Geophysical prospecting refers to mapping the physical properties of the Earth's surface and subsurface in order to identify anomalies that may indicate the presence of mineral deposits.

Physical characteristics measured by geophysical prospecting include:

• Density - Gravitational surveys
• Magnetism - Electromagnetic surveys
• Electrical conductance - Conductance, resistance or self polarization surveys
• Elasticity - Seismic surveys
• Temperature - Geothermal surveys
• Radioactivity - Gamma (or Beta) wave emission surveys