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Can ultrasounds be used to map the density of large underground regions?

This question arose froma related oneat Physics.SE, along with my own personal quest to better understand mineralogical prospecting.

我想知道如果某种超声波机器can determine the density of rock, soil, or mountains. Could it see everything within range? For example, could it see a region of high density and a region of low density behind it? Or would one block the other? What would the range be?

And how accurate would it be (in density readings and exact location readings)? More accurate than a gravimetric map?

I'm asking because I want to know if ultrasounds can be used for mineralogic prospecting (exploring for ores that can be mined). It seems like it would be a lot easier to use ultrasounds than to dig a lot of exploratory shafts.

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    $\begingroup$ Fascinating. And yes I was interested in petrol and gas deposits too, although I don't know what "geothermal resources" are. But let's say there is a bunch of soil on the top, and potential rock or ores deep below. Will the soundings still see it all? $\endgroup$
    DrZ214
    Apr 5, 2016 at 2:06
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ @DrZ214 Not all ores have density different from surrounding rock. Rocks of varying density are not necessarily ore. $\endgroup$ Apr 5, 2016 at 4:18
  • $\begingroup$ @DrZ214 As Michael noted, not necessarily directly. However, prospectors also look for candidate locations that are associated with such deposits based on overal geology of the area - for example, all those faults and thrusts. Say, an oil deposit isn't very easy to see - it's not a huge tank of oil as most people imagine it, it's some porous rock filled with oil instead. So you look for places where the oil might have originated (ancient sea floor), and places where it might have been collected (faults, salt domes...). There are signs in the rock itself that alter your chances. $\endgroup$
    Luaan
    Apr 5, 2016 at 7:47

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