Electrical Resistivity Survey Research Articles

Geophysical characterization of Saraswati River palaeochannel in parts of Yamuna Nagar and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana, India.

Palaeochannels are remnants of rivers or stream channels filled with younger sediments over the period of time. In ancient times, these rivers/channels were thriving in phenomenal conditions, but due to frequent tectonic activities, they lost the direction of their original path and were gradually either lost or buried under thick beds of younger alluvium. Palaeochannels act as reservoirs for fresh groundwater since they are made up of coarser sediments and were formerly flowing rivers. Depending on the groundwater regime and local topography, these could either be saturated or dry. The palaeochannels have high groundwater potential if saturated. These are ideal sites for artificial groundwater recharge, if dry. The identification of palaeochannels becomes quite challenging if they are buried under thick deposits of finer younger sediments. In the present study, an attempt has been made to characterize the Saraswati River Palaeochannel in parts of Yamuna Nagar and Kurukshetra districts of Haryana by using surface and subsurface geophysical methods. Till date, the palaeochannels in this area were mainly discerned on the basis of remote sensing only; therefore, geophysical characterization of these palaeochannels has been attempted in this study. In surface geophysical methods, electrical resistivity surveys, especially gradient resistivity profiling (GRP) and vertical electrical sounding (VES), were conducted in the study area, while electrical and natural gamma logging was used as subsurface geophysical approaches to identify the coarser sands of buried palaeochannels. The main objective of the study was to characterize the Saraswati River palaeochannel and analyze the quality of the groundwater stored in the palaeochannel in the study area. The findings were compared with the well-log data and were found in good agreement.

Determination of Clay and Sand Volume Using Vertical Electrical Sounding

This study presents the results of an electrical resistivity survey conducted in Agudama Epie, Yenagoa local government area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The primary objective of the survey was to estimate the volume of clay and sand within a rectangular land parcel measuring 100 m by 200m in the study area. The survey employed the Schlumberger electrode configuration and utilized nine vertical electrode sounding (VES) points.Data was collected using a Terrameter SAS 1000 and was processed using IPI2win software. The geophysical analysis revealed the presence of four distinct geoelectric layers across the study area, identified as layers 1 to 4 in the VES profiles. Layer 2, characterized by clay, exhibited an average thickness of 21.2 meters, while layer 3, consisting of sand, had an average thickness of 8.15 meters. The apparent resistivity values ranged from 8.45 to 79.43 ohm-meter to a depth of 10.14 meters for the clay layer and 8499.86 to 15013.11 ohm-meter to a depth of 33.5 meters for the sand layer. The study estimated a substantial presence of approximately 746,240 tonnes of clay and approximately 261,126 tonnes of sand in Agudama Epie. This discovery offers significant economic potential, including job creation, the establishment of small and medium-sized enterprises, and opportunities within the construction industry. The local extraction and processing of clay can drive economic growth and facilitate the production of concrete and building materials. Additionally, the availability of sand in the region can reduce transportation costs and stimulate local construction projects, thereby fostering economic activity and infrastructure development.

Application of electrical resistivity surveys to detect buried active fault: a case study of the southern Yangsan Fault, Korea

Application of electrical resistivity surveys to detect buried active fault: a case study of the southern Yangsan Fault, Korea

Unveiling subsurface heterogeneity in porous aquifers: Insights from hydrogeophysics and derivative analysis

Groundwater is a crucial resource, particularly in urban areas where the need for alternative water sources is rising. Securing groundwater resources is paramount, requiring a concentrated effort to assess these resources and mitigate the increasing water shortages in urban regions. Despite its significance, the application of hydrogeophysics and derivative analysis in understanding aquifer dynamics is often overlooked and underused. Consequently, this study argues that neglecting the integration of hydrogeophysics dataset and derivative analysis in aquifer characterization leads to developing models that lack solution-oriented approaches, hindering effective groundwater management. This study aimed to enhance understanding of aquifer dynamics for solution-based modeling while emphasizing the importance of integrating hydrogeophysics dataset and derivative analysis to highlight aquifer system heterogeneities. The electrical resistivity tomography and derivative analysis of pumping test were used in this study to image the subsurface and amplify aquifer flow regimes respectively. The results of the electrical resistivity survey revealed a distinct layer of fine to medium-grain sand at depths of approximately 60 m in certain areas intercalated with medium-to-coarse-grain sand and thin layers of peat. Derivative analysis plots indicated that the predominant flow regime is linear and bilinear, with evidence of fracture dewatering during pumping cycles suggesting an unconfined aquifer. Additionally, aquifer heterogeneity and a no-flow boundary were evident during the pumping cycle. This study underscores the efficacy of combining hydrogeophysics and derivative analysis of pumping tests as a robust approach for imaging and validating subsurface conditions. The implications of these findings extend beyond the specific case study, offering valuable insights for groundwater utilization, monitoring, and management on a broader scale. By elucidating effective methodologies, this research enhances groundwater security and meets the escalating demand for sustainable water sources in urban areas. In conclusion, electrical resistivity tomography is an effective tool for characterizing subsurface aquifer systems, while derivative analysis of pumping tests is crucial for highlighting aquifer system heterogeneities. These methods offer a more practical interpretation compared to traditional drawdown versus time curve approaches, making the results invaluable for groundwater usage monitoring and management.

Integrated assessment of pollution status of MSW sites: a case study of Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Oron, Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria.

One of the main causes of contaminated groundwater in emerging nations is improper trash disposal in urban areas, which affects the level of groundwater contamination caused by contaminants of municipal solid waste (MSW) origin within the three local government headquarters in Akwa Ibom State, southeastern Nigeria. The main thrust of this research survey is to assess the level of groundwater contaminations and their consequences. The research used statistical data generated from the Electrical Resistivity Survey (ERS) in combination with hydrogeochemical investigations. Analysis of variance of resistivity between Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Oron was carried out. The test result indicated significant difference in contamination among the three cities. This was followed by a t-test between each pair of dump and control sites in the three cities. The test results showed significant difference between each control and dumpsite. The results showed that leachate layer conductivity is always higher than that of the layer above it. All water samples from boreholes close to the dumpsites were identified by hydrogeochemical analysis to exhibit pH (3.70-4.15) lower than the permissible limit of the WHO; few water samples exhibit increased electrical conductivity (EC), cadmium and total dissolved solids (TDS). Similarly, the bacteriological analyses indicated a high level of microbial load due to the waste dump. Formations found in boreholes close to the dumpsite have litho-correlations which depict intercalations of comparatively impermeable and porous materials. The findings reveal that leachate (contaminate) travels slowly downward, allowing for physical, chemical and biological processes to filter out impurities before they get to the aquifer. It is recommended that no new water supply wells should be placed in areas of abnormally low resistivity and physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, until the reasons for these values are properly assessed.

Groundwater Characterization Studies Using Electric Resistivity Survey (ERS) in Kirana Hills, District Chiniot, Pakistan

This study demonstrates an application of resistivity surveys to understand local hydrological conditionsand basement configuration in Kirana Hills region of District Chiniot. Schlumberger configuration has been applied toacquire vertical electrical sounding (VES) data. The apparent resistivity curves were calibrated with theoretical curvesto compute true resistivity and depth of different layers. Maps of true resistivity at various depths were generated tostudy the lateral resistivity variation in the area. VES sounding data were compared with available lithological columnsto establish relationship of lithology and resistivity. Resistivity values are laterally variable due to lithology and qualityof water. Very low resistivity values were observed within alluvial sediments close to the Kirana Hills due to presenceof high Total Dissolved Solids in water. Resistivity value layers in unconsolidated sediments increases in the southernand western parts of the area where relatively better quality of groundwater occurs. In the northern and eastern parts ofthe study area very high resistivity (greater than 100 Ωm) is recorded at depth greater than 40m that indicates hard rockbasement. The resistivity survey in the area is useful to differentiate zones of low and high Total Dissolved Solidsgroundwater and also determine the zones where subsurface basement is shallow. Therefore, resistivity survey inKirana Hill regions is helpful in solving hydrological issues of the study area.

Resistivity Prospecting for Groundwater Potential at the Proposed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital, Lapai, Niger State

Resistivity methods have been increasingly used for aquifer characterisation due to their high level of effectiveness. In this study, electrical resistivity survey was carried out at the Proposed Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University Teaching Hospital Lapai Niger State Nigeria in order to study the groundwater potential with a view of determining the depth to the bedrock and thickness of the overburden protective capacity. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger array was used to occupy thirty (30) VES stations using ABEM Terrameter (SAS 300) for the acquisition of apparent resistivity data. The field data obtained was analysed using computer software (IPI2win) which gave the secondary geoelectric parameters of depth, layer thickness and layer resistivities. The results revealed heterogeneous nature of the subsurface geological sequence comprising top soil (clayey-sandy and sandy-lateritic), weathered layer, partly weathered (fractured basement) and fresh basement. The resistivity value for the topsoil layer varied from 20Ωm to 600Ωm with thickness ranging from 0.5 to 7.2 m. The weathered basement had resistivity values ranging from 15Ωm to 593Ωm while the thicknesses varied between 2.75 and 33.04m. The fractured basement had resistivity values ranging from 201Ωm to 835Ωm and thicknesses having values between 11 and 20.4m. The fresh basement (bedrock) had resistivity values ranging from 1161Ωm to 3115Ωm with infinite depth. The depth from the earth’s surface to the bedrock surface varied between 2.5 to 47.75m. The VES 10, 11 and 19 had very good overburden protective capacity and can serve as good sites for borehole drilling.

Synergizing Geophysical Analysis and Geotechnical for Artificial Recharge Well and Aquifer Studies: A Comprehensive Review

The harvesting of surface runoff stands as a pivotal process in artificially recharging groundwater, playing a crucial role in augmenting groundwater within aquifers. Groundwater recharge via recharge wells is one of the successful direct sub-surface methods. To pinpoint the most suitable locations for recharge wells, a combination of geophysical surveys, including Electrical Resistivity, Magnetic, and Electrologging surveys, was used. These geophysical surveys serve as essential tools for comprehending the sub-surface lithology and played a pivotal role in identifying distinct aquifers and determining their respective dimensions, thereby aiding in the precision of recharge well placement. Our objective is to review the various methods to assess the underground water storage capacity of the aquifer based on tests viz. Sieve Analysis, Soil Water Retention Capacity, and Lateral Permeability tests. These combination of theoretical and practical evaluations aim to determine the aquifer's potential for storing groundwater. Geophysical surveys are invaluable for deriving various relationships through diverse analyses. Moreover, exploring the correlation between geophysical methods, such as electrical resistivity, and shear strength parameters is essential for comprehending the strength characteristics of subsurface layers.

Exploration of Shallow Geothermal Energy Aquifers by Using Electrical Resistivity Survey in Laki Range Jamshoro district Sindh, Pakistan

Geothermal water is increasingly used around the world for its exploitation. Bulk electrical resistivitydifferences can bring significant information on variation of subsurface geothermal aquifer characteristics. Theelectrical resistivity survey was carried out in Laki range in lower Indus basin in the study area to explore thesubsurface geothermal aquifers. The Schlumberger electrode configuration with range from 2 m to 220 m depth wasapplied. Three prominent locations of hot springs were selected including Laki Shah Saddar, Lalbagh and Kai hotspring near Sehwan city. After processing resistivity image data, two hot water geothermal aquifers were delineated atLaki Shah Sadder hot springs. The depth of first aquifer was 56 m and its thickness 38 m in the limestones. The depthof second aquifer of 190 m and with thickness of 96 m hosted in limestone. In Lalbagh hot springs two geothermalaquifers were delineated on the basis of apparent resistivity contrast, the depth of first aquifer zone in sandstone was insandstone 15 m and thickness 12 m, while the depth of second aquifer was 61m and thickness was 35m. In Kai hotsprings two hot water geothermal aquifers were delineated. The depth of first geothermal aquifer was 21m andthickness was 18 m and the depth of second aquifer was 105 m and thickness was 61m present in sandstone lithology.Present work demonstrates the capability of electrical resistivity images to study the potential of geothermal energy inshallow aquifers. These outcomes could potentially lead to a number of practical applications, such as the monitoring orthe design of shallow geothermal systems.

3D electrical resistivity survey for reduction of groundwater drilling uncertainties in a clay-rich environment

Drilling for groundwater is expensive and challenging. It is even more challenging to find a location that will result in a high-yield well in heterogeneous environments. To tackle the heterogeneity issue, geophysical surveys can help in mapping the subsurface structure and delineating the drilling trajectory. The current study displays the effectiveness of 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to locate a permeable groundwater zone within a highly heterogeneous and clayey subsurface. Ground truthing the acquired geophysical data with in-situ sampling helps ensure accuracy in classifying groundwater zones in the final inverted 3D data set while also delineating boundaries between permeable groundwater zones and less permeable clayey structures. In-situ samples of groundwater and soil were used to measure the saturated region's resistivity in the laboratory using a column setup. Clay zones in the data set are classified from the nearby well data at similar depth ranges and from very low resistivity values from ERT data and laboratory measurements. The results display highly differentiating resistivity zones that are attributed to the scattered clay lenses (low resistivity) in conjunction with the freshwater zone (high resistivity). The distinction between clayey and nonclayey bodies is important to better inform drilling locations for optimal groundwater yield. This study concludes that with the aid of low-cost geophysical surveys and minimal in-situ sampling data correlations, permeable groundwater boundaries and clay lens volumes can be identified easily.

Lithological exploration for potable water lens in the Indus Delta and their connectivity with freshwater seepage and environment

Abstract The world's seventh-largest Indus Delta is gripped to extinction due to a continuous shortage of Indus River flows. The drastic fall in the ecology and coastal habitat due to the lack of freshwater flows, and the land degradation due to seawater intrusion is a simultaneous creeping hazard. The study aims to explore the potable water lens and their possible connection with seepage from freshwater bodies (rivers/ canals) to sustain them for drinking and agriculture use of 2 million populations. The study employed the electrical resistivity survey and 10 selected points along the Indus River at depths up to 300 m to baseline the rock type and groundwater quality; and drilling of bore logs at a maximum depth of 25 m. The result confirms the availability of two sandstone layers with marginal freshwater along the river and in some pockets; however brackish water was observed along the coast in a limestone formation. It is evident from the results that surface seepage from the Indus River and non-perennial ‘Pinyari’ canal has a progressive influence on the improvement of groundwater quality and confinement of seawater intrusion.

Time-Lapse Geophysical Measurements for Monitoring Coastal Groundwater Dynamics in an Unconfined Aquifer.

The coastal zone, which is the interface between land and sea, is hydrodynamically very active due to the complex interactions of various hydrological controls and variable-density fluids. These forces vary over time, resulting in a state of dynamic equilibrium in the system. The major hydrological processes in coastal aquifer systems are salt water intrusion and submarine groundwater discharge, which are interdependent. Monitoring these complex processes is crucial for sustainable coastal zone management but poses a significant research challenge. In this study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of non-invasive geophysical techniques, specifically the time-lapse electrical resistivity imaging method, in conjunction with groundwater monitoring, for monitoring coastal groundwater dynamics in an unconfined aquifer at varying time scales and hydrogeological settings present at formerly glaciated sites worldwide. We generated two-dimensional baseline salt water intrusion maps for the test site, located on the coast of Rhode Island, USA. The time-lapse electrical resistivity survey method enables the rapid estimation of fresh groundwater discharge. Our approach offers insight into the mechanisms and seasonably variable salt water-freshwater interactions in unconfined heterogeneous aquifers. Although the results are site-specific, their implications are broad and may stimulate other studies related to sea to land pollution (sea water intrusion) and land to sea pollution (groundwater discharge) in heterogeneous coastal aquifer settings.

Electrical Resistivity - Tomography Studies In Determining Shallow Aquifer Potential Zones a Case Study in Different Terrains

The study documents the effectiveness of 2 D (Two Dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (Tomography) to map shallow subsurface geological formations namely recent Alluvium, Gondwana deposits and hard rock deposits. 2 dimensional Electrical Resistivity Survey (or tomography) was conducted at 2 locations at Valarpuram and one location Madurantakam areas. Gondwana deposits mask Valarpuram Thandalam, villages (at Kancheepuram District, Tamilnadu). To the east of Valarpuram alluvium thickness increases at shallow depths. Weathered and hard granitic gneiss and hard charnockite rocks overlie topsoil in Madurantakam areas (Chengalpettu District, Tamilandu). The survey was conducted to 12 m depth to decipher shallow permeable zones. Gondwana formations consisting of clays, siltstones are predominant in Valarpuram Thandalam and surrounding areas. Hard rock formations are found in Madurantakam areas. 2 Dimensional Resistivity Survey results indicate 2-D sections with very low resistivity values in the range of 2 to 4 ohm-m in Valarpuram Thandalam areas indicating predominant clay deposits with poor ground water potential. To the east of Valarpuram Thandalam resistivity data is of moderately higher value indicating sand deposits at shallow depths. These are ideal locations for dug wells. Low to moderate values at shallow depths indicating weathered thickness up to 12 m are observed at Madurantakam location. From 12m depth steep rise in resistivity values are observed in hard indicating presence of massive rock from 12m depth and below areas. Thus, 2 D Resistivity Imaging Technique are helpful in delineating shallow aquifer potential and this in turn helps in deciding the depth of open wells with high precision.

Engineering geological conditions for the construction of a photovoltaic power plant on coal tailings

Photovoltaic power plants have recently become increasingly common to reduce carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Non-fertile lands occupied by industrial waste are very suitable for their construction. The present study concerns the design and construction of a photovoltaic park on the territory of a reclaimed coal tailings dump “Suhoto Dere” near the TPP “Bobov Dol”. The study includes collection, processing and analysis of archival materials, site mapping, drilling of exploration boreholes, dynamic penetration tests, geophysical electrical resistivity survey, laboratory testing of soil samples to determine physical and mechanical properties; chemical analysis of soil samples to assess soil aggressiveness to concrete and steel. Based on the obtained data, an assessment of the suitability of the site is made and recommendations are given to prevent the occurrence of adverse phenomena and processes.

Electrical Resistivity Investigation of Dumpsites in Gusau Metropolis, Zamfara State, Nigeria

Electric resistivity survey was carried out in three selected dumpsites in Gusau metropolis for groundwater contamination. The dumpsites were investigated by conducting Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) using Schlumberger array with maximum current electrode separations of 180 m. Five VES were conducted on each dumpsite making a total of fifteen VES along three profiles. The field data obtained from VES were analyzed using WinGlink softwar. The VES results revealed three subsurface layers. The topsoil had resistivity ranging from 1.45 Ωm to 48.2 Ωm while the thicknesses varied from 0.47 m to 3.37m across the profiles. The second layer's resistivities varied from 5.4 Ωm to 144.35 Ωm and their thicknesses' ranges from 1.36 m to 16.93 m. The third geoelectric layer had resistivity from 70.0 Ωm to 6003.0 Ωm. The results indicated that the top soils in all the dumpsites were characterized by very low resistivity depicting possible pollution and contamination. Findings from this study indicated that there may be possible contamination of shallow groundwater system in the nearest future if proper mitigation measures are not taken into consideration at the dumpsites.

Optimization of electrical resistivity survey utilizing modified harmony search algorithm to predict anomalous zone ahead of tunnel faces

Predicting anomalies ahead of a tunnel face is essential to ensure construction safety and efficiency during tunneling. This study proposes an optimization system to estimate the characteristics of anomalies ahead of a tunnel face. The developed system can estimate the location, the thickness and the electrical resistivity of the anomaly using inverse analysis based on the modified harmony search algorithm with resistivity measurement. To verify the efficacy of the developed system, laboratory chamber tests were conducted by simulating ground formations with faults. The experimental results indicated that the developed system had substantial prediction performance with a short data analysis time. Notably, the location of an anomaly was relatively well predicted compared to the other properties, which is crucial information that can prevent potential risks. Therefore, the system could predict anomaly characteristics and enable the appropriate management of potential risks.

Analysis of Response Characteristics in Borehole Electrical Resistivity Surveys and Their Applications

Analysis of Response Characteristics in Borehole Electrical Resistivity Surveys and Their Applications

Analysis of Electrical Resistivity Survey Data for Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity at Mararaba Dan-Daudu Minna, North Central Nigeria

Analysis of Electrical Resistivity Survey Data for Aquifer Potential and Protective Capacity at Mararaba Dan-Daudu Minna, North Central Nigeria

Hydrological Evaluation of the Groundwater Potential in the Fractured Karoo Aquifer Using Magnetic and Electrical Resistivity Methods: Case Study of the Balfour Formation, Alice, South Africa

The study is aimed at evaluating the groundwater accumulations present in Alice using magnetic and electrical resistivity measurements to examine the trends of structural elements and characterize the groundwater resource for borehole drilling. The magnetic maps show a low magnetic linear structure moving northwest to southeast direction, which may be caused by fractures. The linear high intensities were probably caused by dolerite dykes, while dolerite sills caused broader high-intensity areas. The depth slices show that the near-surface magnetic structures are visible to a depth of about 19 m, and the deep-seated structures are found at a depth of about 31 m, possibly deeper. Twenty-five vertical electrical soundings (VES) of the Schlumberger array were measured with AB/2 varying between 1.5 m and 250 m across the study area. The VES interpretation showed four geoelectric layers composed of HK and HA curve types. The geoelectric layer’s thicknesses are (1) topsoil from 0.4 to 1.8 m, (2) weathered layer from 0.8 to 17.5 m, and (3) weathered/fractured layer from 9.9 to 143.9 m; the third layer could be the productive water-bearing zones, and (4) bedrock layer has an infinite thickness. The layers have resistivity values of 20-5752 Ωm, 3-51 Ωm, 136-352 Ωm, and 44-60428 Ωm, respectively. A correlation of the VES with the borehole log indicated a well-matched result. The magnetic and electrical resistivity surveys provided a detailed subsurface structure and helped identify possible fractures that could act as a passage for groundwater.

Geological and Climatic Factors Affecting the Correlation between Electrical Resistivity and SPT N-Value in Sandy Soils of Phuket, Thailand

Understanding the technical properties of the subsurface soil is essential for carrying out any building project correctly. In sandy soils in Phuket, Thailand, a correlation between electrical resistivity and the SPT N-value should be established in design to cut down on the time and expense of engineering field work for site investigation operations. Using the least squares method, the data of electrical resistivity and SPT N-values were fitted for regression analysis, and the behavior of the fitting coefficients was examined under various soil conditions found in the field. The factors affecting the link between electrical resistivity and the SPT N-value were found using data classifications of geology and climate. Phuket is located in a humid tropical region with frequent heavy rainstorms and extended periods of high temperatures and is composed of two main distinct geological areas: (1) igneous rock and (2) sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. According to the geological classification, the regression parameter (R2) of the relationship between the electrical resistivity and SPT N-values somewhat increased from a straightforward plot (R2 = 0.0171) to 0.1721, and the geology and climate data categorization revealed the best fit which is an exponential model (R2 = 0.6175). By re-examining the two VES lines under the identical bedrock and climate characteristics as the original model, the relative R2 of 0.5519 validates the association between electrical resistivity and SPT N-values. It is important to emphasize that the geology and climate of the collected data have an impact on the correlation model. Furthermore, a geotechnical investigation should be used to confirm the findings of an electrical resistivity survey as a preliminary tool to assess any problematic subsurface zones. However, more field test data from diverse places must be acquired in order to establish the relationship between the SPT N-value and electrical resistivity of sandy soils.