# Methodology and Results of Detailed 3D Seismic Exploration in the Zhezkazgan Ore District
## 2 Materials and Methods
### Methodology  
The methodology for 3D reflection of seismic exploration at ore deposits in Kazakhstan was tested and evaluated using the Pektas, Donyzauz, and Western Saryoba areas of the Zhilandy ore deposit of the Zhezkazgan ore region. A fairly substantial volume of seismic data has been accumulated here within recent decades, with various methods and modifications (DSS (Deep Seismic Sounding), CRM (Correlation Refraction Method), RSS (Reflection Seismic Survey), ECWM (Earthquake Converted-Wave Method), CDP (Common Depth Point)) in both profile and aerial options being applied [35; 36; 37; 38]. The following geological and structural features of the experimental sites are favorable seismogeological factors for the detailed study of ore horizons:  
1. The main ore-bearing horizon is the Taskuduk horizon of the Taskuduk suite; it is the most saturated with pay ore mineralization. The next most saturated is the Zhilandy horizon, which is on the sediments of the Beleuty layers of the Low Carboniferous (C1 sbl). The cross section of ore-bearing strata is distinguished by fine medium-grained sandstones, Raymund and intraformational conglomerates, grav-elites, siltstones, and silty sandstones;
2. The pay ores were identified in gray sandstones with layers of limestones with fauna. The Taskuduk horizon of the suite is represented by a pack of gray fine-grained sandstones interbedded with frequently picking gray, less frequently red, siltstones, gray intraformational conglomerates, and brown sandstones. The Zhilandy horizon of the Beleuty layers has a geological section similar to Taskuduk;
3. There are numerous small cracks (ranging from thread-like to 1-2 cm) filled with calcite and disseminated ore minerals in the Taskuduk and Zhilandy horizons. The pay ore mineralization in the areas of significant development of thread-like cracks has a vein-disseminated character;
4. The ores in these horizons have the following properties: * Ore mineralization tends to be in medium- and coarse-grained sandstones of gray and dark gray color (often enriched with carbonized organics), mainly on calcareous cement; * Barren layers are usually represented by plastic siltstones and fine-grained sandstones, characterized by a weak degree of crushing; * The confinement of ground mass of ores to gray-colored medium-grained sandstones is substantiated by its fragility and high porosity;
5. Structural control of mineralization is clearly expressed: more intense mineralization is confined to the zones of rock fragmentation on the flanks of the folds and to the zones of flat sloping intra- and inter-layer faults. A detailed 3D seismic exploration has been carried out at approved locations of known deposits of copper sandstones in order to study the features of seismic events and obtain detailed data on the structural and stratigraphic composition of ore-hoisting strata, identify kinematic and dynamic parameters of wave field characteristic of ore horizons and ore bodies associated with textural and structural heterogeneities, and verify significant copper targets and create an objective model of ore horizons. The specific features of the composition and structure of ore deposits that make them different from many other sulfide deposits are crucial for substantiation and approval of prospecting methods at Zhezkazgan-type deposits. These ores are dominated by a triad of copper sulfides--chalcocite, chalcopyrite, and bornite--and pyrite is almost untraceable. As a result, many electrical methods that are often successfully used for prospecting for pyrite and porphyry deposits are ineffective for copper sandstones. In this case, the localization of copper sandstones (in the form of formations or band deposits) within permeable horizons is crucial. The copper concentrations without any delineation sharply decrease to Clarke values in overlying and underlying deposits (usually much less permeable). A full-scale 3D seismic survey was carried out at Pektas, Donyzauz, and Western Sayoba.