Combined ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity applications exploring groundwater potential zones in granitic terrain

Frequent failures of monsoons have forced to opt the groundwater as the only source of irrigation in non-command areas. Groundwater exploration in granitic terrain of dry land agriculture has been a major concern for farmers and water resource authorities. The hydrogeological complexities and lack of understanding of the aquifer systems have resulted in the failure of a majority of the borehole drillings in India. Hence, a combination of geophysical tools comprising ground-penetrating radar (GPR), multielectrode resistivity imaging (MERI), and vertical electrical sounding (VES) has been employed for pinpointing the groundwater potential zones in dry land agricultural of granitic terrain in India. Results obtained and verified with each other led to the detection of a saturated fracture within the environs. In GPR scanning, a 40-MHz antenna is used with specifications of 5 dielectric constant, 600 scans/nS, and 40 m depth. The anomalies acquired on GPR scans at various depths are confirmed with low-resistivity ranges of 27–50?Ω m at 23 and 27 m depths obtained from the MERI. Further, drilling with a down-the-hole hammer was carried out at two recommended sites down to 50–70 m depth, which were complimentary of VES results. The integrated geophysical anomalies have good agreement with the drilling lithologs validating the MERI and GPR data. The yields of these bore wells varied from 83 to 130 l/min. This approach is possible and can be replicated by water resource authorities in thrust areas of dry land environs of hard rock terrain around the world.     

Ground penetrating radar and 2D electric resistivity studies for tracing hydrocarbon leakage site,close to Abha City: a case study

This work presents the application of the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) method and electric resistivity tomography (ERT) technique in outlining a zone of contamination due to the light non-aqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) plume underground in the area of an impacted fuel station, close to Abha City. The GPR has been performed using SIR3000 unit with the 100 and 400 MHz antennas. The main objective of the GPR survey was to evaluate the lateral extension of contamination. The complex GPR signature of the plume was well characterized. Low reflectivity zone corresponds to hydrocarbon vapor phase in the vadose zone. Enhanced reflections are associated with free and residual products in the fractured saturated zone directly above the water table. An electric resistivity tomography (ERT) survey was performed on four profiles within the site to investigate the vertical and horizontal extent of the contamination plume and to define the bottom of the landfill. The 2D electric profiles show the presence of low-resistivity (4O to 37 Ω m) anomalies that refers to the presence of accumulated hydrocarbons. From the interpretation of the GPR and ERT profile, it was possible to locate the top and bottom of the contamination plume of the waste disposal site. The radar signal penetrated deep enough and enabled the identification of a second reflector at approximately 10-m deep, interpreted as the hard basement surface which causes the strong amplitude reflection in the GPR profile. The results of GPR and ERT showed good agreement.     

Requirements for the performance of a ground-penetrating radar system in searching for cavities

The requirements for the performance of a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system for detecting subsurface cavities are analyzed by numerical modeling of the GPR problem. The algorithm used to solve the forward GPR problem is approximated to a real experiment with regard to the design of the GPR system, the parameters of the source and receiver, and their position relative to the medium under study and its inhomogeneity. We calculated the spatiotemporal distribution of the field of the detected signal from a pulse source located at the interface between the medium and a cavity anomaly of a given geometry. The results were used to estimate the dynamic range of the GPR system necessary for determining the anomaly. We also performed GPR surveys of low-contrast inhomogeneities (cavities in mines) using GROT 12 GPR systems and analyzed the survey results by numerical modeling. It is shown that the GPR performance required to detect and locate inhomogeneities of interest at a certain sounding depth can be estimated in the experiment design phase.     

Geoelectric section of the crust and upper mantle of the northern Sikhote-Alin from magnetotelluric sounding data

Magnetotelluric soundings (MTS) were conducted in a broad frequency range of 10 kHz to 0.001 Hz at a total of fifty-seven sounding sites of the profile spaced 5 km apart and intersecting the northern Sikhote-Alin across the strike. The analysis of the obtained magnetotelluric parameters has been made which shows three-dimensional geoelectric nonuniformities in the lower crust and upper mantle. The MTS curve interpretation was carried out in the framework of a three-dimensional model. As a result of the inverse problem solution, the geoelectric section has been constructed down to 150 km depth. The section distinguishes the crust with a resistivity higher than 1000 Ohm m and variable thickness between 30 and 40 km which is consistent with deep seismic sounding (DSS) data. The crust is subdivided into four blocks by deep faults, and each block is characterized by a set of parameters. The data support the existence of the Vostochny deep fault in the study area, whereas, on the contrary, the deep roots for the Central Sikhote-Alin fault have not been established. The upper mantle structure is nonuniform; three low-resistivity zones are identified that coincide with the boundaries of crustal blocks. In the revealed zones, an increase in the resistivity is noted from the continent to the Tatar Strait coast. A high-resistivity layer of 300–400 Ohm m was observed in the coastal area, which was steeply dipping from the crustal base down to 120 km depth and extended beneath the continent. Based on a set of geological and geophysical data, the ancient subducting plate is suggested in this area, and the evolutionary model of the region is proposed starting from the Late Cretaceous. The most probable mechanism of conductivity within the upper mantle is determined from petrological and petrophysical data. The low resistivity values are linked to dry peridotite mantle melting.     

物探技术在多年冻土探测方面的应用

在青藏高原东部温泉地区对多年冻土厚度探测进行了试验研究,总结出一套可行的用于探测0～100 m范围内多年冻土分布及厚度的探测方法:选用探地雷达及瞬变电磁测深法分别对冻土上限及冻土下限进行探测,探地雷达分辨率高,能够有效解决地下0～5 m范围内多年冻土是否存在及上限埋深情况,而瞬变电磁测深法能有效解决地下5～100 m范围内的多年冻土下限埋深情况。     

Geo-electrical delineations within Kubanni basin, north-central Nigeria

The research site is the whole landmass of the Federal College of Education, Zaria, seated on basement complex of north-central Nigeria. Direct current resistivity geophysical method was employed to characterise parameters such as the basement depth and topography, aquifer depth and thickness, weathered basement distribution as well as mapping of orientations of fractures and faults present in the premises using radial sounding technique. The conventional vertical electrical sounding (VES) Schlumberger array was carried out at 40 stations, and eight of which were radial stations. Radial sounding was used to establish resistivity anisotropy which gives clue for the choice of consistent VES profile direction used throughout the fieldwork. Results from the resistivity interpretation suggest three layers in most parts of the premises with some minor occurrence of two and four layers. The first layer (topsoil) has its thickness ranging between 3.5 and 14.0 m; second layer (weathered basement) thickness ranges between 9.0 and 36.5 m, while the third layer (fresh basement) is deepest (40.1 m) towards the eastern corner of the area. The aquifer depth ranges from 1.5 to 4.0 m with a thickness range of 5.0 to 14.0 m. The thickest aquifer occurs around the centre to the west in the area. Results from radial sounding show presence of resistivity anisotropy, an insight to fracturing and faulting; this is more pronounced around the west-central part of the premises.     

断层－充水溶洞上不同装置三维高密度电阻率法正演模拟响应特征分析

高阻碳酸盐岩中的低阻断层和充水溶洞是岩溶区地下水勘查的主要目标体。根据高阻中找低阻的原则,建立碳酸盐岩类裂隙溶洞水赋存模式的断层－溶洞地电模型,利用RES3D软件进行温纳、施伦贝格、偶极－偶极三种采集装置的正反演模拟计算,从三维反演结果、剖面、电测深曲线三个维度,对比分析不同装置下断层－溶洞目标体的地电响应特征和规律。结果显示:(1) 探测深度内,温纳、施伦贝格、偶极－偶极装置可有效识别断层及其上盘三倍于电极距规模的充水溶洞,无法分辨断层下盘二倍于电极距规模的充水溶洞;(2) 相同模型和观测条件下,偶极－偶极装置对目标体的识别能力最强,其三维反演结果可识别溶洞下边界,剖面中形成左凸低阻圈闭异常,不同测深点的曲线类型、拐点、极值点与模型设计最为贴近,且拐点对应岩性界面,极值点位于地质体的中心深度。该工作对野外观测方式的选取和地质解译有一定指导意义。      

Three-dimensional mapping of a landslide using a multi-geophysical approach: the Quesnel Forks landslide

A landslide located on the Quesnel River in British Columbia, Canada is used as a case study to demonstrate the utility of a multi-geophysical approach to subsurface mapping of unstable slopes. Ground penetrating radar (GPR), direct current (DC) resistivity and seismic reflection and refraction surveys were conducted over the landslide and adjacent terrain. Geophysical data were interpreted based on stratigraphic and geomorphologic observations, including the use of digital terrain models (DTMs), and then integrated into a 3-dimensional model. GPR surveys yielded high-resolution data that were correlated with stratigraphic units to a maximum depth of 25 m. DC electrical resistivity offered limited data on specific units but was effective for resolving stratigraphic relationships between units to a maximum depth of 40 m. Seismic surveys were primarily used to obtain unit boundaries up to a depth of >80 m. Surfaces of rupture and separation were successfully identified by GPR and DC electrical resistivity techniques.     

Geophysical characteristics of Wadi Hanifah water system, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Integrated geophysical techniques including resistivity image, vertical electrical sounding (VES), and seismic refraction have been conducted to investigate the Wadi Hanifah water system. The groundwater in Wadi Hanifah has problems caused by the high volumes of sewage water percolating into the ground. The combination of VES, resistivity image, and seismic refraction has made a valuable contribution to the identification of the interface between the contaminated and fresh water in Wadi Hanifah area. The contaminated groundwater has lower resistivity values than fresh groundwater due to the higher concentration of ions which reduces the resistivity. Resistivity image and sounding in this area clearly identified the nature of the lithological depth and proved useful at identifying water-bearing zones. Fresh groundwater was found in the study area at a depth of 100 m within the fractured limestone. Water-bearing zones occur in two aquifers, shallow contaminated water at 10 m depth in alluvial deposits and the deeper fresh water aquifer at a depth of about 100 m in fractured limestone. The interface between the contaminated water (sanitary water) and fresh water marked out horizontally at 100 m distance from the main channel and vertically at 20 m depth.     

不同充填介质下的溶洞跨孔电阻率CT探查数值模拟

城市地铁修建过程中常常会遇到溶洞等不良地质条件,为更加准确探查地下溶洞的位置和大小,采用有限元法和最小二乘法正反演数值模拟手段,利用孔距、电极距和与钻孔距离三个变量构建了地下溶洞的地电模型,分析并总结了跨孔电阻率CT法对充气、充水和部分充水溶洞的电阻率响应特征及规律。结果表明:部分充水溶洞的水、气分界面明显,低阻区域和高阻区域与溶洞充水、充气部分位置大小一致,且随着溶洞充水量的增加,溶洞低电阻率响应增强,其异常范围向溶洞顶部扩大;跨孔电阻率CT法能够有效识别溶洞充填性状。      

Imaging fracture distributions of the Al-Khuff Formation outcrops using GPR and ERT geophysical techniques,Al-Qassim area,Saudi Arabia

Khuff Formation is of utmost importance in Saudi Arabia for oil and gas reservoir although it is composed mainly of limestone. This reason refers to the existence of intensive fractures which play a vital role in the increase in porosity and permeability of this formation. The fracture pattern in the study area was verified through 2D and 3D ground penetrating radar (GPR)-defined and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT)-defined surveys. In this respect, ten of 2D GPR surveys were collected along an intersected grid of profiles covering the study area while ERT data were collected along three profiles of the GPR grid. The results were interpreted in light of the field-based structural and stratigraphic assessment of the outcropping rocks. The analysis of the inverted ERT and filtered GPR sections revealed the presence of fractures. Several resistivity and electromagnetic reflection anomalies were laterally and vertically identified across the measured sections clarifying fractures that extend to a depth of 24 m in the limestone. Most fractures are oriented vertical to sub-vertical dipping both east-west and north-south.     

瞬变电磁在可可塔勒铅锌矿床中的应用

可可塔勒铅锌矿床位于阿尔泰山南缘麦兹盆地,是新疆目前发现的最大的铅锌矿床之一。在该矿区部署了2条二维测线,开展了大回线源瞬变电磁数据采集和处理,试图根据所观测的电磁异常圈定深部矿体。对异常解释的钻探验证结果显示,反演结果的低阻异常与实际矿体对应很好,电阻率的空间分布特征与矿体在深部的延伸与地层倾向一致,为该矿区资源潜力评价提供了依据,也是在其它矿区开展类似深部勘探的借鉴。     

豫西洛宁县铁炉坪Ag多金属矿床的CSAMT剖面及找矿意义

为获得新的深部找矿靶区,在铁炉坪Ag多金属矿床实施了CSAMT法测深。CSAMT剖面中,高、中、低电阻率异常体边界清晰、形态各异,高阻异常体具有上、下双层结构,低阻异常体出露较小,多呈孤立形态产出,主要有400m低阻异常体和1400m低阻异常体。高阻异常体被解释为浅部和深部两层岩浆和深部流体活动的产物,推测深部高阻异常体以岩浆体系为主,浅部高阻异常体应是岩浆体系、深部流体体系及围岩硅化蚀变等的综合反映。400m低阻异常体对应于于地表剖面线400m~600m之间的主矿脉,表明它是深部成矿流体的显示,提出1400m低阻异常体为新的深部找矿靶区。     

兴蒙、吉黑地区岩石圈电性结构特征

采用具有国际先进水平的二维连续自动反演技术对收集的MT资料进行了二维反演和综合解释。得到了不同地区MT剖面的二维电性结构断面。通过二维反演断面发现了松辽盆地的东西边界较陡,而南部边界较缓的电性结构;发现在火山地区12～30km深度普遍存在低阻物体,为解释火山地区深部存在岩浆囊提供了依据。另外,于桦南—饶河重新实施的MT剖面,其二维反演断面也较清楚地揭示出:剖面西段为高阻特征且具有稳定的岩石圈厚度(80～90km),该区段对应佳木斯地块;剖面中部具有明显的电性梯度带,该梯度带为确定佳木斯地块的东界位置及其深部结构形态提供了依据;剖面东段则揭示了佳木斯地块以东地区浅部为逆冲推覆体,深部为多个高阻块体与低阻条带相间的电性结构。     

Error in depth determination from resistivity soundings due to non-identification of suppressed layers

The magnitude of errors in the determination of depth to bedrock from Wenner and Schlumberger resistivity sounding curves, caused by the non-identification of a suppressed layer, has been investigated. The principal objective is to evaluate how the layer thicknesses and resistivities affect the accuracy of depth estimates. In the computations, the intermediate layer in a 3-layer model, in which the resistivity increases with depth, is removed and the 2-layer sounding curve that is electrically equivalent to the 3-layer curve is generated. The results indicate that there is a possibility for large depth underestimations when the resistivity contrast between layers 1 and 2 is very large. This is manifested in a steeply rising terminal branch on the sounding curve. There is a slight decrease in the depth underestimation as the resistivity contrast between layers 2 and 3 increases. Conversely, if the intermediate layer is fairly thick and the resistivity contrasts are not too large, the best-fit 2-layer curve shows large deviations from the 3-layer curve. In such cases, the intermediate layer can be identified, resulting in reliable depth estimates. A field example from Nigeria is presented in which the sounding data has been interpreted so as to account for a prebasement layer of intermediate resistivity, indicative of a fractured granite.     

Delineation of saltwater intrusion into the freshwater aquifer of Lekki Peninsula,Lagos, Nigeria

Recently, the deterioration of water quality in the coastal zones of Lekki Peninsula area of Lagos due to saltwater infiltration into the freshwater aquifer has become a major concern. With the aim of providing valuable information on the hydrogeologic system of the aquifers, the subsurface lithology and delineating the groundwater salinity, vertical electrical resistivity (VES) sounding survey was carried out utilizing surface Schlumberger electrode arrays, and electrode spacing varying between 1 and 150 m. The DC resistivity surveys revealed significant variations in subsurface resistivity. Also, the VES resistivity curves showed a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity with depth (thus increasing salinity). In general, the presence of four distinct resistivity zones were delineated viz.: the unconsolidated dry sand (A) having resistivity values ranging between 125 and 1,028 Ωm represent the first layer; the fresh water-saturated soil (zone B) having resistivity values which correspond to 32–256 Ωm is the second layer; the third layer (zone C) is interpreted as the mixing (transition) zone of fresh with brackish groundwater. The resistivity of this layer ranges from 4 to 32 Ωm; while layer four (zone D) is characterized with resistivities values generally below 4 Ωm reflecting an aquifer possibly containing brine. The rock matrix, salinity and water saturation are the major factors controlling the resistivity of the formation. Moreover, this investigation shows that saline water intrusion into the aquifers can be accurately mapped using surface DC resistivity method.     

新疆金滩金矿床EH4电磁测深及找矿方向

新疆金滩金矿床位处东天山康古尔塔格金矿带,是典型的韧性剪切带型金矿床。矿山资源储量严重不足,急需寻找接替资源。根据金滩金矿床严格受韧性剪切断裂控制的特点,利用EH4电磁测深技术对其进行地球物理勘探,测量剖面清晰地区分了糜棱岩带和围岩:①糜棱岩带具有低电阻率特征(<300Ω·m);②围岩具有中高电阻率特征(≥300Ω·m)。测量剖面的解译结果显示了矿区东部和西部均具有良好的找矿潜力,为矿山下一步找矿指明了方向。     

花岗岩地区浅部地下水井位的快速确定

文章探讨在花岗岩地区地下水井位的快速定位问题,结合工程实践,采用三极电阻率测深法和天然电场选频法开展综合探测研究。首先实施三极电阻率测深剖面工作,对采集结果进行二维有限元反演研究,获得二维测深断面上低阻导电体的分布规律;在测深剖面上进一步开展天然电场选频法剖面勘探工作,得到低阻含水构造的水平精确位置,并进一步开展选频测深法的实践。后期的成井结果表明:三极电测深勘探成果的剖面异常比较直观,选频法则在异常体的地表水平定位方面比较精确,施工非常方便,两种方法相结合对地下水进行综合勘探是一种行之有效的办法。     

不同勘探方法在丰水期和枯水期岩溶塌陷探测效果分析研究

岩溶塌陷的发生具有突发性和隐蔽性,采取有效方法准确识别潜在致塌位置对科学合理防治岩溶塌陷具有重要意义。以武汉市典型地区为实例,对比分析了丰水期和枯水期地质雷达、高密度电阻率法、静力触探3种勘探方法对岩溶塌陷的探测效果。结果表明:在该类地质条件下,地质雷达在工作频率≤100 MHz时,对4 m以内的扰动土有明显的响应,40 MHz工作频率的探测深度枯水期大于丰水期,100 MHz工作频率的扰动土响应特征枯水期比丰水期明显。高密度电阻率法在丰水期对地层结构的刻画更为精细准确,适用于浅中层岩土体结构探测。静力触探在丰水期和枯水期无显著差异,适用于10 m以内土体探测,尤其适用于圈定塌陷区边界范围。研究结果可为水动力条件季节性变化大的地区其岩溶塌陷探测方法的选择提供参考,为潜在塌陷点的准确识别提供技术支撑。     

Hydrogeophysical investigation and estimation of groundwater potentials of the Lower Palaeozoic to Precambrian crystalline basement rocks in Keffi area, north-central Nigeria, using resistivity methods

The use of resistivity sounding and two-dimensional (2-D) resistivity imaging was investigated with the aim of delineating and estimating the groundwater potential in Keffi area. Rock types identified are mainly gneisses and granites. Twenty-five resistivity soundings employing the Schlumberger electrode array were conducted across the area. Resistivity sounding data obtained were interpreted using partial curve matching approach and 1-D inversion algorithm, RESIST version 1.0. The 2-D resistivity imaging was also carried out along two traverses using dipole–dipole array, and the data obtained were subjected to finite element method modeling using DIPRO inversion algorithm to produce a two-dimensional subsurface geological model. Interpretation of results showed three to four geoelectrical layers. Layer thickness values were generally less than 2 m for collapsed zone, and ranged from 5 to 30 m for weathered bedrock (saprolite). Two major aquifer units, namely weathered bedrock (saprolite) aquifer and fractured bedrock (saprock) aquifer, have been delineated with the latter usually occurring beneath the former in most areas. Aquifer potentials in the area were estimated using simple schemes that involved the use of three geoelectrical parameters, namely: depth to fresh bedrock, weathered bedrock (saprolite) resistivity and fractured bedrock (saprock) resistivity. The assessment delineated the area into prospective high, medium and low groundwater potential zones.