Questions about ADR
and Virtual Boreholes.
Clear answers on what Atomic Dielectric Resonance measures, what a Virtual Borehole represents, how VEXRAD validates interpretations, where the method can add value, and where its limits remain.
Start with the geological question.
No geophysical method answers every subsurface question. VEXRAD uses ADR as an additional evidence layer alongside geology, drilling and other geophysics, with claims matched to the available ground truth.
1. What is Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR)?
Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR) is VEXRAD’s surface-deployed coherent pulsed electromagnetic sensing technology. Measurements are acquired non-invasively from selected surface locations and processed to investigate changes in subsurface electromagnetic response with depth.
The objective is to add depth-referenced subsurface evidence before expensive drilling or other intrusive investigation.
2. How does ADR work?
ADR transmits coherent pulsed electromagnetic signals and records the subsurface response. VEXRAD analyses multiple response parameters — including energy, frequency, dielectric and related characteristics — to identify changes, contrasts and patterns that may be geologically meaningful.
The measurements are processed and interpreted in geological context rather than treated as a direct photograph of the subsurface.
3. What is a VEXRAD Virtual Borehole?
A Virtual Borehole is a depth-referenced interpretation derived from surface-acquired ADR measurements at a selected location. Depending on the evidence and calibration available, it can present interpreted lithology or material changes, formation boundaries, target intervals, subsurface anomalies and confidence or evidence classification.
4. Is a Virtual Borehole the same as a physical borehole?
No. A physical borehole provides direct access to the ground and can provide core, cuttings, assays, wireline logs, hydraulic tests and other physical measurements. A Virtual Borehole is a non-invasive geophysical interpretation acquired from the surface.
A Virtual Borehole informs the drill decision. It does not replace the drill.
5. How deep can ADR investigate?
There is no single universal ADR depth because useful investigation depth depends on the target, geology, survey conditions, signal quality, calibration and the geological question being asked. VEXRAD has published deep-project evidence including geothermal Virtual Borehole work at kilometre scale.
Depth capability for a new target should therefore be assessed project by project rather than assumed from a headline maximum.
6. What can ADR help identify?
Where data quality, geological context and calibration support the interpretation, ADR can contribute evidence relating to:
- lithology and material changes;
- formation boundaries and structures;
- target intervals and subsurface anomalies;
- fluid or reservoir indicators; and
- priorities for further investigation.
The appropriate interpretation depends on the project and the strength of the supporting evidence.
7. Can ADR directly identify gold, copper or other minerals?
ADR should not be treated as a remote assay. Surface geophysics measures physical responses that may be associated with geological structures, alteration or mineralisation. VEXRAD uses ADR response patterns and geological context to identify and rank candidate intervals.
Commodity identity, grade and economic significance require appropriate independent ground truth such as drilling, core and laboratory assays.
8. How accurate is ADR?
VEXRAD does not use a single blanket accuracy percentage. Performance depends on the geological question, target, data quality, calibration and the evidence used for comparison.
The more useful test is whether a stated ADR interpretation survives comparison with independent ground truth. VEXRAD therefore reports validation evidence, uncertainty and known limitations rather than treating every interpretation as equally certain.
9. How does VEXRAD validate ADR predictions?
Where suitable evidence exists, VEXRAD compares ADR interpretations with independent information such as drilling, core, assays, wireline measurements, temperature data, seismic interpretation or subsequent drilling outcomes.
Significant findings are classified using VEXRAD’s evidence framework: Validated, Grounded, Candidate and Known Null. The aim is to distinguish what has been demonstrated from what remains an interpretation or target to test.
10. How does ADR compare with seismic, MT, GPR and other geophysics?
They measure different physical properties and should not be reduced to a universal ranking. Seismic responds to elastic/acoustic contrasts; gravity to density; magnetics to magnetic susceptibility; electrical and electromagnetic methods investigate electrical or electromagnetic properties.
ADR is surface-acquired geophysics, while its Virtual Borehole output is organised vertically with depth and is intended to be read more like a remote, petrophysics-style interpretation. It is not a substitute for physical borehole petrophysics.
11. Can ADR be combined with existing geophysics and drilling?
Yes. This is often the preferred use. Existing geology, drilling and geophysical datasets can provide context and calibration, while ADR supplies an independently acquired evidence layer at selected target locations.
VEXRAD can be considered alongside seismic, MT, EM, IP/resistivity, gravity, magnetics, remote sensing and physical borehole information.
12. What information does VEXRAD need before a survey?
Start with the decision you need to make. Useful information normally includes the project location, target or geological question, depth of interest, known geology, existing drilling and logs, previous geophysics, and any other evidence relevant to the target.
The no-cost Project Fit Check is designed to determine whether ADR appears technically relevant before fieldwork is proposed.
13. What are the limitations of ADR?
ADR does not provide a physical sample and does not guarantee assay grade, resource or reserve estimates, permeability, flow rate, commercial discovery or drilling success. Interpretation is affected by the geological setting, survey conditions, data quality, calibration and the evidence available.
VEXRAD’s approach is to state these boundaries explicitly and to test interpretations against independent evidence wherever practicable.
14. What does a typical VEXRAD project involve?
A typical pathway is:
Project Fit Check → ADR Opportunity Report → Pilot / Survey → Virtual Boreholes → Drill / Validate.
The exact programme depends on the target and decision. VEXRAD’s preference is to start proportionately, establish whether the method fits the problem and build evidence before scaling.
15. How do I find out whether ADR is suitable for my project?
Submit a Project Fit Check with the target, location, geological question and evidence you already have. VEXRAD will review whether ADR appears capable of adding useful information and recommend a proportionate next step where there is a credible technical fit.
For projects needing a more detailed desk-based assessment before fieldwork, VEXRAD also offers the fixed-price ADR Opportunity Report.
The physical borehole remains the ground truth.
VEXRAD’s purpose is not to remove geological uncertainty by assertion. It is to add another measurable, depth-referenced evidence layer before an expensive physical test — and then compare the interpretation with the ground whenever that evidence becomes available.
Have a subsurface decision to make?
Tell us the target, depth, geology and evidence you already have. We’ll assess whether ADR is technically relevant before proposing fieldwork.
START A PROJECT FIT CHECK →