Integrated application of 2D resistivity and electromagnetic methods to investigate a metallic-sulfide deposit in Soap Gulch,Montana. A case study

Geoelectrical methods involving electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential (SP), frequency domain electromagnetic (FDEM), and very low frequency (VLF) methods have been used to provide valuable information in locating a known sulfide ore body in Soap Gulch, Montana. The study develops basis of comparison for the geophysical techniques employed. Ranges of resistivity along the area have been established using interpreted ERT which can help to understand the subsurface distribution of sulfides in the area. A sulfide body was delineated from the survey area corresponding to anomalously low resistivity values on the ERT section, negative SP, and high apparent current density zone in VLF. Depth to the localized ore zone ranges approximately from 10 to 20 m. FDEM data reflect the conductivity distribution of the shallow subsurface (less than 6 m deep); hence, the delineated sulfide zone had minimal contribution to FDEM measurements. The results of the study show that SP, VLF, and ERT methods provide significant information in localizing ore bodies. The survey revealed that the resistivity values obtained from ERT profile corroborate the FDEM, SP, and VLF from the area.     

Integrated very low-frequency EM, electrical resistivity, and geological studies on the Lanta Khola landslide, North Sikkim, India

Landslides are very common in high-altitude Himalayan terrains. Major roads in the Himalayas are frequently blocked due to heavy landslides and remain closed for long periods of time. Permanent mitigatory solutions to these landslides are required to keep the highways open. Lanta Khola, located 71.2 km north of Gangtok (capital of the Indian state of Sikkim), is one of the oldest landslides on the North Sikkim Highway and is active since 1975. The rock types on either side of the landslide are different (augen gneiss in the east and metapelitic schist in the west), and it is believed that the Main Central Thrust passes through the slide zone. Since the slide is invariably activated in the aftermath of heavy rainfall, it is important to identify the subsurface structures that channel water below the landslide surface in order to understand the triggers of slide activity. This can only be accomplished by geophysical survey; however, an appropriate geophysical technique that can be applied in such terrains must be identified. Very low-frequency (VLF) electromagnetic survey was performed over the Lanta Khola landside in order to delineate subsurface structures. Although a very limited number of VLF transmitters are available worldwide, it was possible to pick up VLF signals from a number of VLF stations even in this high-altitude mountainous terrain. VLF measurements along five profiles perpendicular to the geological strike were recorded, and a high conducting zone was delineated from the VLF observations. This conducting zone correlates with the low resistive zone identified from gradient resistivity profiling. The anomalies confirm that there is a water-saturated zone (soggy zone) even in the subsurface of the slide parallel to the geological gneiss–schist contact within the Lanta Khola slide. This indicates that the conductive feature correlates with a weak water-saturated debris layer that lies along the slide and is parallel to the geological contact. Resistive structures on either side of the landslide zone can thus be correlated with the stable ground. It is necessary to drain out water from the soggy zone to minimize slide activity since this zone appears to penetrate into the body of the slide.     

Application of integrated methods in mapping waste disposal areas

An integrated suite of environmental methods was used to characterize the hydrogeological, geological and tectonic regime of the largest waste disposal landfill of Crete Island, the Fodele municipal solid waste site (MSW), to determine the geometry of the landfill (depth and spatial extent of electrically conductive anomalies), to define the anisotropy caused by bedrock fabric fractures and to locate potential zones of electrically conductive contamination. A combination of geophysical methods and chemical analysis was implemented for the characterization and management of the landfill. Five different types of geophysical surveys were performed: (1) 2D electrical resistance tomography (ERT), (2) electromagnetic measurements using very low frequencies (VLF), (3) electromagnetic conductivity (EM31), (4) seismic refraction measurements (SR), and (5) ambient noise measurements (HVSR). The above geophysical methods were used with the aim of studying the subsurface properties of the landfill and to define the exact geometrical characteristics of the site under investigation.     

Delineation of contamination plume around oxidation sewage-ponds in Southwestern Nigeria

Integrated surface electrical resistivity and electromagnetic (EM) surveys were conducted in a hard-rock terrain of Southwestern Nigeria in the vicinity of active oxidation sewage treatment ponds. The aim was to detect soil contamination due to the spread of sewage effluent, locate possible leachate plumes and conductive lithologic layers, and access the risk of groundwater pollution in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. Dipole–dipole resistivity profiling and very low frequency (VLF) data were acquired at 10-m intervals along five 200-m long east-west geophysical traverses. Resistivity sections obtained revealed four subsurface geologic layers comprised of lateritic clay, clayey sand/sand, weathered/fractured bedrock, and competent bedrock. A distinct low resistivity zone corresponding to the contamination plume (labeled B) was delineated from all the resistivity sections. This low zone extends into the weathered bedrock and possibly suggests contamination of this layer. The filtered real component of the processed VLF data detected three distinct anomaly zones that are representative of fractured zones filled with conductive fluids and/or lithologic boundaries that possibly serve as conduits for the movement of contaminated effluents. The results obtained from the two methods suggest possible contamination of the subsurface soil layers and groundwater in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. The existence of this contaminated plume poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and health of the people living in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds.     

On the depth to anomaly estimation using Karous and Hjelt filter in VLF-EM data

The Karous and Hjelt filter has been long time used as a qualitative interpretation of VLF-EM data. It is derived directly from the concept of magnetic fields associated with the current flow in the subsurface and resulted in a 2-D cross section showing the current density distribution at different depths. Practically, as the distance between measuring points increases, the total depth of the 2-D current density distribution section increases. Theoretically, the common guide to estimate the depth of penetration of an electromagnetic wave is the skin depth, which depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic wave and the conductivity of the host geological material, regardless of the distance interval between measuring points. Accordingly, the accuracy of the Karous and Hjelt filter regarding depth estimation of the anomaly is tested in this study. We proposed a conductive anomaly in a definite dimension and depth. The response of this conductive body is calculated as in-phase and out-of-phase synthetic VLF data via forward modeling. The synthetic VLF data is filtered by the Karous and Hjelt filter at 1, 5, and10 m of interval distance between measuring points. The present study showed that the Karous and Hjelt filter is characterized by a large degree of accuracy in depth estimation.     

内蒙古老国营子金铜矿床地质-地球物理勘查与研究

内蒙古老国营子金铜矿床是近年来利用地质与地球物理相互结合手段新发现的一个矿床。本次研究利用基于电磁原理的地球物理手段进行了找矿测试,结果表明:甚低频(VLF)地球物理扫面发现了近EW向和NW向的高阻带,分别对应了两条相应的矿化蚀变带。音频大地电磁法(EH4)测深影像显示矿化蚀变带表现为高阻异常带,与VLF的测量结果相一致。激电(IP)中梯测量显示矿化蚀变带具有高阻、高充电率和高金属因子异常特征。结合具体的地质特征,在老国营子金铜矿区综合运用这三种地球物理方法,取得了较好的找矿效果。     

Multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) for seismic site characterization using 2D genetic algorithm at Bahrah area,Wadi Fatima,Saudi Arabia

The present study deals with the seismic site classification of Bahrah area, Wadi Fatima, to characterize the local site conditions. The dynamic behavior of sediments was studied by the application of surface wave inversion. The multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) shallow geophysical technique was utilized for site classification. MASW survey was carried out at 66 sites along with 13 seismic refraction profiles at suitable localities. MASW and seismic refraction profiles were processed and compared with the available borehole data. The integration of MASW techniques with seismic refraction and borehole data progressively enhanced the subsurface visualization and reliability of the shear wave velocity estimation in the subsurface in the study area. The subsurface shear-wave velocity model was achieved by the solution of an inverse problem-based dispersion of surface waves and propagation in a vertically heterogeneous medium. The 2D genetic algorithm was employed for the inversion of dispersion curves to obtain velocity and thickness of subsurface layers. The depth to engineering bedrock and velocity of shear waves in the first 30 m was deciphered and mapped. The depth of bedrock in study area varies from 4 to 30 m, and V _{S 30} ranges from 320 to 800 m/s. The most of study area falls in B and C class categories in addition to few sites of D class according to the NEHRP guidelines.     

Quantifying Exploration Sufficiency While Accommodating Judgment

A computationally efficient method to direct and evaluate the sufficiency of site characterization data is demonstrated on two synthetic subsurface geometries. This method, entitled reliability-based exploration (RBE), combines three-dimensional subsurface analysis and uncertainty in the geologic data to produce a quantifiable measure of data sufficiency, which is directly related to the probability of project success. The RBE approach is illustrated with a three-dimensional finite element soil deformation model, where interfaces separating geologic units are the subsurface data of interest. The RBE method begins with a prior model of the subsurface, which can include geologic judgement. As new information is collected at a site, the prior subsurface model is updated with site data. During the RBE analysis, both a probability of project success and the location of the next boring are computed. The robustness of this computation is illustrated with a practical example of the automatic exploration of two different pinching geometries. The subsurface geometry is imposed on these two sites to demonstrate the importance of geology on the computed results. A comparison of the modeled subsurface and the true (or defined) subsurface at each site shows a close match directly below the proposed structure, where calculated settlement is most sensitive to uncertainty in geology. The study demonstrated that to achieve the same exploration sufficiency more data are required at the site with abruptly changing subsurface geometry than at the site with gradually changing geometry.     

A very low frequency-electromagnetic study of the geo-environmental hazardous areas in Taiwan

This study utilized the very low frequency-electromagnetic (VLF-EM) technique, a passive electromagnetic prospecting method working in the very low frequency range (15–30 KHz) to investigate the geo-environmental problems of shallow, low conductivity sedimentary layers in Taiwan. Field examples successfully demonstrate the advantages of using this method in locating non-mineralized shallow fault zones. The zero-crossings of in-phase and quadrature measurements in 2-D contour maps clearly locate the position of subsurface anomalous source bodies. Further analysis of the measured VLF single profile peaks reveals that this method is useful in determining subsurface structures and conductivity. The advantages of nondestructive, noninvasive, and low consumption of power make this method extremely friendly to the environment. The authors anticipate this method will have more profound impacts on the interactions between prospecting technology and the earth.     

Features of discrete VLF emissions observed at Gulmarg,India during the magnetic storm of 6–7 March, 1986

During the analysis of archived VLF data from Indian low latitude ground stations, some discrete VLF emissions recorded at the low latitude ground station Gulmarg (geomagnetic latitude 24°26′N; geomagnetic longitude 147°09′E, L = 1.28) during moderate magnetic storm activity (Σ K _P ⁻ = 32, K _P index varies from 4 to 6 during the observation period) on 6/7 March, 1986 are presented in this paper. The dynamic spectra of these discrete VLF emissions were observed along with tweeks and its harmonics, which is interesting and complex to explain. In most of the events the harmonic frequency of tweeks correlates with the starting frequency of harmonics of discrete emissions. In order to explain the observed features of discrete VLF emissions, we propose cyclotron resonance interaction between whistler mode wave and energetic electrons of inner radiation belt as possible generation mechanism. An attempt is also made to determine parallel energy, anisotropy and wave growth relevant to the generation process of VLF emissions.     

Polyphosphates as a source of enhanced P fluxes in marine sediments overlain by anoxic waters: Evidence from <Superscript>31</Superscript>P NMR

Sedimentary phosphorus (P) composition was investigated in Effingham Inlet, a fjord located on the west coast of Vancouver Island in Barkley Sound. Solid-state ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was applied to demineralized sediment samples from sites overlain by oxic and anoxic bottom waters. The two sites were similar in terms of key diagenetic parameters, including the mass accumulation rate, integrated sulfate reduction rate, and bulk sediment organic carbon content. In contrast, P benthic fluxes were much higher at the anoxic site. ³¹P NMR results show that P esters and phosphonates are the major organic P species present at the surface and at depth in sediments at both sites. Polyphosphates were only found in the surface sediment of the site overlain by oxic waters. The varying stability of polyphosphates in microorganisms under different redox conditions may, in part, explain their distribution as well as differences in P flux between the two sites.     

Taxonomy and distribution of surface microlayer bacteria from two estuarine sites

The surface microlayer population of two estuarine sites was sampled to determine the numbers of bacteria present. Random isolates from one site were examined taxonomically, with subsurface and sediment samples taken for comparison. There were 130 to 5000 times more bacterial cells per ml in the surface microlayer as compared to the subsurface water, agreeing with the observations of other investigators. The surface population was found to be different taxonomically from the subsurface and sediment isolates. Pseudomonads predominated among the surface isolates while ca. onethird of the subsurface isolates werePseudomonas species.Alcaligenes species were found only in the subsurface population and comprised nearly one-half of these isolates. The majority of the surface and subsurface bacteria required no salts for growth, whereas most of the sediment bacterial isolates required either Na⁺ or Mg⁺⁺.     

An Investigation into the role of site and soil characteristics in onsite sewage treatment

The onsite treatment of sewage is common in all rural and regional areas of the world. Due to the public health and environmental risks that these treatment systems pose, the need for adopting performance-based management strategies is gaining increasing recognition. This demands the establishment of performance objectives for onsite sewage treatment and disposal which are based on stringent scientific analysis. A research project was undertaken to identify and investigate the role of influential site and soil characteristics in the treatment performance of subsurface effluent disposal areas. The treatment performances of a number of septic systems on a range of site and soil conditions were investigated together with detailed soil analysis. The changes to soil physico-chemical characteristics of the disposal area due to effluent application and its effluent renovation capacity were found to be directly related to the subsurface drainage characteristics. Significant changes to exchangeable cations and chemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity and cation exchange capacity (CEC) can result due to subsurface effluent application. A relationship exists between chemical parameters such as exchangeable Na and Ca:Mg ratio and CEC. A strong correlation also exists between the depth to the restrictive subsurface horizon and observed treatment performance. The study confirmed that soil chemistry can be a valuable predictive tool for evaluating the long-term performance of sewage effluent disposal systems particularly in poorly drained sites.     

Localization of water bearing fractured zones in a hard rock area using integrated geophysical techniques in Andhra Pradesh,India

Knowledge of the existence of fracture zones, their extent, intensity and direction is very useful for assessing groundwater in hardrock regions and in this context geophysical methods are widely accepted as a powerful means of study. In the modern era of exploration, application of the Resistivity Imaging technique gives a new opportunity for groundwater study in hardrock regions. Exploration surveys were conducted at one of the important sites in Maheshwaram watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India with a multielectrode resistivity imaging system. To reduce the ambiguity of geophysical interpretation some complementary geophysical studies like ground Magnetic and VLF were also carried out.A number of 2D resistivity images were prepared in a grid pattern, which clearly show the weathered and fractured zones in different parts of the study area. With the help of all 2D profiles a quasi-3D image has been created, which indicates the orientation and extension of the fracture zone in a horizontal as well as vertical direction in the study area. Strong agreement exists among the anomalies identified using the ground magnetic, VLF and resistivity imaging methods. The litholog data available in the study area also helps to interpret geophysical results to find a potential groundwater bearing zone in that area.     

Integrating hydraulic conductivity with biogeochemical gradients and microbial activity along river–groundwater exchange zones in a subtropical stream

The pervious lateral bars (parafluvial zone) and beds (hyporheic zone), where stream water and groundwater exchange, are dynamic sites of hydrological and biological retention. The significance of these biogeochemical ‘hotspots’ to stream and groundwater metabolism is largely controlled by filtration capacity, defined as the extent to which subsurface flowpaths and matrix hydraulic conductivity modify water characteristics. Where hydraulic conductivity is high, gradients in biogeochemistry and microbial activity along subsurface flowpaths were hypothesized to be less marked than where hydraulic conductivity is low. This hypothesis was tested in two riffles and gravel bars in an Australian subtropical stream. At one site, gradients in chemical and microbial variables along flowpaths were associated with reduced hydraulic conductivity, longer water residence time and reduced filtration capacity compared with the second site where filtration capacity was greater and longitudinal biogeochemical trends were dampened. These results imply that factors affecting the sediment matrix in this subtropical stream can alter filtration capacity, interstitial microbial activity and biogeochemical gradients along subsurface flowpaths. This hydroecological approach also indicates potential for a simple field technique to estimate filtration capacity and predict the prevailing hyporheic gradients in microbial activity and biogeochemical processing efficiency, with significant implications for stream ecosystem function.     

沽源-宝昌盆地若干铀矿床(点)的地球物理场特征及综合物探方法的应用

沽源-宝昌盆地是一个重要的铀成矿远景区。为在盆地中发现更多的铀矿床,作者在已知铀矿床(点)及其外围进行了系统的岩、矿石物性测定,做了大比例尺高精度磁测及磁电阻率、磁激发极化法、甚低频法、地面γ能谱法测量,得出了具有代表性的地球物理模式。在实际工作中以模式为判据,对已知矿床外围的一些远景地段,应用磁测、甚低频法及地面γ能谱法得到的成果进行了推断解释,指出了矿化远景地段。     

Technical Challenges to In-situ Remediation of Polluted Sites

Throughout the world, subsurface contamination has become a widespread and pervasive problem. Toxic chemicals such as heavy metals and organic compounds are commonly used in a myriad of industries. However, largely through inadvertent or accidental release, these chemicals are presently polluting sites across the United States. In order to protect public health and the environment, further pollution must be prevented and sites with existing contamination urgently need remediation. Unfortunately, remediating subsurface contamination has proved to be a daunting task. Heavy metals and organic compounds often coexist and their distribution within the subsurface is highly dependent on particle and macro-scale heterogeneities. Vast resources have been invested to develop efficient remediation technologies, yet very few of these technologies have been successful. In-situ remediation is often preferred due to minimal site disturbance, safety, simplicity, and cost-effectiveness. The effectiveness of in-situ remediation technologies depends largely on the contaminant chemistry and subsurface heterogeneities (including particle-scale heterogeneities such as fine-grained soils, soils with reactive minerals, and/or soils rich in organic matter as well as macro-scale heterogeneities such as irregular soil layers and/or lenses). Under such heterogeneous conditions, integrated electrokinetic remediation technology has great potential. As a safe and economical remedial option for so many contaminated sites, the application of integrated electrokinetic remediation offers enormous public health, environmental, and financial benefits.     

The use of magnetic and geo-electrical data to delineate the subsurface structures and groundwater potentiality in Southeastern Sinai, Egypt

The study area is located in the southern part of Sinai Peninsula. This study was done to delineate the subsurface structure of the basement rocks affecting the groundwater potentiality in the study area and to perform the lateral and vertical variations in the subsurface lithologic properties. To achieve these, a high-resolution total intensity magnetic map and geo-electrical survey were acquired. Two-dimensional power spectrum, analytical signal, and Euler deconvolution techniques are applied on magnetic data. The geo-electric data interpretations concluded that, the study area can be classified into five units of sediments arranged as: (1) the top surficial layer of dry sand and gravels; (2) the second layer of silty sand layer with thickness ranging from 5 to 35 m; (3) the third layer of dry sand with thickness ranging from 5 to 130 m; (4) the fourth layer composed of saturated sand which was considered as the water-bearing zone of the investigated interval, its thickness ranges between 50m and more than 200 m; (5) the fifth layer is interpreted as basement rocks. The depth to the basement surface has an average value of 156 m at the eastern side and 758 m at the western side of the study area. This area is characterized by a graben structure bounded by major faults striking in the NW–SE direction and is considered one of the most promising regions for water resources in Sinai.     

Geological and geophysical investigations to delineate the subsurface extension and the geological setting of Al Ji’lani layered intrusion and its mineralization potentiality,Ad Dawadimi District,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

In the present study, Al Ji’lani layered intrusion was subjected to integrated field, petrographic, processing of ASTER data, and geophysical investigations to delineate its subsurface extension and to determine the chronological order of the exposed rocks. The intrusion is surrounded by foliated granodiorite and both were intruded by younger granite. Processing of ASTER data revealed that the intrusion incorporated foliated granodiorite masses along its NE corner indicating its younger age (postorogenic) setting contrary to what have been proposed by previous authors. Also, this is further confirmed by the presence of an offshoot from the intrusion in the South-East corner as well as freshness and undeformed nature of the gabbroic rocks. Petrographically, the gabbroic rocks are characterized by the presence of kelyphytic coronas around olivine in contact with plagioclase, magnetite-orthopyroxene symplectites after olivine, and symplectites between plagioclase and magnetite/ilmenite. These textures are explained in terms of interaction with late deuteric magmatic fluids and not to metamorphism as believed before. The extensive geophysical analyses of the Al Ji’lani prospect using aeromagnetic data suggest complicated combination of magnetic bodies composed mainly of gabbroic rocks intruding the foliated granodiorite with variable magnetic susceptibilities. Gradient analysis, tilt angle and edge detection techniques extracted the shallow subsurface magnetic boundaries and a probable multiple bodies in the subsurface are detected. The 3-dimensional constraint inversion using parametrized trust region algorithm revealed the deep subsurface distribution of magnetic susceptibilities of the bodies. Two resolved bodies are clear, a northern more shallow body, and a southern, deeper and laterally extend to the south and southwest. The calculated volume from the inverted model representing the Al Ji’lani layered intrusion is approximately 518.7 km³ as calculated to 6.0 km depth. The body could be extended to a deeper depth if a different proposed model geometry is adjusted. The surface area of the exposed body is only 42.39 km². Several magnetic anomalies are defined within the intrusion and are considered potential sites of mineralization. The south east corner of the gabbroic intrusion is traversed by a shear zone trending ENE-WSW which hosts sulfide-bearing quartz veins with high silver content (Samrah Prospect) associated with an offshoot from the layered gabbro. The shear zone should be followed to the west where the intrusion extends for a distance of about 10 km in the subsurface to the southwest of the exposed part of the intrusion.