History of MicroGeophysics Corporation
Microgeophysics Corporation, founded in 1974, has conducted a successful business from offices in Colorado for more than 30 years. Today the professionals at MGC provide quality, integrated geophysical services to clients in the environmental, engineering, exploration and earthquake seismology industries. MGC's definition of quality service is applying the appropriate geophysical methods to solve geologic problems in a responsive, cost effective manner.
In the fall of 1973, David Butler and Larry Brown were consultants in the area of microearthquake seismology as applied to geothermal exploration. Client satisfaction lead to the incorporation of MGC in the spring of 1974. For the first few years, microearthquake surveys for geothermal exploration supported the company. As opportunities increased in the geophysical contracting industry, the principals of MGC decided that diversification was appropriate. This policy was initiated in the late 70's and produced significant dividends by the early 80's. Diversification included developing new geophysical techniques for the geothermal industry and developing the new markets of engineering geophysics, oil exploration, mineral exploration and seismic hazard analysis for dam sites.
Also in the 80's, the Denver Water Department approached MGC with a project concerning the historical seismicity of the Front Range of Colorado. This effort lead to the deployment of a large earthquake-recording network. This relationship with the Denver Water Department has enabled MGC professionals to become experts in earthquake risk analysis.
Geothermal exploration by MGC occurred on projects located in Japan, the Philippines, India, Central America, Hawaii, Alaska and all of the western states. Methods used included microearthquake surveys, engineering and crustal scale seismic refraction, gravity, magnetics, D.C. electrical methods, electromagnetics, self potential, seismic reflection, water geochemistry, soil-mercury geochemistry, heat-flow measurements, gradient well drilling and geophysical and geological well logging.
The petroleum industry has used MGC's services since 1978. Oil exploration projects have ranged from induced polarization (IP) research to gravity and magnetics. MGC has performed IP, electromagnetics, and seismic refraction for mineral exploration clients in the western U.S. The mining industry has always been an important segment of MGC's business.
In the early 80's MGC conducted engineering geophysics projects within the state of Colorado. This business involved both classical engineering for the quarry industry, as well as environmental geophysics at places like the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA). MGC's project at RMA was one of the first geophysical surveys (conducted in 1976 and 1977) at the Arsenal. The project was an integrated survey of refraction, SP, and D.C. electrical methods. Other methods employed by MicroGeophysics for engineering geology include precision gravity, ground penetrating radar and magnetics as well as geological-structural and petrological mapping.
The diversification process described above brought success and growth. By the mid 80's MGC offered a sophisticated mix of geophysical techniques to the exploration and engineering industries.
MGC now applies the lessons learned from the experience of the last 25 years. The ability to effectively manage the logistics and technology of such a wide range of geophysical methods and client needs is the valuable legacy of MGC's history.
Today, MGC provides a wide range of geophysical services to a diverse group of clients in the earth-science engineering and construction industries. The evaluation of a large dam site southwest of Denver illustrates the breadth of services now offered by MGC.
Historical and instrumental seismological data formed the basis of the seismic hazard evaluation. However, in order to present a complete analysis, other data sets were integrated into the study. Data collected and analyzed by MGC included a regional gravity and magnetics survey and a crustal-scale refraction survey. Existing data sets included reflection surveys and paleo-seismic studies. These data were integrated into the final product, a seismic hazard estimate.
In the last few years MGC has conducted over 100 engineering geophysics surveys for a government agency in the western U.S. These projects involved a sophisticated mix of geophysical techniques including P and S wave refraction, high-resolution electromagnetic and high-resolution reflection surveys. The majority of the surveys were embankment evaluations, leakage surveys and rippability studies.
These projects often required an innovative integration of multiple geophysical methods with the engineering and geologic data bases.
MGC currently conducts geophysical services for clients on environmental projects throughout the U.S. The integrated geophysics approach applied to environmental problems has been highly successful in solving complex investigation and remediation problems. MGC's approach of fielding highly qualified geophysicists, the latest geophysical equipment and computer resources in the field has proven that real-time in-field solutions are possible. Sophisticated and complete real-time results are the future industry standard.
MGC's personnel are trained for multiple geophysical investigations, including those involving the handling of explosives, operations near hazardous waste, and UXO detection. MGC's written QC/QA program has been accepted by both private and government (DOE) clients.
MGC has always been owned by the active principals and key employees of the company. They have all participated and contributed in the growth, diversification and redefinition of the company through the
years. In February, 1992 Mary Ann Fore, one of those principals, purchased controlling interest in MGC, transforming it into a woman-owned and operated business. The company's business approach, operational procedures and technical leadership remained constant.
In the last five years the application of multiple geophysical techniques to complex environmental problems has grown. However geophysics has been used only to a small fraction of its potential in the engineering and environmental fields. The business success of MGC is based on innovative applications of geophysics by experienced personnel for 30 years.
In late 2006 Zonge Geosciences, Inc. bought the business assets and equipment of MGC. Positive attributes of this acquisition are the presence of similar business assets and increased capital resources. David Butler is currently employed by Zonge, has the same phone number, the same email address, and will respond quickly to your inquiries.
Resumes of Principles
of Zonge Geoscience, Inc.
David Butler
Zonge Geosciences, Inc.
Senior Geophysicist
Lakewood, Colorado 80227
Geophysics:
Planned and conducted exploration and engineering geophysics projects involving an integrated mix of geophysical methods. Demonstrated competence in geophysical techniques including refraction, reflection, tomography, potential fields, GPR, electrical, and electromagnetic methods. Researched topics in geophysics including gravity and magnetics, information theory and tomography. Published and presented results of technical research as well as unique technical projects. Registered as geophysicist with the state of California.
Consulting:
Testified as an expert witness involving questions of geophysical techniques, geophysical operations and interpretation. Advised international clients with respect to the proper application of geophysical techniques in remote and overseas operations. Traveled and consulted with clients in Japan, Canada, Bermuda, Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines and India.
Management:
Managed, as the principal and management team member, MicroGeophysics Corporation throughout the lifetime of MGC. Originated and founded MGC in 1974. Organized the business activities of MGC including; formation of strategic business plans, marketing and sales plans, financial and accounting activities, human resources, technical operations as well as research and development activities. Served as president, vice-president, secretary-treasurer and as chief geophysicist for MGC. Prepared health and safety plans and monitored crew and company compliance with safe operating practices. Supervised MGC's projects throughout the United States as well as projects in Japan, Honduras, Philippines, Canada, Bermuda, Mexico and India.
Academics:
Lectured as an associate professor and research associate at the Colorado School of Mines. Originated and conducted course programs in engineering geophysics, information theory and systems analysis. Taught industrial short courses on geophysical methods to professional members of the earth science industry. Authored instructional materials to aid others in the understanding of geophysics. Registered geophysicist with the state of California.
Work History:
2006-Present
Zonge Geosciences, Inc.
Senior Geophysicist
Lakewood, Colorado1974-2006
Microgeophysics Corporation
Principal/Secretary-Treasurer
Geophysical Contracting and Consulting, Wheat Ridge, CO
1975-1980
Colorado School of Mines
Associate Professor, Geophysics, Golden, CO
1968-1975
Colorado School of Mines
Research Associate, Geophysics, Golden, CO
Education:
Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
1969 D. Sc. Geophysics
Massachusets Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
1962 B.S. Earth Science
What we do
We provide geophysical services from Zonge Geosciences, Inc. for mining geophysics, environmental geophysics, and engineering geophysics users, including seismic reflection and refraction techniques.
Contact Us
Zonge Geosciences, Inc.
phone: 1-800-GEOPHYSics or phone: (1-800-436-7497)
fax: 720-962-4444
