Electrical Resistivity Tomography Measurements Research Articles

VR-EX — An immersive virtual reality serious game for science communication about the electrical resistivity tomography measurements in the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory, Switzerland

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of VR-EX, a combination of a virtual field trip and a serious game in immersive virtual reality. The application’s purpose is the communication of research conducted in the Mont Terri underground research laboratory in Switzerland. VR-EX enables users to actively attend electrical resistivity tomography measurements within a geological experiment, from planning to execution to analysis of the results, and in this way implements an active and playful learning approach. The work conducted in underground research laboratories has a high relevance for society as it contributes to research on the final disposal of nuclear waste. Therefore, the active communication of research methodology and results is crucial to increase understanding of scientific processes and boost interest. VR-EX was evaluated in a user study with 35 participants to measure its overall quality and its effectiveness of the knowledge transfer. Taking the evaluation’s qualitative results into account, the application was improved in an iterative process. Overall, the results prove the good quality of the application and its high effectiveness in terms of knowledge transfer. The reported high engagement, joy, and immersion indicate the benefits of employing immersive virtual reality for vivid science communication.

Characterization of a Contaminated Site Using Hydro-Geophysical Methods: From Large-Scale ERT Surface Investigations to Detailed ERT and GPR Cross-Hole Monitoring

This work presents the results of an advanced geophysical characterization of a contaminated site, where a correct understanding of the dynamics in the unsaturated zone is fundamental to evaluate the effective management of the remediation strategies. Large-scale surface electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to perform a preliminary assessment of the structure in a thick unsaturated zone and to detect the presence of a thin layer of clay supporting an overlying thin perched aquifer. Discontinuities in this clay layer have an enormous impact on the infiltration processes of both water and solutes, including contaminants. In the case here presented, the technical strategy is to interrupt the continuity of the clay layer upstream of the investigated site in order to prevent most of the subsurface water flow from reaching the contaminated area. Therefore, a deep trench was dug upstream of the site and, in order to evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in facilitating water infiltration into the underlying aquifer, a forced infiltration experiment was carried out and monitored using ERT and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) measurements in a cross-hole time-lapse configuration. The results of the forced infiltration experiment are presented here, with a particular emphasis on the contribution of hydro-geophysical methods to the general understanding of the subsurface water dynamics at this complex site.

Analysis of electrical resistance tomography measurements for fast force localization

Abstract Safe human-robot collaboration requires the robot to monitor the location and intensity of a potential contact force. This is necessary to avoid a possible risk of injury to humans. The goal of this work is to develop a distributed sensor system that enables spatially resolved force measurement. By covering the entire robot’s surface with an elastic coating with a sufficiently pressure-dependent conductivity, electrical resistance tomography can be used for this purpose. The measurement of the transimpedance makes it possible to localize a force applied between the electrodes and thus increase the spatial resolution of the measuring system. By analyzing the obtained measurements, a fast method, compared to classical electrical resistance tomography, for force localization is proposed. This method is compared to the classical method of electrical resistance tomography. A reduction in the processing time to less than one tenth has been attained with the presented method for the case of force localization only.

2D and 3D Modelling Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) of Landslide Sliding and Weak Bedding Plane Along Mountain Road North Bengkulu-Lebong, Indonesia

The North Bengkulu-Lebong Mountain Road is prone to landslide disasters due to its geological susceptibility to land movement. This study aims to measure and assess the sliding plane on the mountain road, particularly in the layer with a soft rock structure, such as clay rock. The study utilizes 2D and 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) methods with the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration to measure the resistivity of the rock layers.The research includes one 2D measurement point and one 3D ERT measurement point, estimating actual resistivity values in each rock layer. Our results identify triggering and controlling factors for landslide disasters in the research area. The geological conditions consist of layers of clay (200-500 Ωm), wet clay (500-900 Ωm), dry clay (1000-3000 Ωm), weathering clay (500-1000 Ωm), aquifer (10-65 Ωm), perched aquifer (100-200 Ωm), weathering igneous rock (>10000 Ωm), and massive intrusive rock (>20000 Ωm). These geological conditions significantly influence the strength of landslide materials, with the sliding of the soft rock layer causing landslides and resulting in a large volume of landslide material. Other contributing factors to landslides in this location include slope, topography, and hydrology, with extreme slopes ranging from 33° to 55°, making it a very steep area with high potential for landslides.

Characterization of Stronghold Fortifications by 2D/3D/4D Electrical Resistivity Tomography: Major Push Towards Quantitative Interpretation

AbstractGeophysical methods are widely used as noninvasive tools for archaeological prospection. In a first step is usually applied basic prospection of vast areas, when data are evaluated only in qualitative way. Sometimes is performed second step, during which take place more detailed multidimensional or combined surveys in order to image archeological monuments complexly, allowing quantitative interpretation. Hence, we used a unique and novel combination of multidimensional electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) on the Early Middle Ages stronghold fortifications at Vinoř (Czechia) to achieve such interpretation. The joint results of 2D/3D/4D (time-lapse) surveys allowed us to precisely characterize individual construction components of the fortifications, including a ditch and rampart enhanced by a front wall with a berm. The ERT results recovered the fortification dimensions and the volume of building material used. The surveyed fortification section was verified by excavations directly after the ERT measurements. A comparison of the excavated section with geophysics proved that ERT was able to infer all the important fortification characteristics. In addition, illustrative picture of the resistivity manifestations of the basic components of this very typical fortification construction were obtained. The results show that multidimensional ERT provide access to quantitative interpretation allowing to explain archaeological structures behind investigated anomalies. In result, sites containing cultural heritage can be leaved intact, excavations can be substituted in surprisingly large extent, while unprecedented amount of archaeological information is still retrieved.

A Multidisciplinary Approach for the Characterization of Artificial Cavities of Historical and Cultural Interest: The Case Study of the Cloister of Sant’Agostino—Caserta, Italy

In northern Campania (Southern Italy), the historic center of many towns is characterized by the widespread presence of cavities in the subsoil, excavated over the centuries for quarrying tuff blocks for buildings, along with cathedrals, churches and chapels. A singular feature of these places of worship is, in fact, the presence of a wide and frequently connected network of underground cavities and tunnels, which were used for hydraulic, religious or connecting purposes. The cavity network is often unknown, abandoned or even buried, thus representing a risk for their susceptibility to sinkholes. Such elements are important as cultural heritage of inestimable value and as attractors for tourism; for this reason, the multidisciplinary study conducted on a place of worship in the Caserta area is illustrated herein: the Cloister of Sant’Agostino, in Caserta (XVI century CE). A geological and geotechnical characterization of the subsoil was performed at first. A laser scanner survey of the accessible cavities and the external churchyard was carried out. The resulting 3D model of the underground sector allowed for a clear understanding of the room size, their location, the levels and the path of the corridors. To understand the extension and layout of the crypts, Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) surveys were undertaken in the surrounding areas. The analysis of the ERT measurements revealed some anomalies that could be ascribed to unknown structures (crypts). Finally, numerical methods were applied to estimate the stress state of the soft rocks and the potential areas of crisis, with preliminary assessments of the influence of the presence of cavities on the stability of the subsoil. The results allowed us to improve the knowledge of the study site and provide useful data for the planning of future targeted investigations, underlining how integrated research between applied disciplines can provide indispensable support both in the management and mitigation of geological risks in urban areas and in the sustainable reuse of hypogea.

ERT data assimilation to characterize aquifer hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity through a heat‐tracing experiment

AbstractGeothermal energy systems, such as heat pumps relying on aquifers, use renewable sources of energy that are accessible in urban areas. It is necessary to characterize the subsurface hydraulic properties prior to the installation of such systems. In this context, a heat‐tracing experiment is a typical field test that can help with the characterization of the subsurface. During a heat‐tracing experiment, monitoring with downhole temperature sensors, water‐level pressure transducers and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be used to help characterize the hydrogeological properties. Previous monitoring tools have shortcomings, such as low‐resolution data and over‐smoothing; thus, they fail to reproduce the heterogeneity of hydrogeological properties. Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) is a promising tool that can overcome the over‐smoothing problem to replicate the hydrogeological property heterogeneity. In this work, we proposed a new procedure to assimilate time‐lapse cross‐borehole ERT data into a numerical model of groundwater flow and heat transfer, where the groundwater is extracted and heated water is reinjected into an unconfined sandy‐gravel aquifer. The finite element model (FEFLOW 7.3) of groundwater flow and heat transfer is integrated with petrophysical relationship and electrical forward modelling (ResIPy) to estimate cross‐borehole ERT measurements. Then, the estimated apparent resistivity is assimilated to update the hydraulic conductivity model using EnKF. The results of the application of the proposed approach to an experimental site located in Quebec City (Canada) demonstrate that the heterogeneity of K is correctly reproduced as the updated K model is reasonably consistent with the lithological log. In addition, the proposed approach was able to replicate the cross‐borehole ERT field and temperature measurements. The comparison between prior and posterior distribution of K with slug test results shows that the EnKF made the final (assimilated) distribution of K move towards K values inferred with slug tests.

The two salinity peaks mode of marine salt supply to coastal underground brine during a single tidal cycle

Seawater salt is constantly supplied from the marine environment to coastal underground brine deposits, meaning that brine has the potential for continuous extraction. There is currently a lack of information about the processes that drive the fluxes of seawater salt to underground brine deposits in tidal-driven brine mining areas. We chose the Yangkou salt field on the southern coast of Laizhou Bay, a brine mining area, as our study site. We monitored the spatial and temporal distribution of the underground brine reserve and the changes in water level and salinity in the mining area and adjacent tidal flats using electrical resistivity tomography and hydrogeological measurements. We monitored cross-sections along two survey lines and observed that the underground brine reserve receives a stable supply of seawater salt, and calculated that the rate of influx into the brine body in the mining area near the boundary of the precipitation funnel was 0.226−0.232 t/h. We calculated that a total salt flux of approximately 5.50 t enters the underground brine body every day through a 150 m long shoreline and a 1322.3 m2 window, which is sufficient to sustain the daily extraction of one brine well. During tidal cycles, there are two peaks in the salinity of the water supplied to the underground brine reserve, which means that the brine supply is from at least two high-salinity salt sources in different tidal stages. The first salinity peak occurs during the initial stage of the rising tide after seawater inundates the tidal flat. At this time, seawater, which is a solution and carries a large amount of evaporated salt, is transported into the brine layer through highly permeable areas or biological channels and replenishes the brine in the mining area. The second salinity peak occurs during the early stage of the falling tide. Influenced by hysteresis-driven tidal pumping, high-salinity brine from the lower intertidal zone is rapidly transported into the mining area, thereby increasing the salinity of the underground brine.

DETERMINATION OF LAKEBED SEDIMENT DISTRIBUTION BASED ON UNDERWATER ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY DATA

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) in an aquatic environment is usually measured using two basic systems. One system uses floating electrodes, which is usually applied in shallow water, and the other uses underwater cables with integrated electrodes, which is often carried out as a mobile system. The aim of this research was to test an underwater ERT measurement with floating cables on the water surface, but with electrodes submerged at the water bottom. This type of cable spread makes it possible to lay all the electrodes vertically to the bottom without the distance between them being reduced by the uneven topography and various underwater obstacles. Prior to the field survey that was conducted in a 40 m – deep lake, the response of common electrode arrays was tested using synthetic models. Two models were used that correspond to the geological condition in the field, higher resistivity bodies in a lower resistivity environment and a model with inverse relationship of resistivity to the first one. The Wenner Schlumberger and dipole-dipole arrays resolved the resistivity range, size and shape of the bodies very well and were therefore used in the field. The field data quality was very good and it was shown that ERT measurements in freshwater depths of more than 40 metres can provide very good results. As expected from the modelling, the dipole-dipole array led to a high-resolution resistivity model that enabled the characterisation of the lakebed sediments.

Assessing Shallow Soft Deposits through Near-Surface Geophysics and UAV-SfM: Application in Pocket Beaches Environments

This study employs a multimethod approach to investigate the sediment distribution in two pocket beaches, Ramla Beach and Mellieha S Beach, in Malta. Both study sites were digitally reconstructed using unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry. For each case, an ERT and a dense network of ambient seismic noise measurements processed through a horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) technique were acquired. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) analysis enables the estimation of sediment thickness in each beach. HVSR analysis revealed peaks related to beach sediments overlying limestone rocks in both sites and also indicated a deeper stratigraphic contact in Mellieha S Beach. Based on ERT measurements, sediment thickness is calculated for each HVSR measurement. Interpolation of results allows for bedrock surface modelling in each case study, and when combined with digital terrain models (DTMs) derived from photogrammetric models, sediment volumes are estimated for each site. The geometry of this surface is analyzed from a geological perspective, showing structural control of sediment distribution due to a normal fault in Mellieha S Beach and stratigraphic control facilitated by a highly erodible surface in Ramla Beach. The results emphasize the importance of adopting a three-dimensional perspective in coastal studies for precise sediment volume characterization and a deeper understanding of pocket beach dynamics. This practical multimethod approach presented here offers valuable tools for future coastal research and effective coastal management, facilitating informed decision making amidst the growing vulnerability of coastal zones to climate change impacts.

Exploration of Undercurrent Path for Hot Springs in Tibet by UAV-based Frequency Electromagnetic Induce Method

Hot springs are useful resources for a wide range of fields, including tourist industry and power generation. In this study, an UAV-FDEM instrument is proposed, which use the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to carry a multi-coil Frequency Electromagnetic induce (FDEM) instrument for scanning survey in the field. We exploit the new method to investigate the electrical conductivity (EC) distribution around the hot springs in the Yangbajing, Tibet. The results clearly present the boundary of high and low EC zones, and indicate the undercurrent path of hot spring based on the measured EC values. These discoveries by UAV-FDEM are confirmed by the electric resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements. Our investigations also reveal the causes of hot spring formation i.e., the exposure of shallow groundwater or the eruption of deep conduit hot water.

Contaminant source and aquifer characterization: An application of ES-MDA demonstrating the assimilation of geophysical data

Contaminant source and aquifer characterization (CSAC) is critical in groundwater pollution evaluation and remediation. The ensemble smoother with multiple data assimilation (ES-MDA) is utilized to jointly identify contaminant source information and hydraulic conductivities by assimilating time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data. In a synthetic profile with a time-varying release history in a heterogeneous aquifer, we verify the performance of the proposed data assimilation framework. The results show that the CSAC problem could be handled by the proposed approach. The time-varying release history and the high permeability area can be identified with adequate time-lapse ERT measurements. Further reproduction of the evolution of the plume after CSAC also shows consistency with the reference plume. The poor conditioning inversion caused by the filter inbreeding is analyzed by comparing four scenarios with different apparent resistivity measurements. Furthermore, we also evaluate the impact of uncertainties in the petrophysical properties and geophysical observations on our data assimilation framework. The results show that the proposed ES-MDA data assimilation framework could provide a convincing inversion of the time-varying release history and hydraulic conductivities.

Estimating Permafrost Distribution Using Co‐Located Temperature and Electrical Resistivity Measurements

AbstractAssessing the lateral and vertical extent of permafrost is critical to understanding the fate of Arctic ecosystems under climate change. Yet, direct measurements of permafrost distribution and temperature are often limited to a small number of borehole locations. Here, we assess the use of co‐located shallow temperature and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements to estimate at high‐resolution the distribution of permafrost in three watersheds underlain by discontinuous permafrost. Synthetic modeling shows that co‐located temperature and ERT measurements allow for supervised classification schemes that provide 60% higher accuracy compared to unsupervised methods. Linking resistivity and size of the identified permafrost bodies to surface observations, we show that tall vegetation (>0.5 m) and gentle slopes (<15°) are related to warmer and smaller permafrost bodies, and a more frequent occurrence of taliks.

Temporal and spatial distribution patterns of upper saline plumes and seawater-groundwater exchange under tidal effect

Under tidal influence, an active exchange process occurs between seawater and groundwater in the coastal aquifer system. However, in-situ studies and research on the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of upper saline plumes (USPs) and seawater-groundwater exchange process are lacking. In this study, we selected the Shilaoren beach in Qingdao as the study area, and used pseudo-3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and hydrogeological measurement methods to monitor the spatial distribution of groundwater salinity and the seawater and groundwater exchange process. We found that during the ebbing tide, USPs were divided into several smaller USPs driven by groundwater discharge. Subsequently, during the flooding tide, high-salinity seawater recharge was observed, and several smaller USPs gradually aggregated into a complete USP. In coastal aquifers, the exchange of seawater and groundwater not only occurs through the beach surface and seepage face, but also includes high-permeability underground channels. Seawater and groundwater exchange occurs more rapidly through these underground channels randomly distributed at depth, which also leads to spatial differences in the seawater and groundwater exchange process. Additionally, affected by underground channels, the groundwater discharge flux shows spatial heterogeneity. In areas with underground channels, the groundwater discharge flux significantly increases. Therefore, the non-seepage face area has a similar groundwater discharge flux to the main groundwater discharge area, namely, the seepage face. In the intertidal zone of the study area (70 × 60 m), the total groundwater discharge flux through the seepage face is 3407.6 m3, and no significant difference is observed in the groundwater discharge flux at various parts of the seepage face. In the non-seepage face area, the groundwater discharge is highly spatially heterogeneous; the total groundwater discharge flux is 3252.0 m3, and approximately 60% of this occurs through densely developed underground channels.

The summer heatwave in 2022 and its role in changing permafrost and periglacial conditions at a historic mountain pass in the Eastern Alps (Hochtor, Hohe Tauern Range, Austria).

Air temperatures in Europe in 2022 had been the highest on record for the meteorological summer season [June, July and August (JJA)], with +1.3°C above the 1991-2020 average. We studied the effects of recent warming on permafrost and periglacial conditions at a historical mountain pass in the Eastern Alps (Hochtor, 2,576 m asl, 47.08°N, 12.84°E). We used ground temperature data (2010-2022), repeated electrical resistivity tomography measurements (2019, 2022) and auxiliary data dating back to Roman times. We quantified permafrost conditions, evaluated frost-related weathering and slope processes and assessed the impact of atmospheric warming on it. Results show that summer ground surface temperatures increased by 2.5°C between 1891-1920 and 1991-2020, whereas frost-related weathering and periglacial processes decreased. The summers of 2003, 2015, 2019 and 2022 were the four warmest ones in 1887-2022. Hochtor changed in 2010-2022 from an active permafrost site to an inactive one with supra-permafrost talik. A general three-layer structure was quantified for all three ERT profiles measured. The middle, 5-10m thick layer is ice-poor permafrost detected in 2019, whose existence, although smaller, was confirmed in 2022. Resistivity decreased at the three profiles by 3.9% to 5.2% per year, suggesting permafrost degradation. We interpret the resistivity changes between the summers of 2019 and 2022 as a long-term signal of permafrost degradation and not as the single effect of the summer heatwave in 2022. As our data show how rapidly permafrost degrades and as we face an even warmer climate for the remaining part of the 21st century, we expect that near-surface permafrost at the Hochtor site will soon be history.

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements during water flow in a date palm stem segment

Commercial cultivation of date palms has high economic significance, particularly in arid and hyper-arid regions. Achieving commercially viable yield of dates amid water scarcity and enforced restrictions on water use requires optimising the amount and timing of irrigation. To that end, better understanding of the temporal dynamics of the water use of date palm is of great importance. Traditionally, this can be achieved through sap flow estimates obtained using heat dissipation probes. However, such measurements lack the ability to provide information on the spatial distribution of sap flow, which is important considering that date palms transport water in the entire stem cross-section. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether electrical resistivity tomography measurements have the potential to provide information on the spatial variability of flow in date palm stems. For this, flow was induced through a stem segment that was obtained from a felled date palm tree. ERT measurements were continuously obtained throughout a cycle of flow and no-flow periods. The results showed that the mean bulk electrical conductivity varied strongly due to changes in the flow conditions. In addition, it was found that the electrical conductivity of the outflow was much higher than that of the inflow, which indicates the release of stored salt from the stem segment. Analysis of the spatial distribution of the electrical conductivity suggested that flow mainly occurred in a limited part of the cross-sectional area of the stem. Overall, it was concluded that the ERT is a promising tool to investigate the spatial variability of water flow in date palm stems.

Identifying mountain permafrost degradation by repeating historical electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements

Abstract. Ongoing global warming intensifies the degradation of permafrost. Permafrost thawing impacts landform evolution, reduces freshwater resources, enhances the potential of natural hazards and thus has significant socio-economic impacts. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) has been widely used to map the ice-containing permafrost by its resistivity contrast compared to the surrounding unfrozen medium. This study aims to reveal the effects of ongoing climate warming on mountain permafrost by repeating historical ERT and analyzing the temporal changes in the resistivity distribution. In order to facilitate the measurements, we introduce and discuss the employment of textile electrodes. These newly developed electrodes significantly reduce working effort, are easy to deploy on blocky surfaces and yield sufficiently low contact resistances. We analyze permafrost evolution on three periglacial landforms (two rock glaciers and one talus slope) in the Swiss and Austrian Alps by repeating historical surveys after 10, 12 and 16 years, respectively. The resistivity values have been significantly reduced in ice-poor permafrost landforms at all study sites. Interestingly, resistivity values related to ice-rich permafrost in the studied active rock glacier partly increased during the studied time period. To explain this apparently counterintuitive (in view of increased resistivity) observation, geomorphological circumstances, such as the relief and increased creep velocity of the active rock glacier, are discussed by using additional remote sensing data. The present study highlights ice-poor permafrost degradation in the Alps resulting from ever-accelerating global warming.

Yeraltı Raylı Sistem İnşaatlarındaki Jeoteknik İncelemeler ve Geoteknik Uygulamalar: Halkalı-Yeni Havalimanı Metro Hattı Örneği

In this study, geological researches carried out before the construction of underground rail systems and geotechnical application methods preferred during the construction were examined within the scope of Halkalı-İstanbul Airport metro project. The metro line consists of a total of 66.2 km long underground tunnels, 31.3×2 km main line and 1.8×2 km repertorium connection line. 1006 soil and 1230 rock samples were collected for the main line whose geological research was carried out with 198 core drillings with a total length of 9588.5 m. The results of the laboratory tests on the samples and the field tests carried out in the boreholes were obtained. In addition, a total of four two-dimensional inverted solution resistor underground sections were obtained by using the Multiple Electrode Electrical Resistance Tomography measurement method in the middle of two lines (Line-1 Km. 61+440 – 61 +660 /Line-2 Km: 61 +400 - 61+620), in the Olympic Stadium station (Km: 62+215 – 62 +490) and in the TBM route (Line-2 Km: 62 +835 – 63+050). The geological sections obtained from the drillings and the geophysical sections obtained by the electrical resistivity method were compared.

Abandoned old mine excavation detection by Electrical Resistivity Tomography

Abandoned underground mine galleries or excavations in general pose important environmental and economic problems when a site is reactivated after being abandoned, because they might create risks for land stability. At the request of a need for a solution for the reopening of a mine (Horne 5 project of Falco Resources in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, Canada) future exploitation would start from 600 m deep. Before that reopening, it is very important to determine old mining excavation locations and conditions. The present study is targeting a technological challenge of detecting old and deep mining infrastructure. There is to date no application allowing the detection of underground tunnels or mining galleries at a depth of >80 m due to their depth and small size. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is promising given its ability to image the contrasts between rocks and voids, whether these cavities are empty or filled with water or backfill materials. Several 2D and 3D ERT surveys were carried out to explore the abandoned old mining excavations. These ERT measurements highlighted the existence of old mining stopes, confirmed by the geotechnical boreholes performed on site, as well as two known galleries located at an approximate depth of 100 m. Overall, the results of this study highlight the potential of ERT approaches for the characterization of deep underground excavations.

Coastal sedimentation and topographic changes in the Mataram Plain, Lombok (Indonesia) following the 1257 CE eruption of Samalas volcano

AbstractThe 1257 CE eruption of Samalas volcano, Indonesia, buried the entire island of Lombok beneath various thicknesses of pyroclastic material during this Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) 7 event. This study aims to reconstruct the paleo‐topography of western Lombok before the Samalas eruption in 1257 CE and analyse the sedimentation processes that led to its landscape evolution over the last 700 years. Stratigraphic data were collected from various surveys, such as outcrops, coring, drilling, hand auger and wells observation. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements were performed to complement the stratigraphic data. A combination of stratigraphy, ERT and topographic data from various sources (topographic map, Digital Elevation Model Nasional [DEMNAS] and Real Time Kinematic [RTK] measurement) is employed to determine the depth of the paleo‐surface. Topographic modelling was performed by subtracting the delta‐DEM (DDEM) from the current‐DEM (CDEM). The result of this operation is a paleo‐DEM, which is used to reconstruct the paleo‐hydrographic features such as shoreline positions and river channels. Modelling results demonstrate that the relief has not been significantly modified, except in lowland areas, which is the sediment accumulation zone. River channels have experienced minor changes, except for the location of the river mouth and the degree of meandering. Significant changes occurred at the shoreline that has prograded by approximately 1.6 km during the last 700 years. A schematic model is built to illustrate the evolution processes of the study area, consisting of the pre‐eruption condition, the immediate post‐eruption condition and development of the current condition. This model further develops the previously proposed model with a higher resolution and simultaneously revises the estimated boundary of the pyroclastic density current (PDC) deposit from previous work.