Deep exploration of an east-coast Triassic basin using electrical resistivity

Abstract

Thirty-two Schlumberger soundings were made in the Durham-Wadesboro Triassic basin of North Carolina. The sounding measurements indicate that a large resistivity contrast exists between the Triassic and the surrounding Piedmont rocks, and that the resistivity-sounding method is valid and practical for determining basement depths in the Triassic basins of the East Coast. Although the sounding stations were located too far apart to permit detailed studies of structural and stratigraphic features, the interpreted shape of the basin is consistent with the known geology. In addition, interpreted variations in intrabasin resistivity suggest good correlation between geoelectric units within the Triassic sedimentary rocks themselves. The depth interpretations indicate that the thickness of the Triassic sedimentary rocks is as much as 2,300 m.