Shallow subsurface investigations for soil properties at Pedas, Negri Sembilan, Peninsula Malaysia using MASW, ERT,IP, and TEM methods

Abstract

ABSTRACT The development of hot spring tourism projects receives more interest in Malaysia. The country has several hot springs utilized mostly as recreational complexes. Three geophysical methods were applied (MASW), (ERT), and (TEM). Both ERT and TEM are related to the electric properties of the subsurface geological structures, whereas MASW is more sensitive to rock stiffness. The integration of results obtained is used to guide the development plans of the complex. The results indicated that the hot spring is associated with a structure characterized by low resistivity and low shear wave velocity. The study assumes that a fault is controlling the hot water path to the surface. Besides, an IP survey was conducted to differentiate between water and clay since both are characterized by low resistivity. Based on this finding, the study suggests that the site suggested for new facilities is located near the north fence as characterized by high shear wave velocity and is considerably away from the structures controlling the water flow through the hot spring. From MASW depth slices, it appears that two conjugate faults control the geothermal system at the site. The faults are intersecting at the surface location of the hot spring.