Analysis of Self-Potential Response beyond the Fixed Geometry Technique

Abstract

The self-potential (SP) method is one of the oldest geophysical methods that are still available for today’s application. Since its early days SP data interpretation has been done qualitatively until the emerging of the fixed geometry analysis that was used to characterize the orientation and the electric-dipole properties of a mineral ore structure. Through the expansion of fundamental theories, computational methods, field-and-lab experiments in the last fifteen years, SP method has emerge from its low-class reputation to become more respectable. It became a complementary package alongside electric-resistivity tomography (ERT) for detecting groundwater flow in the subsurface, and extends to the hydrothermal flow in geothermal areas. As the analysis of SP data becomes more quantitative, its potential applications become more diverse. In this paper, we will show examples of our current SP studies such as the groundwater flow characterization inside a fault area. Lastly we will introduce the application of the "active" SP method - that is the seismoelectric method - which can be used for 4D real-time monitoring systems.