published Date
Topic
Mineral Mapping, Mineral Resources
Publication ID
SPE 124
Publication ID Extended
Special Report 124
Publication
Abstract

The Alberta Geological Survey (AGS) outsourced the geological interpretation of the 2024 high-resolution airborne magnetic surveys conducted by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) / AGS in central
Alberta. This interpretation focused on modifying the boundaries of known basement domains, dividing domains into subdomains, identifying ductile and brittle structures, and identifying potential intrusions.

All production of geophysical products and interpretation of data were done by Ronacher McKenzie
Geoscience Inc. (RMG), as well as the subcontractor Fathom Geophysics LLC (Fathom), with oversight
and approval from the AER and the AGS. The 2024 airborne magnetic data were used to create a variety
of grid-based filter products as well as three-dimensional (3D) inversions of a select portion of the study
area, which were used together to aid in RMG's interpretation. Fathom generated automatic structure
detection, radial symmetry detection, depth to basement filters, and other geophysical products. The
products were integrated with existing geological data to update previously described basement domain boundaries and, notably, further divide the domains into subdomains. In addition, potential intrusions as well as brittle and ductile structures were identified. This release includes a selection of GIS files, geophysical vector and raster products, as well as the 3D inversion model files.

This work was completed under the Mineral Grant provided by the Government of Alberta dated June 22, 2021.

Citation

Lopez, G.P., McGill, D., Brem, A. and McKenzie, J. (2026): Airborne geophysics data analysis and interpretation, central Alberta; Alberta Energy Regulator / Alberta Geological Survey, AER/AGS Special Report 124.

Place Keywords
alberta, canada, edmonton, edson, gull lake, lloydminster, north saskatchewan river, red deer, red deer river, wabamun lake
Place Keywords NTS
72m, 73d, 73e, 82o, 82p, 83a, 83b, 83c, 83f, 83g, 83h
Theme Keywords
aeromagnetic, airborne geophysical survey, basement geology, critical minerals, dyke, economic geology, fault, geochronology, geology, intrusions, lineaments, magnetic field, magnetic map, mineral exploration, mineral mapping program, shear zone, structural geology, tectonic domain, tectonic structures, western canada sedimentary basin