2.2.3 Geological Mapping

The goal of prospecting is to find a geological anomaly, that is, something exceptional, that stands out from the surrounding rocks.

A deposit often forms as a result of a particular event in the Earth’s crust, which leads to a concentration of minerals that are not found in the surrounding rocks.

Minerals frequently concentrate in areas where geological features, such as folding and faulting in the rock, are evident. They are often visible on aerial photographs.

To find an anomaly, the prospector explores his land parcel and makes a geological map.

		Geological map.
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The prospector plots any rocks, unusual minerals, faults and folds encountered on a topographic map. He also writes his observations in a notebook.

To determine his position, he uses a compass or a global positioning system (GPS).

Despite all his hard work, 99% of the time, the prospector doesn’t find anything promising!

		Prospecting tools: geological map, compass, aerial photographs, GPS, notebook and geologist’s hammer.
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