Theoretical study of slope effects in resistivity surveys and applications

When electric soundings are made over an irregular terrain, topographic effects can influence the values of apparent resistivity and lead to erroneous 1D interpretation. A 3D finite-element method has been applied to study the topographical effect of a slope on Schlumberger soundings parallel to the strike. When the resistivity survey is performed at the top of the slope, the apparent resistivity values can be two times higher than in the flat-earth case, depending on the angle (α) and height (H) of the slope, and on the distance (X) between the sounding and the slope top. The results are presented as nondimensional curves which can be used for evaluating topographic anomalies for any value of the parameters α, H and X. It is numerically shown that the topographic effects can be removed from measurements on horizontally layered structures with an irregular earth surface. Real measurements were performed in different geological conditions over an irregular terrain. The correction method based on the nondimensional curves has been applied to the data and has enabled the determination of the correct layered ground configuration using 1D interpretation.     

DC resistivity methods for determining resistivity in the earth's crust

The use of Schlumberger and dipole arrays for crustal-scale resistivity soundings is considered. Advantages and disadvantages of the two methods are described. The depth to which resistivity may be determined from field measurements is discussed as well as the determination from the sounding curves of various parameters associated with layered structure. The interpretation of experimental data using reference curves as well as two approaches used in computer assisted interpretation are discussed.     

Geophysical Investigation of Fresh‐Saline Water Interface: A Case Study from South Punjab,Pakistan

The importance of the study of fresh‐saline water incursion cannot be over‐emphasized. Borehole techniques have been widely used, but they are quite expensive, intrusive, and time consuming. The electrical resistivity method has proved very successful in groundwater assessment. This advanced technique uses the calculation of Dar‐Zarrouk (D‐Z) parameters, namely longitudinal unit conductance, transverse unit resistance, and longitudinal resistivity has been employed by using 50 vertical electrical sounding points to assess the groundwater and delineate the fresh‐saline water interface over 1045 km² area of Khanewal in Southern Punjab of Pakistan. The x‐y plots and maps of D‐Z parameters were produced to establish a decipherable vision for the occurrence and distribution of different water‐bearing formations of fresh‐saline water aquifers through a complicated situation of intermixing of different resistivity ranges for fresh‐saline water bodies. This technique is useful to reduce the ambiguity produced by the process of equivalence and suppression which cause intermixing in differentiating fresh, brackish, and saline aquifers during interpretation. The fresh‐saline water interface is correlated very well with the previous studies of water quality analysis carried out in Khanewal area. The results suggest that the D‐Z parameters are useful for demarcating different aquifer zones. The behavior and pattern of D‐Z parameters with respect to occurrence and distribution of different water‐bearing formations were effectively identified and delineated in the study area.     

NUMERICAL INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS OVER HORIZONTAL BEDS*

The digital computer technique described for interpreting resistivity soundings over a horizontally stratified earth requires two steps. First, the kernel function is evaluated numerically from the inverse Hankel transform of the observed apparent resistivity curve. Special attention is given to the inversion of resistivity data recorded over a section with a resistant basement. The second step consists in the least-squares estimation of layer resistivities and thicknesses from the kernel function. For the case of S or T-equivalent beds only one layer-parameter can be obtained, either the longitudinal conductance, or the transverse resistance respectively. Two examples given in the paper show that a wide tolerance is permitted for Choosing the starting values of the layering parameters in the successive approximation procedure. Another important feature for practical applications is good convergence of the iterations. The method is probably best suited for interpreting profiles of electrical soundings with the purpose of mapping approximately horizontal interfaces at depth.     

THE THIN-LAYER PROBLEM IN GEOELECTRICAL PROSPECTING *

For a thin highly-conducting layer with given longitudinal conductance the recurrence formulae for an n-fold horizontally stratified subsoil are established for d.c. resistivity and magnetotelluric soundings. Similarly, a thin low conductivity layer with given transverse resistance is treated in the d.c. case and a non-conducting intermediate bed in magnetotellurics. Model curves for a thin high- or low-conductivity intermediate layer in the three-layer case have been carried out, which may serve as an extension of the well-known three-layer diagrams for a Schlumberger configuration. The corresponding model curves in magnetotellurics are given. By numerical comparison of these curves with real three-layer curves some diagrams have been developed to show the allowed thicknesses of the intermediate layer in the Schlumberger case and in the case of magnetotelluric sounding.     

RESISTIVITY TYPE CURVES OVER OUTCROPPING VERTICAL DYKE—I *

The theoretical horizontal resistivity profiles over an outcropping vertical dyke for various parameters-electrode spacing, vein-width and resistivity contrast—with inline alpha, beta and gamma-Wenner electrode systems are described. The resistivity profiles present a most bewildering variety of shapes as compared to those in resistivity soundings. The analysis of type curves suggests suitable electrode configuration for detection of wide, moderately wide, and thin veins. The negative apparent resistivity values on the gamma anomalies for resistive vein over certain vein-widths of higher positive values of resistivity reflection factor contradict the concept of apparent resistivity hitherto held.     

The changes in the electric conductivity of the lithosphere in the source region of the strongest Olyutora earthquake in the Koryak highlands

The results of the magnetotelluric (MT) soundings before and after an earthquake are analyzed. The interpretation is based on the longitudinal and transverse MT curves (along and across the strike of the main tectonic elements, respectively). The MT curves are distorted by the ρ- and coast effect. The distortions due to the coast effect are estimated by the testing three-dimensional (3D) model. It is established that the coast effect distortion at the periods up to 1000 s is small and can be disregarded. The divergence of the longitudinal and transverse MT curves, which points to the presence of the deep faults, is thoroughly studied. The inversion of the MTsounding curves is carried out by the REBOCC program of the numerical two-dimensional modeling. This program implements the procedures of elimination of the ρ-effect and the joint inversion of the longitudinal and transverse MT sounding curves. The obtained geoelectrical cross sections provide an insight into the structure of electrical conductivity of the lithosphere before and after the earthquake. The more intense variations in the electric conductivity are observed in the zone of the deep faults. These variations are related to the changes in the porosity and saturation of the rocks by the highly mineralized fluids.     

RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS IN VALLEYS WITH ELLIPTIC CROSS-SECTION*

In this paper an idealized valley of a semi-elliptic cross-section is considered. For a Schlumberger configuration on the axis, sets of master curves are calculated for the ratio of semi-axis a/b= 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 in corresponding to various resistivity ratios of surrounding rocks and valley sediments. For small resistivity ratios, these model curves have the shape of three-layer curves for horizontal bedding and are often equivalent to them within the accuracy of measurements. The axial ratio a/b considerably affects the depth determination of valley sediments. In the special case of a circular cross-section (a/b= 1) the influence of the position of the electrodes on the sounding curve is studied in more detail. The application of the master curves in practice shows that the influence of the specific shape of the valley on soundings should not be neglected. In general, the valleys have a greater “true” depth than can be seen from the interpretation of a sounding by master curves corresponding to the horizontal bedding.     

INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS OVER 2D STRUCTURES1

Resistivity measurements were carried out in a survey area in the south of Germany. This area is characterized by complicated subsurface geology. Schlumberger full-arrays and their respective half-arrays were recorded simultaneously. The results obtained by the one-dimensional (1D) interpretation of the full-array measurements were incorrect because of a resistivity discontinuity. This discontinuity, under a relatively thick overburden, could only be located by the half-array soundings. Its exact location and the resistivity distribution in the subsurface were ascertained by comparing the sounding curves with 2D model curves, which are calculated by a finite-difference method.     

Lateral and topographic effects in geoelectric soundings

Several two-dimensional structures are modelled for vertical electrical soundings in arrays parallel and perpendicular to the strike of the structure. The models are a horst and a graben within a three-layer medium, a cliff over two layers, and heterogeneities around the electrodes. Apparent resistivity curves are shown for different model parameters and different distances to the two-dimensional structures. Some of the features on the shape of these curves are inflections that may be misinterpreted as fictitious layers, of slopes greater than 45°; some features are simply anomalous peaks. One-dimensional interpretation of a two-dimensional graben model has been performed, in order to show typical errors when 2D structures are interpreted as one-dimensional. A real case corresponding to a landfill near Barcelona and showing strong lateral and topographic effects is presented. This represents combined effects of the above theoretical 2D models.     

Structural mapping in basin-and-range-like geology by electromagnetic methods: a powerful aid to seismic

A case history is presented where electromagnetic (EM) methods were applied as a complement to seismic, for structural mapping in basin-and-range-like geology: 366 five-component magnetotelluric (MT) soundings were carried out together with 331 transient soundings (TDEM) along seismic lines. Due to high structural complexity, seismic shows a number of limitations. For the same reasons, MT is highly perturbed and three specific interpretation techniques were comprehensively applied: 1. a classical correction of static effect using TDEM sounding, to determine the high-frequency nondistorted apparent resistivities and thus the corrected tensor; 2. a so-called regional correction based upon the same concept as the static effect, to transform distorted resistivity curves due to the horst/graben situation into plausible 1D curves, through the use of nomograms built for 2D H-polarization situations; 3. a stripping technique which made it possible to map areas where a deep conductive Mesozoic shale was present below carbonates, at a depth of 3 km. After the best MT interpretation was obtained along each line, it was integrated with seismic and with the results from two boreholes. A crude empirical law relating resistivity and acoustic velocity was established and the MT horizons were plotted on the two-way traveltime seismic sections. The final integrated cross-sections obtained are undoubtedly of greater use to the explorationist than the initial seismic sections alone and two wells were accurately predicted.     

A deep geoelectric model of the Bol’she-Bannyi hydrothermal system,Kamchatka

This paper reports the results of magnetotelluric sounding (MTS) in the area where the Bol’she-Bannyi hydrothermal springs are discharged. The MTS curves were inverted on the assumption of a twodimensional inhomogeneous model using longitudinal and transverse curves of apparent resistivity. It was found that the geoelectric section contains a nearly vertical anomaly of high electrical conductivity at depths of 5.5–8 km, which is the signature of a deep-seated fault. The resulting geoelectric section for the upper crust and data from regional magnetotelluric soundings were used as a basis for developing a conceptual deep model of the Bol’she-Bannyi hydrothermal system. We quote an approximate estimate of rock porosity. According to the model, deep fluids come from a crustal layer into the subvertical deep-seated fault then penetrate via fissures into the sedimentary–volcanogenic cover, and finally arrive at the ground surface in zones of high rock permeability. We provide a recommendation for drilling a deep well in order to determine the potential of the Bol’she-Bannyi hydrothermal field.     

Detecting lateral resistivity inhomogeneities with the Schlumberger array

A method of detecting lateral resistivity inhomogeneities with a multi-electrode cable for the Schlumberger array is presented. Using such a cable system, two dipole-dipole soundings are gathered in addition to the Schlumberger sounding at each point. Offset differences calculated from the dipole-dipole data give qualitative information about lateral resistivity inhomogeneities. Results from 1D modelling can give quantitative information about the 2D resistivity distribution since the dipole-dipole soundings are made to either side of the Schlumberger sounding point. Examples from two different locations in Norway are shown. At Reinøya, northern Norway, a dipping layer, confirmed by refraction seismic data, was identified. In a sedimentary basin with a contamination plume at Haslemoen, southern Norway, the method has revealed lateral variations in resistivity. In both cases, the Schlumberger soundings could be fitted with a 1D resistivity model.     

Transient electromagnetic surveys with unimodal transverse magnetic field: ideas and results

The theory behind transient electromagnetic surveys can be well described in terms of transverse magnetic and transverse electric modes. Soundings using transverse magnetic and transverse electric modes require different source configurations. In this study, we consider an alternating transverse magnetic field excitation by a circular electric dipole. The circular electric dipole transmitter is a horizontal analogue of the vertical electric dipole. Offshore surveys using circular electric dipole might represent an alternative to the conventional marine controlled‐source electromagnetic method at shallow sea and/or for exploring relatively small targets. Field acquisition is carried out by recording either electric or magnetic responses. Electric responses bear information on the 1D structure of a layered earth and successfully resolve high‐resistivity targets in marine surveys. Land‐based circular electric dipole soundings are affected by induced polarisation. On the contrary, magnetic responses are absent on the surface of a 1D earth, and as a result, they are very sensitive to any and even very small 3D conductivity perturbations. In addition, they are sensitive to induced polarisation or some other polarisation effects in the subsurface. At present, circular electric dipole transmitters and magnetic receivers are successfully used in on‐land mineral and petroleum exploration.     

Correlation of vertical electrical sounding and electrical borehole log data for groundwater exploration

We have correlated the longitudinal unit conductance CL obtained from interpreted vertical electrical sounding data with the formation resistivity R_t and the formation resistivity factor F, obtained by carrying out electrical borehole logging. Interpreted geophysical data of eleven soundings and two electrical borehole log records are used for the analysis. The geophysical data used were acquired in a sedimentary basin. The study area is called Lower Maner Basin located in the province of Andhra Pradesh, India. Vertical electrical soundings were carried out using a Schlumberger configuration with half current electrode separation varying from 600–1000 m. For logging the two boreholes, a Widco logger‐model 3200 PLS was used. True formation resistivity R_t was calculated from a resistivity log. Formation resistivity factor F was also calculated at various depths using R_t values. An appreciable inverse relation exists between the correlated parameters. The borehole resistivity R_t and the formation resistivity factor F decrease with the increase in the longitudinal unit conductance CL. We have shown the use of such a relation in computing borehole resistivity R_t and formation resistivity factor F at sites that posses only vertical electrical sounding data, with a fair degree of accuracy. Validation of the correlation is satisfactory. Scope for updating the correlation is discussed. Significance and applications of the relation for exploration of groundwater, namely to update the vertical electrical sounding data interpretation by translating the vertical electrical sounding data into electrical borehole log parameters, to facilitate correlations studies and to estimate the porosity (φ), permeability (K) and water saturation S_w of water bearing zones are discussed.     

水平电偶源频率测深中全区视电阻率定义的新方法

从电磁场的统一性出发，分析了水平电偶源频率测深中等效电阻率的算法原理和具体定义．分析表明，等效电阻率可明显地改善波区视电阻率在非波区场的畸变，较为形象、直观地反映出地电断面的电性变化．数值计算、三维模型计算和实际数据处理表明，等效电阻率具有良好的特性和应用前景．     

The geoelectrical properties of the earth around the Karymshina multidisciplinary observation site in southern Kamchatka

This paper is concerned with the Earth’s electromagnetic field, a deep geoelectrical section, and the dynamics of earth conductivity. This analysis is based on MTS curves along directions that to a first approximation go along and across southern Kamchatka. It is shown that the longitudinal and transverse MTS curves are subject to the influence of local and regional geoelectrical inhomogeneities. The coast effect was studied by 3-D numerical modeling. The patterns we have found were used for interpretation of generalized MTS curves. The resulting parameters of the geoelectrical section were refined by reducing the longitudinal curve to the standard curve of apparent resistivity. The results from this interpretation are to be refined as more geoelectrical information is forthcoming. The dynamics of lithospheric conductivity were studied from data acquired during the 2005–2008 monitoring of magnetotelluric impedance in the range of periods between several hundred and several thousand seconds. The basis for the analysis was assumed to be the transverse impedance and its phase. The latter was found to exhibit anomalous bay fluctuations that might have been related to earthquakes. A possible origin of these anomalies is discussed.     

STUDYING THE INTERCONNECTION OF GROUND AND SURFACE WATERS IN REPRESENTATIVE BASINS UNDER THE PROGRAMME OF THE INTERNATIONAL HYDROLOGICAL DECADE

Abstract

Four geoelectrical soundings were measured with a combination of Schlumberger and azimuthal or equatorial dipole electrode arrays on a Carboniferous limestone basin of the Condroz area, Belgium. The measuring technique is briefly outlined as well as the interpretation procedure, which follows a closed-loop scheme with control of calculated model curves. Some general problems of interpretation of geoelectrical sounding curves are tackled, as far as they have a practical bearing on the treatment of Condroz soundings.

The problem of determining the very high resistivity of limestone is approached through ARCHIE's formula, an empirical relation between the bulk rock resistivity, the porosity and the electrolyte resistivity. An evaluation of the latter two parameters, combined with electrical horizontal conductance measurements directly made on resistivity sounding curves, offers a possibility for fast determination of the total water storage in a limestone aquifer. Such storage determinations could be applied whenever an aquifer shows up as a conductive layer interbedded between two highly resistant layers (e.g. nonsaturated limestone and compact, non-fractured limestone).     

COMPUTATION OF THE ELECTRIC POTENTIAL IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURES*

A method has been developed for computation of the electrical DC potential of an arbitrary three-dimensional resistivity structure using a finite difference method. The threedimensionality is necessary for interpretation of geoelectrical soundings with controlled point sources over a laterally inhomogeneous medium. Lateral inhomogeneities should be considered in resistivity soundings with large layouts. The results obtained with the described method permit a more realistic representation of geological features. The resolution of the method is determined by the number of elements in the resistivity network. The problem of core memory space has been resolved by using random access disc files. The results computed using a Fortran program are in good agreement with analytically obtained solutions.     

SPONTANEOUS POTENTIALS AND RESISTIVITY SURVEYS APPLIED TO HYDROGEOLOGY IN A VOLCANIC AREA: CASE HISTORY OF THE CHAÎNE DES PUYS (PUY-DE-DÔME,FRANCE)1

Two geophysical methods [resistivity soundings and spontaneous potentials (SP)] are used to investigate aquifers in the Quaternary volcanic formations of the Chaîne des Puys (France). The interpretation of the resistivity soundings required a specific work of determination of the resistivity of the formations concerned. The basement topography, characterized by axial horst and graben structures and perpendicular palaeovalleys, was revealed. SP was developed experimentally in the field and theoretically. It is shown that the SP anomalies can be considered as double-layer potentials, with their source on the aquifers' interfaces. The most significant of them is the water table, which creates an SP anomaly of similar but inverted form. SP anomalies due to flows in unconfined aquifers, in palaeovalleys, and in volcanic ranges are computed and compared with the observed ones. These two methods have determined the extent and the boundary conditions of the different hydrogeological basins and have determined the major drainage axes and the groundwater flow pattern.