Characterization of shallow karst using electrical resistivity imaging in a limestone mining area

The Guangxi area is famous for its high degree of karstification due to a long period of groundwater erosion and the development of fracture networks. Karst collapse appeared during the mining process and caused many environmental problems. Applying electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is the most cost-effective method to study the characteristic of the subsurface karst environment. In this area, more than 24 km of ERI profiles around a mining area is carried out to present the development of karst which will be used to evaluate the effects on the ground water and the surrounding environment. The area represents a classical limestone rock which is of high quality and is used for cement production. In this study, the ERI is used to determine the geometry of the karst range at depth. The results are in good agreement with drilling experiments. The ERI survey provided near-surface resistivity information, which is very useful for establishing the geometry and the position of potential karst.     

Application of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique to detect underground cavities in a karst area of South Korea

Recently, the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique has been increasingly applied to underground cavity detection filled with groundwater and/or clay. In this study, an ERT survey was conducted to examine the spatial distribution and shape of underground cavities in a karst area in Korea. Numerical ERT modeling and inversion were carried out to select appropriate field survey parameters. Two geological structures, similar to those that exist in the field survey area, were modeled: a sinkhole model and a vein-type structure. Electrode configurations using pole–pole, pole–dipole, dipole–pole, and dipole–dipole arrays were tested with the two geologic models and compared. The numerical modeling showed that the resistivity distribution of the ERT tomogram using the pole–dipole array produced the best representation of the two models. The pole–dipole and pole–pole array configurations were applied in an ERT field survey using six boreholes. The field ERT results show that cavity areas filled with clay or groundwater appeared as low-resistivity anomalies in the limestone formation. This was particularly evident in the inclined vein-type structures attributed to fracture zones, where the field data were similar to the modeling results. Therefore, the ERT technique could be effectively used for detecting underground limestone cavities under similar geological conditions as those at our study area.     

Hydraulic conductivity characterization of a karst recharge area using water injection tests and electrical resistivity logging

Water injection tests and electrical logging are particularly useful techniques in the characterization of geological media in engineering works. In this paper these techniques in conjunction with cracks measurements obtained from drilling cores, were used in the characterization of a singular location in a karst massif. The aim of our work is to determine the hydraulic characteristics of the investigated site, as well as to establish the relationship between the data obtained by the different techniques used. Thus, electrical resistivity records and fracture data were obtained from two boreholes of 100 and 120 m depth. Hydraulic conductivity was calculated from 25 low-pressure water injection tests (LPT) carried out at different depths in both boreholes. The relationship between hydraulic conductivity and fracture frequency was not very statististically significant (R²: 0.062–0.672; σ_est: 0.61–1.575). Conversely, electrical resistivity and hydraulic conductivity had a great relationship (R²: 0.725–0.935; σ_est: 0.159–0.738), so the electrical resistivity may be related to the functionality of the fractures. Finally, the LPT is shown as a very practical tool for determining the degree of the hydraulically interconnection with the surroundings, for establishing the hydraulic conductivity profile and for obtaining a measure of soil erosionability according to the significance of the fracture washing out processes recorded.     

Geostatistical integration of seismic velocity and resistivity data for probabilistic evaluation of rock quality

This study applied a geostatistical approach to integrate various geophysical results for the probabilistic evaluation of rock quality designation (RQD) in regions between boreholes. Two of the geophysical survey results, electrical resistivity and seismic velocity, were transformed into a probabilistic distribution with the directly observed RQD values at the boreholes using an indicator value method. The initial spatial distribution of RQD, inferred from indicator kriging of observations from the boreholes, was improved by support of the geophysical results based on the integration by a permanence ratio. The integration was good enough to produce results that compensated for the defection of each exploration method. Also, the probabilistic feature of the final product of the RQD distribution made it possible to assess a more quantitative rock quality evaluation and better decision making for safety design.     

高密度电阻率法二维勘探数据的三维反演及其在岩溶探测中的应用

三维高密度电阻率法可以有效地解决二维高密度电阻率法在探测空间形态上的不足.将高密度电阻率法二维勘探数据做三维反演,不仅实现了地下空间结构的三维电阻率成像,还克服了传统三维高密度电阻率法在经济成本上的限制.将此方法应用到岩溶勘探中,利用DUK-2A高密度电法仪系统采集数据;然后,把二维高密度数据拼接转化成三维可反演数据,再将反演得到的结果通过三维成像软件实现任意三维地电切片,从而获得丰富的地电结构信息;最后,结合三维切片与钻孔资料对溶洞进行解释,为工程的顺利施工提供科学依据,从而证明该方法的可行性和有效性.     

Investigation of the nature of slip surface using geochemical analyses and 2-D electrical resistivity tomography: a case study from Lapseki area, NW Turkey

The nature and subsurface structure of the slip surface of a landslide was studied on the basis of geochemical analyses and 2-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) survey. Head scarp and lateral slip surfaces of the landslide marked by clear slickensided shear planes were composed of the average amounts of clayey silt (32.5%) and sand (67.5%). Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) data revealed the enrichment of Si (23.24%), Fe (12.2%), Al (9.51%) and C (8.34%) in the elemental composition of the disturbed slip surface. From X-ray diffractometry (XRD) data, six main clay types were determined, such as Volkonskoite, Halloysite, Ferrosilite, Saponite, Illite and Nontronite. The ERT survey displayed that the landslide developed as a reactivation on the upper part of an old landslide body.     

Detection of seepage paths in earth dams using self-potential and electrical resistivity methods

Earth and rockfill dams are designed to operate under steady state seepage. Anomalous seepage may be a threat to the integrity of the structure. In spite of advances made in the fields of geotechnical engineering, it is not possible to have 100% leak-proof structure. Any excessive and unplanned seepage may lead to the failure of the dam, especially in unconsolidated or fractured terrains. Geophysical methods play an important role in mapping seepage paths and monitoring the changes of the seepage with time, enabling to plan technically and economically worthwhile remedial measures. In the present paper, utilisation of electrical methods for delineation of seepage zones at two of the four Saddle dams of the Som-Kamla-Amba project, Rajasthan State, India; which is founded on heterogeneous rock mass, is discussed. Electrical resistivity method was used to delineate zones favourable for seepage, whereas, self-potential (SP) method was used to delineate the seepage paths. SP measurements have shown negative anomaly of the order of 10–20 mV in amplitude, indicating low seepage, coinciding with the seepage measurements made by the project authorities.     

Assessment of groundwater occurrence in Olomoro,Nigeria using borehole logging and electrical resistivity methods

The objective of this study was to assess the subsurface strata and groundwater situation of Olomoro, Nigeria using borehole logging and electrical resistivity techniques. The borehole logging consisting of resistivity and spontaneous potential logs were conducted by using the Johnson Keck logger on a drilled well in the study area. The electrical resistivity survey involving 17 vertical electrical soundings (VES) with a maximum current electrode spacing of 100 to 150 m was conducted using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. Analysis of the well cuttings revealed that the lithology of the subsurface consist of topsoil, clay, very fine sand, medium grain sand, coarse sand and very coarse sand. Results of the downhole logging also revealed that the mean electrical conductivity and the total dissolved solid of the groundwater was obtained as 390 μS/cm and 245 mg/cm³ respectively. These values are within the acceptable limit set by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) for drinking water. The result of the vertical electrical sounding interpreted using the computer iterative modeling revealed the presence of four to five geoelectric layers which showed a close correlation with result from the lithology and downhole logging. Results further showed that the resistivity of the subsurface aquifer ranged between 1584 and 5420 Ωm while the aquifer depths varied between 27.8 and 39.3 m. Groundwater development of the area is suggested using the depth and resistivity maps provided in this study.     

高密度电法与探地雷达在地下溶洞探测中的联合应用:以广西柳州地区为例

在广西柳州地区特高压线路建设中,利用高密度电法对溶洞进行探测,然而探测结果难以判断高阻异常是充气溶洞的响应还是石灰岩本身的高阻特性响应。在高密度电法探测结果的基础上,进一步使用探地雷达对异常模糊区进行复测验证,雷达结果中出现形如双曲线的反射异常,从而判定高阻异常来源于充气溶洞,而不是石灰岩本身。     

Reliability of dipole-dipole electrical resistivity tomography for defining depth to bedrock in covered karst terranes

 Sinkhole collapse is one of the main limitations on the development of karst areas, especially where bedrock is covered by unconsolidated material. Studies of sinkhole formation have shown that sinkholes are likely to develop in cutter (enlarged joint) zones as a result of subterranean erosion by flowing groundwater. Because of the irregular distribution of pinnacles and cutters on the bedrock surface, uncertainties arise when "hit-or-miss" borehole drilling is used to locate potential collapse sites. A high-resolution geophysical technique capable of depicting the details of the bedrock surface is essential for guiding the drilling program. Dipole-dipole electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used to map the bedrock surface at a site in southern Indiana where limestone is covered by about 9 m of clayey soils. Forty-nine transects were conducted over an area of approximately 42,037 m². The electrode spacing was 3 m. The length of the transects varied from 81 to 249 m. The tomographs were interpreted with the aid of soil borings. The repeatability of ERT was evaluated by comparing the rock surface elevations interpreted from pairs of transects where they crossed each other. The average difference was 2.4 m, with a maximum of 10 m. The discrepancy between interpreted bedrock-surface elevations for a transect intersection may be caused by variations in the subsurface geology normal to the transect. Averaging the elevation data interpreted from different transects improved the ERT results. A bedrock surface map was generated using only the averaged elevation data at the transect junctions. The accuracy of the map was further evaluated using data from four exploratory boreholes. The average difference between interpreted and actual bedrock surface-elevations was less than 0.4 m. The map shows two large troughs in the limestone surface: one coinciding with an existing sinkhole basin, while the other is in alignment with a small topographic valley. Because sinkholes were observed at the same elevation interval in similar valleys in the vicinity, the delineated trough may have implications for future land use at the site. Received: 4 January 1999 · Accepted: 8 March 1999     

电阻率层析成像法探测滑坡面正演模拟与反演成像研究

滑坡灾害已成为危及人民生命财产安全的重大问题,确定滑坡体和滑坡面的分布是滑坡治理的关键因素,电阻率层析成像法因对物性差异的界面响应敏感,被广泛应用到滑坡面的探测中。首先,对现有的滑坡地电模型进行概化,得到了4种常见的滑坡的简化模型;其次,针对不同类型的滑坡,采用有限元方法进行了系统的数值正演研究,得到了层析成像法探测滑坡面的响应特征,提出了不同类型滑坡面的快速识别方法。然后,采用最小二乘法开展了反演研究,总结了层析成像法探测滑坡面的反演成像规律,结合数值正演的响应特征,提出了层析成像法探测滑坡面的异常识别特征。最后,在山东沂源西里镇滑坡进行了层析成像法探测,成功探明了滑坡面的分布,表明了层析成像法探测滑坡面是行之有效的,为滑坡的治理方案设计奠定了基础     

高密度电阻率法在探测不同充填类型溶洞中的正反演研究

岩溶在我国分布很广泛,溶洞作为岩溶地区最大的危害通常存在不同的充填类型。高密度电阻率法勘探作为溶洞探测的重要方法,在岩溶地区被广泛使用,实际工作中通常需要采取相应的装置类型。本文对比了不同装置类型下不同充填类型溶洞的地电学特征,分析其正反演结果。结果表明:不同充填类型的溶洞,应当采用不同的高密度电法探测装置。当溶洞的充填类型不确定时,可采用偶极-偶极(Dipole-Dipole)装置进行探测,该装置对三种不同充填类型的溶洞均有较好的效果。     

Application of electrical resistivity tomography methods for delineation of groundwater contamination and potential zones

Identification of damages/changes that are affecting the underground water quality due to the effect of anthropogenic activities is often done after environmental problems have become evident or water portability being strongly affected. Two main applications of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) methods have been addressed covering characterization of leachate movement from a composting area of a Sugar Mill in Southern India. Good correlation has been obtained between ERT and groundwater quality assessments as well as from groundwater monitoring data sets. The study helped in conceptualization of hydrogeologic framework in basaltic terrain. Impacts on groundwater regime associated with urbanization and industrialization can easily be assessed through the variation of resistivity in the inverse resistivity pseudo-section model of the ERT investigations. Assessment of groundwater potential in an upcoming Urban Node, Greater Hyderabad city has been illustrated in the second example. Identification of good thickness of weathered regolith for location of water harvesting through Green Fingers evolved. The small infrastructure would help carrying of enhanced surface runoff as well as to sustain groundwater yield in the urban node and thereby ensuring sustainable groundwater resource exploitation. The above studies have illustrated immense potential of the ERT tools in the assessment of groundwater contamination as well as groundwater potential.     

A methodology for simple 2-D inundation analysis in urban area using SWMM and GIS

Natural Hazards - Urban waterlogging occurred frequently in recent years, causing serious social harms and huge economic losses. Accurate waterlogging warning is important for disaster prevention...     

Use of electrical resistivity methods for detecting subsurface fresh and saline water and delineating their interfacial configuration: a case study of the eastern Dead Sea coastal aquifers, Jordan

The alluvial aquifer is the primary source of groundwater along the eastern Dead Sea shoreline, Jordan. Over the last 20 years, salinity has risen in some existing wells and several new wells have encountered brackish water in areas thought to contain fresh water. A good linear correlation exists between the water resistivity and the chloride concentration of groundwater and shows that the salinity is the most important factor controlling resistivity. Two-dimensional electrical tomography (ET) integrated with geoelectrical soundings were employed to delineate different water-bearing formations and the configuration of the interface between them. The present hydrological system and the related brines and interfaces are controlled by the Dead Sea base level, presently at 410 m b.s.l. Resistivity measurements show a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity (thus increasing salinity) with depth and westward towards the Dead Sea. Accordingly, three zones with different resistivity values were detected, corresponding to three different water-bearing formations: (1) strata saturated with fresh to slightly brackish groundwater; (2) a transition zone of brine mixed with fresh to brackish groundwater; (3) a water-bearing formation containing Dead Sea brine. In addition, a low resistivity unit containing brine was detected above the 1955 Dead Sea base level, which was interpreted as having remained unflushed by infiltrating rain.     

Characterization of hydrogeologic properties for a multi-layered alluvial aquifer using hydraulic and tracer tests and electrical resistivity survey

A multi-layered aquifer, typical of riverbank alluvial deposits in Korea, was studied to determine the hydrologic properties. The geologic logging showed that the subsurface of the study site was comprised of four distinctive hydrogeologic units: silt, sand, highly weathered and fresh bedrock layers. The electrical resistivity survey supplied information on lateral extension of hydrogeologic strata only partially identified by a limited number of the geologic loggings. The laboratory column tracer test for the recovered core of the sand layer resulted in a hydraulic conductivity of 5.00×10⁻² cm/s. The slug tests performed in the weathered rock layer yielded hydraulic conductivities of 4.32–7.72×10⁻⁴ cm/s. Hydraulic conductivities for the sand layer calculated from the breakthrough curves of bromide ranged between 2.08×10⁻³ and 2.44×10⁻² cm/s with a geometric mean of 6.89×10⁻³ cm/s, which is 7 times smaller than that from the laboratory column experiment. The trend of increasing hydraulic conductivity with an increase in tracer travel length is likely a result of the increased likelihood of encountering a high conductivity zone as more of the aquifer is tested. The combined hydrogeologic site characterization using hydraulic tests, tracer tests, and column test with geologic loggings and geophysical survey greatly enhanced the understanding of the hydrologic properties of the multi-layered alluvial aquifer.     

AMT 与重力方法在云南芦子园地区隐伏岩体勘查中的应用

云南镇康芦子园铅锌铁矿床位于西南三江保山—镇康成矿带南段,地质构造复杂,多期次构造岩浆活动发育,成矿地质条件优越。经矿区重力、航磁及地质等综合资料分析,认为芦子园地区存在隐伏酸性岩体。为查明隐伏岩体的分布特征、起伏形态及埋深,本次研究使用了大地电磁法(AMT)和重力三维反演方法。通过重力三维反演图可以看出芦子园地区隐伏岩体的分布情况及其形态;通过 AMT 二维反演反映出深部地质构造及隐伏岩体形态及埋深。结合地质资料,综合研究了岩体与地表、近地表的铁铅锌矿化关系,为深部找矿指出了方向,进一步指导勘查区的深部找矿工作。