SIMPLE DATA PROCESSING OF TRIPOTENTIAL APPARENT RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS AS AN AID TO THE INTERPRETATION OF SUBSURFACE STRUCTURE*

The advantages of the Wenner tripotential method (Carpenter 1955) for apparent resistivity profiling are described and two new data processing techniques introduced as an aid to the interpretation of apparent resistivity sections (pseudo-sections). These techniques were developed from model data computed using a two-dimensional finite difference method. Oscillatory components present in anomalies on tripotential profiles and related to electrode spacing are shown to be effectively removed by linear filtering that also simplifies their form and aids recognition. Furthermore, it is shown that the ratio of the beta- and gamma-apparent resistivities is a good indicator of resistivity variation, and is particularly sensitive to lateral change. Model data indicates that, over a wide range of conditions, enough subsurface information can be obtained by inspection of tripotential resistivity and ratio profiles, and from space sections to make possible a useful—and sometimes semi-quantitative—interpretation. A rationale for the general interpretation of tripotential data is developed. Field data are described from an area of weathered granite basement in Nigeria. A model of the subsurface is developed using parameters derived from the processed observations. The observed and calculated apparent resistivity space sections are very similar.     

Assessment of the reliability of 2D inversion of apparent resistivity data

The reliability of inversion of apparent resistivity pseudosection data to determine accurately the true resistivity distribution over 2D structures has been investigated, using a common inversion scheme based on a smoothness‐constrained non‐linear least‐squares optimization, for the Wenner array. This involved calculation of synthetic apparent resistivity pseudosection data, which were then inverted and the model estimated from the inversion was compared with the original 2D model. The models examined include (i) horizontal layering, (ii) a vertical fault, (iii) a low‐resistivity fill within a high‐resistivity basement, and (iv) an upfaulted basement block beneath a conductive overburden. Over vertical structures, the resistivity models obtained from inversion are usually much sharper than the measured data. However, the inverted resistivities can be smaller than the lowest, or greater than the highest, true model resistivity. The substantial reduction generally recorded in the data misfit during the least‐squares inversion of 2D apparent resistivity data is not always accompanied by any noticeable reduction in the model misfit. Conversely, the model misfit may, for all practical purposes, remain invariant for successive iterations. It can also increase with the iteration number, especially where the resistivity contrast at the bedrock interface exceeds a factor of about 10; in such instances, the optimum model estimated from inversion is attained at a very low iteration number. The largest model misfit is encountered in the zone adjacent to a contact where there is a large change in the resistivity contrast. It is concluded that smooth inversion can provide only an approximate guide to the true geometry and true formation resistivity.     

Two-dimensional, regularised inversion of VLF data

Very low frequency electromagnetic (EM) methods using VLF transmitters have found many applications in subsurface geophysical investigations. Surface measurements involving both the vertical component of the magnetic field (VLF-EM or VLF-Z) and of the apparent resistivity (VLF-R) are increasingly common. Although extensive VLF data sets have been successfully used for mapping purposes, modelling and interpretation techniques which asess the third (i.e. depth) dimension appear limited.Given a profile of VLF-R measurements the main purpose of the present study is to demonstrate an automatic method for the construction of a resistivity cross-section. The technique used is one of a new generation of regularised inversion methods. These techniques attempt to overcome the problem of equivalence/non-uniqueness in EM sounding data by constructing the resistivity distribution with the minimum amount of structure that fits the data.VLF data represent a special case of plane-wave EM sounding in that they conform, in practice, to a single-frequency technique. This fact imposes a limitation in the amount of vertical resolution that we can expect using such data. In the case of two-dimensional modelling and inversion, resolution through the cross-section is a resultant attribute from both vertical and lateral resistivity gradients within the subsurface. In order to provide insight into the practical application of regularised inversion techniques to VLF data, both synthetic and field examples are considered. Both sets of examples are primarily concerned with VLF data applied to near-surface fault mapping where the main aim is to assess the location, dip and depth extent of conductive subsurface features.     

The use of multi-electrode resistivity imaging in gravel prospecting

We investigated the potential of using a 24-electrode resistivity imaging apparatus for rapid reconnaissance surveys for natural-aggregate accumulation. The surveys were first calibrated at sites with known geometry of sand and gravel layers, which showed that subsurface accumulation of coarse material was accurately resolved with both 2- and 4-m electrode spacing. The inverted absolute resistivity of economically viable gravel deposits varied in the range of 300–1500 Ω m, depending on variation in ground-moisture levels. The exploration surveys were then conducted at seven sites where geomorphological analyses indicated a potential for gravel. Four of these sites, where subsurface resistivity did not exceed 30–40 Ω m, were found to have very little or no coarse material. The three remaining sites showed significant accumulations of high-resistivity material, two of which were subsequently augered for verification. The results of drilling demonstrated that resistivity images were an effective indicator of the presence of coarse material in the subsurface, allowing accurate determination of subsurface distribution and thickness of sand and gravel strata. The total volume of a deposit could easily be estimated from resistivity images. The absolute quality and economic value of the material, is, however, difficult to ascertain from resistivity images alone without drilling.     

Advances in the combined interpretation of seismics with magnetotellurics1

Five examples, obtained during exploration for hydrocarbons in the Pannonian Basin of Hungary, are used to show how the interpretation of seismic sections can be usefully complemented by results from MT surveys. Selection of the most appropriate MT quantities, considered to be proper ‘MT attributes’ for the purpose of visualization as well as recognition of the subsurface structures and the different inversions of MT data is essential for practical integration of seismic and MT surveys. A new technique providing a semiquantitive MT-attribute pseudosection for the purpose of visualization of the subsurface structures is proposed. The procedure utilizes derivative functions of the phase of MT impedance for visualization and derives estimated depths from the Bostick transformation of Cagniard apparent resistivities. On the basis of the MT-attribute pseudosections, constructed from the phase derivatives and transformed resistivity data, depths are estimated for interfaces between geological formations with significant resistivity contrast. In particular examples, the interface between the Tertiary sediments and the older basement rocks as well as tectonic fracture zones with decreased resistivity can be resolved.     

Electrical Imaging of Impact Structures

Electrical imaging provides important subsurface information for the construction of hypervelocity impact models. We here provide an overview and evaluation of the current electrical imaging methods used in impact cratering studies. Although apparent resistivity models are commonly used in the geoelectrical imaging of impact structures, the reliability of these models has not hitherto been determined. In order to assess these imaging approaches in impact cratering, we investigate for the first time the discrepancies between the apparent resistivity and true resistivity models of an impact structure. To this end, we present (1) a new true resistivity model of the Araguainha impact structure in central Brazil by applying L2-norm inversion to previously published data, (2) apparent resistivity model of the impact structure, and (3) models obtained from different stages of the iterative tomographic inversions. Our results show that changes in vertical resistivity gradient are significantly better defined in the true resistivity models than in the apparent resistivity model. On the basis of these results, we outline a new approach that true resistivity models can be effectively assessed by applying both L1- and L2-norm inversion schemes together with the monitoring of intermediate models from iterative inversion. The results of our study highlight the importance of tomographic inversion of resistivity data in impact cratering studies, and they provide a data modeling framework and foundation for cost-effective subsurface imaging of impact structures in the future.     

Rapid inversion of data from 2D resistivity surveys with electrode displacements

Resistivity monitoring surveys are used to detect temporal changes in the subsurface using repeated measurements over the same site. The positions of the electrodes are typically measured at the start of the survey program and possibly at occasional later times. In areas with unstable ground, such as landslide‐prone slopes, the positions of the electrodes can be displaced by ground movements. If this occurs at times when the positions of the electrodes are not directly measured, they have to be estimated. This can be done by interpolation or, as in recent developments, from the resistivity data using new inverse methods. The smoothness‐constrained least squares optimisation method can be modified to include the electrode positions as additional unknown parameters. The Jacobian matrices with the sensitivity of the apparent resistivity measurements to changes in the electrode positions are then required by the optimisation method. In this paper, a fast adjoint‐equation method is used to calculate the Jacobian matrices required by the least squares method to reduce the calculation time. In areas with large near‐surface resistivity contrasts, the inversion routine sometimes cannot accurately distinguish between electrode displacements and subsurface resistivity variations. To overcome this problem, the model for the initial time‐lapse dataset (with accurately known electrode positions) is used as the starting model for the inversion of the later‐time dataset. This greatly improves the accuracy of the estimated electrode positions compared to the use of a homogeneous half‐space starting model. In areas where the movement of the electrodes is expected to occur in a fixed direction, the method of transformations can be used to include this information as an additional constraint in the optimisation routine.     

Recent developments in the direct-current geoelectrical imaging method

There have been major improvements in instrumentation, field survey design and data inversion techniques for the geoelectrical method over the past 25 years. Multi-electrode and multi-channel systems have made it possible to conduct large 2-D, 3-D and even 4-D surveys efficiently to resolve complex geological structures that were not possible with traditional 1-D surveys. Continued developments in computer technology, as well as fast data inversion techniques and software, have made it possible to carry out the interpretation on commonly available microcomputers. Multi-dimensional geoelectrical surveys are now widely used in environmental, engineering, hydrological and mining applications. 3-D surveys play an increasingly important role in very complex areas where 2-D models suffer from artifacts due to off-line structures. Large areas on land and water can be surveyed rapidly with computerized dynamic towed resistivity acquisition systems. The use of existing metallic wells as long electrodes has improved the detection of targets in areas where they are masked by subsurface infrastructure. A number of PC controlled monitoring systems are also available to measure and detect temporal changes in the subsurface. There have been significant advancements in techniques to automatically generate optimized electrodes array configurations that have better resolution and depth of investigation than traditional arrays. Other areas of active development include the translation of electrical values into geological parameters such as clay and moisture content, new types of sensors, estimation of fluid or ground movement from time-lapse images and joint inversion techniques. In this paper, we investigate the recent developments in geoelectrical imaging and provide a brief look into the future of where the science may be heading.     

复杂地层构造的地震模拟

复杂地层构造的地震模拟,是地震勘探理论的重要问题。本文提出了一个模拟系统:用有限元素表示复杂地层构造,在此基础上应用射线轨迹法计算二维合成记录,从而得到复杂地层构造的理论剖面。这个系统可以用来模拟构造和岩性,为解释人员提供理论依据。 作者研制了适用于任意复杂地层构造计算的通用程序,并用以计算了某测线的一批模型,所得合成剖面由电视加以显示,最后对结果作了简单的分析讨论。     

ON THE POSSIBILITY OF THE TELLURIC METHOD: SOME RESULTS ON FAULTED STRUCTURES*

The telluric method of geophysical investigation is re-evaluated and several improvements are suggested. Besides the traditional Jacobian, several new parameters that bear information on the structure under investigation are proposed as sounding tools. These parameters are calculated for several two-dimensional models and plotted as pseudo-sections. The model results, calculated over a wide frequency band (10^-4-10^-2 Hz) suggest that these new parameters can give very detailed information about the subsurface structures. By way of example, we present experimental results obtained along two profiles across familiar structures. The interpretation of the results leads to two-dimensional models of the subsurface that are in good agreement with known geophysical and geological features of these two sections.     

A TUNNEL RESOLUTION INVESTIGATION USING AN AUTOMATED RESISTIVITY TANK ANALOG*

The examination of apparent resistivity space sections over two-dimensional targets requires the accumulation of large amounts of data, if the resistivity field is to be adequately described. Whilst such data may be obtained from an intensive sounding traverse in the field, it is desirable for interpretation purposes to be able to generate such space sections for a range of model variations. Within their limitations, tank analogs can be used to provide such interpretation material, but the collection of data can itself be time-consuming. In this paper, an account is given of the development of an automated tank analog, where an entire space section can be scanned and the output obtained in paper tape format for later processing on a digital computer. The resistance measurement accuracy attained is comparable with normal field measurement accuracy. A practical example of the use of this analog in investigating the problem of resolving and discriminating between two horizontal cylindrical tunnels is given. This problem is basic to an understanding of the minimum size and disposition of targets which can be observed on a space section. The square array has been used in this example because of its good resolution properties in general prospecting rather than its particular suitability for the targets investigated. The directional response of the array is also illustrated and discussed.     

Stream bottom resistivity tomography to map ground water discharge

This study investigates the effectiveness of direct current electrical resistivity as a tool for assessing ground water/surface water interactions within streams. This research has shown that patterns of ground water discharge can be mapped at the meter scale, which is important for understanding stream water quality and ecosystem function. Underwater electrical resistivity surveys along a 107-m stream section within the Burd Run Watershed in South Central Pennsylvania identified three resistivity layers: a resistive (100 to 400 Ωm) surface layer corresponding to the streambed sediments, a conductive (20 to 100 Ωm) middle layer corresponding to residual clay sediments, and a resistive (100 to 450 Ωm) bottom layer corresponding to the carbonate bedrock. Tile probing to determine the depth to the bedrock and resistivity test box analysis of augered sediment samples confirmed these interpretations of the resistivity data. Ground water seeps occurred where the resistivity data showed that the residual clays were thinnest and bedrock was closest to the streambed. Plotting the difference in resistivity between two surveys, one conducted during low-stage and the other during high-stage stream conditions, showed changes in the conductivity of the pore fluids saturating the sediments. Under high-stream stage conditions, the top layer showed increased resistivity values for sections with surface water infiltration but showed nearly constant resistivity in sections with ground water seeps. This was expressed as difference values less than 50 Ωm in the area of the seeps and greater than 50 Ωm change for the streambed sediments saturated by surface water. Thus, electrical resistivity aided in characterizing ground water discharge zones by detecting variations in subsurface resistivity under high- and low-stream stage conditions as well as mapping subsurface heterogeneities that promote these exchanges.     

The cone penetration test and 2D imaging resistivity as tools to simulate the distribution of hydrocarbons in soil

The purpose of geophysical electrical surveys is to determine the subsurface resistivity distribution by making measurements on the ground surface. From these measurements, the true resistivity of the subsurface can be estimated. The ground resistivity is related to various geological parameters, such as the mineral and fluid content, porosity and degree of water saturation in the rock. Electrical resistivity surveys have been used for many decades in hydrogeological, mining and geotechnical investigations. More recently, they have been used for environmental surveys. To obtain a more accurate subsurface model than is possible with a simple 1-D model, a more complex model must be used. In a 2-D model, the resistivity values are allowed to vary in one horizontal direction (usually referred to as the x direction) but are assumed to be constant in the other horizontal (the y) direction. A more realistic model would be a fully 3-D model where the resistivity values are allowed to change in all three directions. In this research, a simulation of the cone penetration test and 2D imaging resistivity are used as tools to simulate the distribution of hydrocarbons in soil.     

Laterally constrained inversion of helicopter-borne frequency-domain electromagnetic data

Helicopter-borne frequency-domain electromagnetic (HEM) surveys are used for fast high-resolution, three-dimensional resistivity mapping. Standard interpretation tools are often based on layered earth inversion procedures which, in general, explain the HEM data sufficiently. As a HEM system is moved while measuring, noise on the data is a common problem. Generally, noisy data will be smoothed prior to inversion using appropriate low-pass filters and consequently information may be lost.For the first time the laterally constrained inversion (LCI) technique has been applied to HEM data combined with the automatic generation of dynamic starting models. The latter is important because it takes the penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields, which can heavily vary in survey areas with different geological settings, into account. The LCI technique, which has been applied to diverse airborne and ground geophysical data sets, has proven to be able to improve the HEM inversion results of layered earth structures. Although single-site 1-D inversion is generally faster and — in case of strong lateral resistivity variations — more flexible, LCI produces resistivity — depth sections which are nearly identical to those derived from noise-free data.The LCI results are compared with standard single-site Marquardt–Levenberg inversion procedures on the basis of synthetic data as well as field data. The model chosen for the generation of synthetic data represents a layered earth structure having an inhomogeneous top layer in order to study the influence of shallow resistivity variations on the resolution of deep horizontal conductors in one-dimensional inversion results. The field data example comprises a wide resistivity range in a sedimentary as well as hard-rock environment.If a sufficient resistivity contrast between air and subsurface exists, the LCI technique is also very useful in correcting for incorrect system altitude measurements by using the altitude as a constrained inversion parameter.     

AIRBORNE RESISTIVITY MAPPING USING A MULTIFREQUENCY ELECTROMAGNETIC SYSTEM*

Airborne electromagnetic methods are most commonly used in mineral exploration. However, new developments, such as multifrequency capability and digital on-board field recording, as well as improvements in instrumentation resulting in high signal-to-noise ratios in recorded data, have made their application in geological mapping possible. A three-frequency airborne EM survey carried out over an area northwest of Timmins, Ontario, was interpreted in terms of thickness and resistivity of the layers of a two-layer earth section. Since both in-phase and quadrature components are measured, this provides six independent parameters at each point in space. Based on prior geological information and a preliminary interpretation of the field records, two two-layer models of the subsurface seemed to be appropriate for most of the survey area. An automatic computerized interpretation procedure was devised to interpret the field data at each point in terms of thickness and resistivity parameters of those two models. When the geology is more complex, the data do not fit the models and no interpretations are made. Two maps illustrating the variation of the resistivity and the thicknesses of the layers were constructed from the interpreted data. These maps agree with the known geological information about the distribution of glacial clay in the area. Areas where the layered models do not fit are known to be areas where the geology is complex with a large number of dykes and other lateral inhomogeneities. The study shows that multifrequency airborne EM surveys can be very useful in geological mapping over inaccessible terrain and can significantly help the mapping geologist where outcrops are scarce.     

Resistivity inversion of cross-hole and borehole-to-surface EM data using axially symmetric models1

We describe a least-squares inversion approach to estimating the subsurface resistivity structure from cross-hole or borehole-to-surface electromagnetic data. It is assumed that the resistivity distribution is symmetric about the axis of a borehole and that vertical magnetic dipoles are located on the borehole axis. The receivers are placed either in another borehole or on the earth's surface. The inversion scheme uses the finite-element and smoothness-constrained least-squares methods. The computational effort required to obtain partial derivatives is reduced considerably by using the reciprocity principle. Numerical simulations show that the reconstructions are generally in good agreement with the true structures when the assumption of an axisymmetric earth structure holds. An example involving the breakdown of this assumption, which can be obtained by interchanging the source and receiver boreholes, suggests that the inversion result may also be useful for locating a general 3D anomaly although artifacts are present.     

Sensitivity of transversal apparent resistivity to the changes in electrical resistivity of the elements of a 2D geoelectrical structure

The sensitivity of transversal apparent resistivity to the changes in the electrical resistivity of elements of a two-dimensional (2D) geoelectrical structure is studied by numerical modeling. This sensitivity is found to have a series of specific features, due to which the monitoring of transversal apparent resistivity can serve as a helpful addition to the monitoring of longitudinal apparent resistivity to trace the dynamics of subsurface and shallow crustal elements of the medium. It is shown that the method previously suggested for the inversion of relative changes in apparent resistivity into relative changes in electrical resistivities of the elements of the geoelectrical structure is applicable to the transversal electrical resistivity.     

基于非结构网格的电阻率三维带地形反演

地表起伏地形在野外矿产资源勘察中不可避免,其对直流电阻率法勘探影响巨大.近年来,电阻率三维正演取得诸多进展,特别是应用非结构网格我们能够进行任意复杂地形和几何模型的电阻率三维数值模拟,但面向实际应用的起伏地形下电阻率三维反演依然困难.本文基于非结构化四面体网格,并考虑到应用GPS/GNSS时,区域地球物理调查中可非规则布设测网的实际特点,实现了任意地形(平坦或起伏)条件下、任意布设的偶极-偶极视电阻率数据的不完全Gauss-Newton三维反演.合成数据的反演结果表明了方法的有效性,可应用于复杂野外环境下的三维电法勘探.     

The applicability of earth resistivity methods for saline interface definition

Direct current resistivity traversing has been used to characterise the nature of the saline interface at Te Horo on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand. The results show that the interface in the vicinity of the settlement, which relies on bores for potable water, has intruded inland 10 m further than in undeveloped areas. Resistivity traversing has been particularly successful in defining subsurface areas of higher salinity by providing a two-dimensional image of the bulk resistivity structure. The results of the resistivity surveys are supported by bore water chemistry, which show evidence of saltwater mixing. Bores on beachfront properties have concentrations of up to 1% seawater. A resistivity formation factor has been derived to allow the pore fluid resistivity to be estimated for future coastal surveys. The results also illustrate the problems associated with using standard models to predict the location of the saline interface when small amounts of diffusive mixing occur.     

Lithological classification assisted by the joint inversion of electrical and seismic data at a control site in northeast Mexico

In this paper, evidence is presented that the combination of geospectral images and geophysical signatures (resistivity–velocity cross-plots) is a good tool to provide a natural visualization of the distribution and variations of lithological features in a test site. This was confirmed by the correlation between the electrical resistivity and seismic velocity values obtained after cross-gradient joint inversion at two profiles and geotechnical information provided by shallow boreholes in a site located in the Earth Sciences School grounds in Linares, Northeastern Mexico. The results obtained from this study show how the cross-gradient joint inversion facilitates the analysis of hydrological estimates and assists in lithological classification of subsurface materials.