Development of Novel Velocity-Resistivity Geostatistical Relationships for Tropical Granitic Environments

Abstract

Summary The significance of velocity-resistivity relationships has been utilized in many geologic terrains and under different conditions, but the methods have yet to be fully exploited in tropical granitic terrains with no definitive empirical relationships developed. Such discoveries are essential for delineating petrophysical and geomechanical properties to quickly address environmental issues such as landslides, foundation collapse, groundwater shortages, pollution, etc. As a result, a novel approach combining complex collocated velocity-resistivity and simple linear regression modeling was employed for the development of velocity-resistivity relationships for tropical granitic environments, with a typical example from Penang Island, Malaysia. Due to the complexity, ruggedness, as well as irregular and progressive weathering and fracturing of the subsurface strata in tropical regions, the most efficient velocity-resistivity empirical relation linking resistivity and seismic velocity was derived. The derived velocity-resistivity empirical relation has high accuracy (>85%) for predicting velocity from resistivity datasets or vice versa, making it possible to solve environmental issues rapidly and accurately in tropical granitic environments.