A review on modeling, inversion and interpretation of self-potential in mineral exploration and tracing paleo-shear zones

This study discusses the improvements of different modeling and inversion approaches to self-potential (SP) anomaly associated with shallow and deep subsurface imaging. The study also focuses on the fundamental foundations of self-potential, which have been advanced with time and event, cause, system, and application in different investigation fields. In addition, a point-by-point forward modeling of different subsurface idealized geological bodies is discussed. Various SP techniques utilized for interpretation have likewise been examined for each use of SP anomaly. Besides, the uncertainty associated with the understanding of self-potential interpretation has also been discussed. Additionally, the above studies were used to examine the diverse subsurface idealized geologic bodies deciphered from different inversion and elucidation strategies. Combinations of 17 real field illustrations were examined and a similar investigation was conducted for different interpretation strategies. Moreover, a similar study was carried out to gain insights to mineralized bodies associated with different subsurface structures and the depth of the ore body and the rest of the model parameters are also discussed. A correlation between the field information and the interpreted model information is shown, considering different elucidation techniques wherever information was available. The significance of this type of study is its multipurpose application in investigating various subsurface problems related to mineral exploration and tracing paleo-shear zones. This study would be very useful to scientists investigating the use of self-potential in mineral/ore investigation, and in tracing paleo-shear zones in continental crust.