A Best-Estimate Approach for Determining Self-potential Parameters Related to Simple Geometric Shaped Structures

A new approach is proposed in order to interpret field self-potential (SP) anomalies related to simple geometric-shaped models such as sphere, horizontal cylinder, and vertical cylinder. This approach is mainly based on solving a set of algebraic linear equations, and directed towards the best estimate of the three model parameters, e.g., electric dipole moment, depth, and polarization angle. Its utility and validity are demonstrated through studying and analyzing synthetic self-potential anomalies obtained by using simulated data generated from a known model and a statistical distribution with different random errors components. Being theoretically tested and proven, this approach has been consequently applied on two real field self-potential anomalies taken from Colorado and Turkey. A comparable and acceptable agreement is obtained between the results derived by the new proposed method and those deduced by other interpretation methods. Moreover, the depth obtained by such an approach is found to be very close to that obtained by drilling information.     

An Approach for Interpretation of Self-Potential Anomalies due to Simple Geometrical Structures Using Fair Function Minimization

A quantitative interpretation method of self-potential field anomalies has been proposed. The method is designed and implemented for the estimation of center depth, electric dipole moment or magnitude of polarization, polarization angle, and geometric shape factor of a buried body from SP field data, related to simple geometric structures such as cylinders, spheres and sheet-like bodies. The proposed method is based on Fair function minimization and also on stochastic optimization modeling. This new technique was first tested on theoretical synthetic data randomly generated by a chosen statistical distribution from a known model with different random noise components. Such mathematical simulation shows a very close agreement between assumed and estimated model parameters. Being theoretically proven, it has been applied and tested on self-potential field data taken from the United States, Germany, India and Turkey. The agreement between results obtained by the suggested method and those obtained by other previous methods is good and comparable. Moreover, the depth obtained by this method is found to be in high accordance with that obtained from drilling information.     

Direct interpretation of self-potential anomalies produced by a vertical dipole

In the present paper a new method is proposed for the quantitative interpretation of self-potential anomalies which are produced by a vertical dipole. First the mathematical expression of the wavenumber spectrum of the self-potential anomaly is deduced. It is pointed out that at relatively high wavenumbers the behavior of the amplitude spectrum is controlled by the closer to the surface pole at depth h. On the other hand, the “width” of the amplitude spectrum depends on the depth h and the dipole length L.Making a proper mathematical transformation of the amplitude spectrum, and applying the least squares method, it is possible to calculate the depth to the upper pole. The dipole length may then be calculated, by solving numerically a characteristic algebraic equation, as long as the “width” of the amplitude spectrum has been previously defined.The proposed method is applied on a well known self-potential profile from Greece. The calculated parameters of the polarized body are in good agreement with real data. Experimentation with synthetic models in which random noise was introduced, showed that this method gives reliable results if the noise amplitude is not more than 20% of the signal amplitude. It is clearly more efficient than the methods which are based on the model of the point pole or the dipole with a small length. It can also give good results if the horizontal extensions of the polarized body are not more than a few tenths of the depth of the upper pole. If the polarized body is tilted, the depth of the upper pole can be calculated with satisfactory accuracy.The direct interpretation method which is proposed in the present paper, may be useful in mineral exploration, and particularly if the target of interest is the detection of massive sulfide mineralization.     

The summit hydrothermal system of Stromboli. New insights from self-potential,temperature, CO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and fumarolic fluid measurements,with structural and monitoring implications

Accurate and precisely located self-potential (SP), temperature (T) and CO₂ measurements were carried out in the summit area of Stromboli along 72 straight profiles. SP data were acquired every metre and T data every 2.5 m. CO₂ concentrations were acquired with the same density as T, but only along seven profiles. The high density of data and the diversity of the measured parameters allows us to study structures and phenomena at a scale rarely investigated. The shallow summit hydrothermal activity (Pizzo–Fossa area) is indicated by large positive SP, T and CO₂ anomalies. These anomalies are focused on crater faults, suggesting that the fracture zones are more permeable than surrounding rocks at Stromboli. The analysis of the distribution of these linear anomalies, coupled with the examination of the geologic, photographic and topographic data, has led us to propose a new structural interpretation of the summit of Stromboli. This newly defined structural framework comprises (1) a large Pizzo circular crater, about 350 m in diameter; (2) a complex of two concealed craters nested within the Pizzo crater (the Large and the Small Fossa craters), thought to have formed during the eruption of the Pizzo pyroclastites unit; the Small Fossa crater is filled with highly impermeable material that totally impedes the upward flow of hydrothermal fluids; and (3) The present complex of active craters. On the floor of the Fossa, short wavelength SP lows are organized in drainage-like networks diverging from the main thermal anomalies and converging toward the topographic low in the Fossa area, inside the Small Fossa crater. They are interpreted as the subsurface downhill flow of water condensed above the thermal anomalies. We suspect that water accumulates below the Small Fossa crater as a perched water body, representing a high threat of strong phreatic and phreatomagmatic paroxysms. T and CO₂ anomalies are highly correlated. The two types of anomalies have very similar shapes, but the sensitivity of CO₂ measurements seems higher for lowest hydrothermal flux. Above T anomalies, a pronounced high frequency SP signal is observed. Isotopic analyses of the fluids show similar compositions between the gases rising through the faults of the Pizzo and Large Fossa craters. This suggests a common origin for gases emerging along different structural paths within the summit of Stromboli. A site was found along the Large Fossa crater fault where high gas flux and low air contamination made gas monitoring possible near the active vents using the alkaline bottle sampling technique.     

Electric field variations measured continuously in free air over a conductive thin zone in the tilted Lias-epsilon black shales near Osnabrück,Northwest Germany

Common studies on the static electric field distribution over a conductivity anomaly use the self-potential method. However, this method is time consuming and requires nonpolarizable electrodes to be placed in the ground. Moreover, the information gained by this method is restricted to the horizontal variations of the electric field. To overcome the limitation in the self-potential technique, we conducted a field experiment using a non conventional technique to assess the static electric field over a conductivity anomaly. We use two metallic potential probes arranged on an insulated boom with a separation of 126 cm. When placed into the electric field of the free air, a surface charge will be induced on each probe trying to equalize with the potential of the surrounding atmosphere. The use of a plasma source at both probes facilitated continuous and quicker measurement of the electric field in the air. The present study shows first experimental measurements with a modified potential probe technique (MPP) along a 600-meter-long transect to demonstrate the general feasibility of this method for studying the static electric field distribution over shallow conductivity anomalies.Field measurements were carried out on a test site on top of the Bramsche Massif near Osnabrück (Northwest Germany) to benefit from a variety of available near surface data over an almost vertical conductivity anomaly. High resolution self-potential data served in a numerical analysis to estimate the expected individual components of the electric field vector.During the experiment we found more anomalies in the vertical and horizontal components of the electric field than self-potential anomalies. These contrasting findings are successfully cross-validated with conventional near surface geophysical methods. Among these methods, we used self-potential, radiomagnetotelluric, electric resistivity tomography and induced polarization data to derive 2D conductivity models of the subsurface in order to infer the geometrical properties and the origin of the conductivity anomaly in the survey area. The presented study demonstrates the feasibility of electric field measurements in free air to detect and study near surface conductivity anomalies. Variations in Ez correlate well with the conductivity distribution obtained from resistivity methods. Compared to the self-potential technique, continuously free air measurements of the electric field are more rapid and of better lateral resolution combined with the unique ability to analyze vertical components of the electric field which are of particular importance to detect lateral conductivity contrasts. Mapping Ez in free air is a good tool to precisely map lateral changes of the electric field distribution in areas where SP generation fails. MPP offers interesting application in other geophysical techniques e.g. in time domain electromagnetics, DC and IP.With this method we were able to reveal a ca. 150 m broad zone of enhanced electric field strength.     

Interpretation of self-potential anomalies of some simple geometric bodies

Summary An entirely new procedure for interpreting selfpotential anomalies of spheres, rods and dipping sheets is presented. The anomaly of a sphere is divided into two parts — the anomaly of odd symmetry and the anomaly of even symmetry — from which the depth can be obtained by fitting them with the master curves. The self-potential anomalies of a finite rod are transformed to the anomalies of a veritcal sheet, for which standard curves are presented. The case of a sheet was divided into three parts; (a) finite line of poles; (b) infinite double line of poles and (c) finite double line of poles. For the first case logarithmic curves were prepared and presented; by their comparison with the field profile, different parameters can be obtained. In the second case, a geometrical construction is provided to obtain the various values. In the third case, the anomalies of finite sheet (finite double line of poles) are transformed into those due to an infinite double line of poles for interpretation.     

Mapping and surveillance of active fissure zones on a volcano by the self-potential method, Etna, Sicily

The self-potential (S.P.) method, often employed in base-metal exploration, has successfully been applied to volcanological problems.Test surveys on the site of Mount Etna (Sicily) have revealed some positive anomalies as high as a few hundred millivolts over recent and old eruptive fissures. The S.P. technique allows one to determine the precise location of the fissures.The interpretation of the geophysical results (including S.P.), taking into account the structure of Mount Etna, has shown two important zones upon which several S.P. investigations have been carried out.Studies of the causes of these S.P. anomalies have shown the importance of the streaming potential as the principal source mechanism.     

Combined electromagnetic, geochemical and thermal surveys of Taal volcano (Philippines) during the period 2005–2006

Since 1572, 33 phreatic to phreatomagmatic eruptions have occurred on Taal volcano (Philippines), some of them causing several hundred casualties. Considering the time delay between two consecutive eruptions, there is an 88% probability that Taal volcano should have already erupted. Since 1992, several phases of seismic activity have been recorded accompanied by ground deformation, opening of fissures, and surface activity. The volcanic activity of Taal appears to be controlled by dike injections and magma supply, buffered by a hydrothermal system that releases fluids and heat through boiling and subsequent steaming. In early 2005, a multidisciplinary project was launched for studying the hydrothermal activity. To map the hydrothermal system, combined surveys were carried out to investigate self-potential, total magnetic field, ground temperature and carbon dioxide soil degassing, along with satellite thermal imaging of the Main Crater Lake. The elevated temperatures and high concentrations of carbon dioxide, as well as electromagnetic anomalies, indicate large-scale hydrothermal degassing. This process is enhanced along the tectonic features (e.g., crater rim and faults) of the volcano, while active fissures opened along the E–W northern flank during the 1992–1994 seismic activity. Heat and fluids from the hydrothermal system are essentially released in the northern part of the crater, which is bounded to the South by a suspected NW–SE fault along which seismicity seems to take place, and dikes are thought to be intruded. During the January 2005 surveys, a new seismic crisis started, and the felt earthquakes prompted spontaneous evacuation of hundreds of inhabitants living on the volcano. Repeated surveys show changes of self-potential, total magnetic field, and ground temperature with time, without any noticeable spatial enlargement. These observations suggest that the northern flank located between the crater rim and the 1992–1994 fissures is connected with a deep thermal source in Main crater and is reactivated during seismic crises. This sector could be subjected to flank failure.     

ON THE ORIGIN AND INTERPRETATION OF SELF-POTENTIAL ANOMALIES*

The renewed interest in the self-potential method of exploration for mineral deposits gives an understanding of the self-potential mechanism new importance. The cause of SP anomalies in general lies in the interference between simultaneously occurring nonequilibrium phenomena. However, theories of the mechanism of mineral SP anomalies generally relate the SP anomaly to the equilibrium potential of the chemical reaction supposed to occur on the ore body surface. In this paper, I reformulate these equilibrium mechanisms in terms of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The result is that the SP anomaly depends not on the equilibrium potential alone, but also on the potential resulting from current transferred across the ore body—electrolyte interface. It is not possible to calculate the overpotential theoretically because of the number of complicating factors, and experimental data are not available. This does not imply that SP data are uninterpretable quantitatively. SP data may be interpreted similarly to other potential field data.     

岩石破裂过程中的超低频电磁异常

震前电磁场和大地自电位的异常是重要的地震前兆现象．在零磁空间对超低频段的磁场和自电位的变化进行了岩石破裂的实验研究，细致地揭示出电场、磁场出现异常变化的全过程，对深入认识超低频电磁信号的微观机理具有重要的意义．实验发现，岩石受力后应变、电位和磁场的缓慢变化在空间分布上是首先在近破裂源处出现，继而随裂纹的发展而改变位置；在时间序列上先出现自电位异常，然后是超低频磁场的变化；在异常形态上，超低频电磁信号呈现出早期、中期、晚期3个阶段的明显差异．研究表明，岩石微破裂引起裂隙尖端处的电荷分离. 静电荷在局部区域的积累和运移，导致了自电位的脉冲状变化；而在主破裂阶段，积累电荷的急速运动形成瞬间电流，激发了脉冲式的磁场异常．本文详细介绍了这一综合实验的技术步骤和观测结果，并对地震电磁前兆的微观机理进行了探讨．      

INTERPRETATION QUANTITATIVE EN GRAVIMETRIE OU MAGNETISME A PARTIR DE CARTES TRANSFORMEES DE GRADIENT VERTICAL*

A discussion is given of the requirements, the advantages and the methods to be considered in attempting the quantitative interpretation of gravity or magnetic fields from computed maps of the vertically derived field. The transform which is used here is the first vertical derivative (or vertical gradient) with or without downward continuation, but the computed maps are in fact obtained by a controllable Fourier method in which two kinds of operations can be simultaneously performed in complete independance: on one hand the separation of any part of the data by frequency cut-off, and on the other hand the transformation by vertical derivation or continuation of the part which is retained. Taking as raw data either actual surveys or artificially constructed maps, it is first shown how separated and transformed maps of this type can be efficiently obtained under quite flexible conditions, using a special computer program. It is further seen that for correctly controlled filterings the accuracy of the computed maps actually permits to take them as the basis for quantitative interpretation. To effect this, any one of the conventional methods which make use of equivalent model computations may in the first place be adapted to the interpretation of gradients, with the benefits, however, of an enhanced lateral separation of the anomalies and of a large attenuation of the regional effects. Particularly, the delineation of horizontal contours for even fairly complex models can often be made directly in a sufficiently safe way on the anomalies as they show on the vertical gradient maps. This greatly accelerates the process of determining equivalent model bodies. More special methods of interpretation can also be designed by taking into account first the fact that the vertical derivation of the field amounts to an operation of separation on the field's sources themselves, and in addition the availability of the frequency form of the information as a result of using a Fourier method of transform computation. Trial utilisations of various such interpretation processes of either the conventional or the less conventional type, are presented especially in connection with an interpretation study on transformed maps of parts of an offshore aeromagnetic survey (English Channel).     

Hydrothermal system beneath Aso volcano as inferred from self-potential mapping and resistivity structure

We conducted self-potential (SP) surveys sequentially from part to part over the central cones of Aso volcano since August 1998 by December 2001. The compiled SP map revealed large SP anomalies on the central cones. The main feature of the SP map is a ‘W-shaped’ profile along the NS-transect over the central cones. It is probable that this characteristic SP profile is produced by the combination of hydrothermal upwelling in the middle and topographic effect. A positive anomaly showing a large concentric pattern has appeared after correcting the topographic effect.To evaluate this SP anomaly, we implemented a numerical code that calculates electric potential produced by arbitrarily positioned current sources and sinks in any three-dimensional resistivity structure. A layered structure obtained from a time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) field experiment was used for the resistivity model. The estimated current source is 300 A, being located in a conductive layer around the sea level. Meanwhile, sinks were estimated to sit on a circular area corresponding to the marginal part of the conductive layer.Water and heat budget study gives a lower limit of water mass transfer from depth to the bottom of the crater lake of Nakadake. This value was used to estimate the equivalent current in either case of electro-kinetic (EK) [Mizutani, H., Ishido, T., 1976. A new interpretation of magnetic field variation associated with the Matsushiro earthquakes, J. Geomag. Geoelectr., 28, 179–188.] or rapid fluid disruption (RFD) process [Johnston, M.J.S., Byerlee, J.D., Lockner, D., 2001. Rapid fluid disruption: A source for self-potential anomalies on volcanoes, J. Geophys. Res. 106(B3), 4327-4335.]. This comparison suggests that the former process is preferable to explain the observed SP anomaly. From these results we infer a large-scale hydrothermal system beneath the central cones of Aso volcano, in which the fluid flow initiates from the surrounding area, converging to the central vent to transport the heat and materials up to the crater lake of Nakadake through a vapor-filled conduit.     

AN INTERPRETATION SYSTEM FOR GEO-ELECTRICAL SOUNDING GRAPHS *

For the two and three layer cases geo-electrical sounding graphs can be rapidly and accurately evaluated by comparing them with an adequate set of standard model graphs. The variety of model graphs required is reasonably limited and the use of a computer is unnecessary for this type of interpretation. For more than three layers a compilation of model graphs is not possible, because the variety of curves required in practice increases immensely. To evaluate a measured graph under these conditions, a model graph is calculated by computer for an approximately calculated resistivity profile which is determined, for example, by means of the auxiliary point methods. This model graph is then compared with the measured curve, and from the deviation between the curves a new resistivity profile is derived, the model graph of which is calculated for another comparison procedure, etc. This type of interpretation, although exact, is very inconvenient and time-consuming, because there is no simple method by which an improved resistivity profile can be derived from the deviations between a model graph and a measured graph. The aim of this paper is, on the one hand, to give a simple interpretation method, suitable for use during field work, for multi-layer geo-electrical sounding graphs, and, on the other hand, to indicate an automatic evaluation procedure based on these principles, suitable for use by digital computer. This interpretation system is based on the resolution of the kernel function of Stefanescu's integral into partial fractions. The system consists of a calculation method for an arbitrary multi-layer case and a highly accurate approximation method for determining those partial fractions which are important for interpretation. The partial fractions are found by fitting three-layer graphs to a measured curve. Using the roots and coefficients of these partial fractions and simple equations derived from the kernel function of Stefanescu's integral, the thicknesses and resistivities of layers may be directly calculated for successively increasing depths. The system also provides a simple method for the approximative construction of model graphs.     

Fair Function Minimization for Direct Interpretation of Residual Gravity Anomaly Profiles Due to Spheres and Cylinders

A new interpretative approach is proposed to interpret residual gravity anomaly profiles in order to determine the depth, the amplitude coefficient and the geometric shape factor of simple spherical and cylindrical buried structures. This new approach is based on both Fair function minimization and on stochastic optimization modeling. The validity of this interpretative approach is demonstrated through studying and analyzing two synthetic gravity anomalies, using simulated data generated from a known model with different random noises components and a known statistical distribution. Being theoretically proven, this new approach has been applied on three real field gravity anomalies from Sweden, Senegal and the United States. The agreement between the results obtained by the proposed method and those obtained by other interpretation methods is good and comparable.     

ULF electric and magnetic anomalies accompanying the cracking of rock sample

The anomalies of electric-magnetic field and self-potential before earthquakes are important precursory phenom-ena.A simulating experiment study on the variations in ultra-low frequency(ULF)magnetic field and self-poten-tial during rock cracking was carried out in a magnetic field-free space.The results revealing in detail the whole process of the occurrences of electric and magnetic anomalises are significant for understanding the microscopic mechanism of ULF electric and magnetic signals.The experiment indicated that at the initial stage the slow changes in strain.self-potential and magnetic field with small amounts appeared firstly near the source of initial cracking,and then extended as the crack developed on.In the time domain,the self-potential anomaly emerged first and ULF magnetic field changes arose then.The shape of the ULF electric and magnetic anomaly varied ob-viously in early-,mid-and late-term of the test.The authors attributed the pulse-like changes of self-potential to the generationj and movement of the accumulated electric charges during the cracking caused by charge separation on the crack tips within the sample.While the magnetic pulses of shorter-period at the last stage of the test,may be induced by instantaneous electric current of the accumulated charege during the cracking acceleration.The technical method and the observational results of this experiment are given in detail and the microscopic mechanism of elec-tric and magnetic precursors before earthquake are discussd in the present paper as well.     

Effects of transverse electric anisotropy on self-potential anomalies

In the present paper is studied the influence of transverse ground anisotropy on the formation of self-potential (SP) anomalies produced by polarized bodies. It is concluded that SP anomalies produced by vertical dipoles of infinite length are displaced in the opposite direction of the dip angle of anisotropy. The equipotential lines are generally ellipses. SP anomalies produced by a vertical dipole of finite length are also displaced, have a negative and a positive centre and present the characteristics of an SP field produced by an inclined dipole in a homogeneous and isotropic ground. In both models, significant errors in the quantitative interpretation of SP anomalies may result from not taking ground anisotropy into account.     

A Fourier transform method for the interpretation of self-potential anomalies due to two-dimensional inclined sheets of finite depth extent

The self-potential anomaly due to a two-dimensional inclined sheets of finite depth extent has been analysed in the frequency domain using the Fourier transform. Expression for the Fourier amplitude and phase spectra are derived. The Fourier amplitude and phase spectra are analysed so as to evaluate the parameters of the sheet. Application of this method on two anomalies (synthetic and field data) has given good results.     

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.     

Review on Morphological Insights of Self-Potential Anomalies on Volcanoes

Energy and thermal transfers in active volcanoes can play an important role incontrolling their dynamics depending on the hydrothermal state. Much geothermalenergy is released through the groundwater circulation, hot gas emission and thermalconduction. Therefore, it is very important to know the hydrological and thermalenvironments associated with volcanoes from the volcano-energetic point of view.However, it is difficult to evaluate these because of the availability of only a fewborehole data on the summit of volcanoes. Recent studies reveal that self-potential(SP) anomalies (up to some hundreds of mV) are observed on volcanoes, activefissure zones and/or fumarolic areas, suggesting that the SP anomalies are closelyrelated to heat-triggered phenomena such as thermoelectric and electrokinetic effectsdue to hydrothermal circulations. Therefore, SP studies can be appropriate for sensingthe thermal and hydrothermal states of volcanoes. In addition, monitoring SP anomaliescan be an efficient method for describing the change of thermal state and the evolutionof the hydrothermal (and volcanic) activities.In this paper, we have reviewed the origin of the SP anomalies associated withvolcanic phenomena theoretically as well as experimentally. Subsequently, wehave presented the results of many case studies and have classified the types ofanomalies in accordance with possible mechanisms. We have also described theresults of time variations of SP anomalies associated with volcanic activities. Timevarying SP fields exhibit the dynamic aspects of volcanic activities correspondingto the evolution of hydrothermal activity, changes in ground water circulation andmagma displacement. These morphological insights should lead to a quantitativeinterpretation of SP anomalies in volcanic regions.     

Application of particle swarm optimization on self-potential data

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) is a global search method, which can be used for quantitative interpretation of self-potential data in geophysics. At the result of this process, parameters of a source model, e.g., the electrical dipole moment, the depth of the source, the distance from the origin, the polarization angle and regional coefficients are estimated. This study investigates the results and interpretation of a detailed numerical data of some simple body responses, contaminated and field data. The method is applied to three field examples from Turkey and the results are compared with the previous works. The statistics of particle swarm optimization and the corresponding model parameters are analyzed with respect to the number of generation. We also present the oscillations of the model parameters at the vicinity of the low misfit area. Further, we show how the model parameters and absolute frequencies are related to the total number of PSO iterations. Gaussian noise shifts the low misfit area region from the correct parameter values proportional to the level of errors, which directly affects the result of the PSO method. These effects also give some ambiguity of the model parameters. However, the statistical analyses help to decrease these ambiguities in order to find the correct values. Thus, the findings suggest that PSO can be used for quantitative interpretation of self-potential data.