Monitoring hydraulic processes with automated time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ALERT)

Hydraulic processes in porous media can be monitored in a minimally invasive fashion by time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). The permanent installation of specifically designed ERT instrumentation, telemetry and information technology (IT) infrastructure enables automation of data collection, transfer, processing, management and interpretation. Such an approach gives rise to a dramatic increase in temporal resolution, thus providing new insight into rapidly occurring subsurface processes. In this paper, we discuss a practical implementation of automated time-lapse ERT. We present the results of a recent study in which we used controlled hydraulic experiments in two test cells at reduced field scale to explore the limiting conditions for process monitoring with cross-borehole ERT measurements. The first experiment used three adjacent boreholes to monitor rapidly rising and falling water levels. For the second experiment, we injected a saline tracer into a homogeneous flow field in freshwater-saturated sand; the dynamics of the plume were then monitored with 2D measurements across a 9-borehole fence and 3D measurements across a 3 × 3 grid of boreholes. We investigated different strategies for practical data acquisition and show that simple re-ordering of ERT measurement schemes can help harmonise data collection with the nature of the monitored process. The methodology of automated time-lapse ERT was found to perform well in different monitoring scenarios (2D/3D plus time) at time scales associated with realistic subsurface processes. The limiting factor is the finite amount of time needed for the acquisition of sufficiently comprehensive datasets. We found that, given the complexity of our monitoring scenarios, typical frame rates of at least 1.5–3 images per hour were possible without compromising image quality.     

Imaging of wastewater percolation in heterogeneous soil using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT): a case study at east of Tenth of Ramadan City,Egypt

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of DC resistivity surveys for imaging the wastewater percolation around the stabilization ponds in the Tenth of Ramadan City, the desert fringes of East Nile Delta, Egypt. Detailed resistivity surveys, including DC soundings and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), were carried out along several profiles. Furthermore, synthetic modeling of ERT was designed to optimize the survey configurations and interpretation of the results. A 2D modeling of smoothness-constrained least-squares inversion scheme was applied to delineate the possible wastewater infiltration zones from oxidation ponds. Because the geoelectrical interpretation has a degree of non-uniqueness, the resistivity inversion was constrained using borehole lithological information and soil sample laboratory measurements. The DC inversion results indicate decreasing resistivity down to a depth of 15 m around waste disposal sites. The inferred soil zone close to the oxidation ponds was a mixture of sand, silt and clay. Moreover, the clay minerals were characterized by moderate swelling that could have reduced the vertical infiltration speed, causing wastewater seepage, especially around unlined disposal sites and open surface drains. Accordingly, the medium-to-low resistivity values can be attributed to wastewater leakage in clayey sand soil. Because the area slopes generally toward the northeast, the surface seepage was dominant in the shallow impermeable sandy clay subsoil. Therefore, measuring soil parameters is a complementary method to optimize resistivity interpretation, with potential for mitigating environmental hazards from wastewater leakage around disposal ponds.     

Integrated geoelectrical survey for groundwater and shallow subsurface evaluation: case study at Siliyin spring, El-Fayoum, Egypt

Siliyin spring is one of the many natural fresh water springs in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is located at the central part of El-Fayoum Delta, which is a potential place for urban developments and touristic activities. Integrated geoelectrical survey was conducted to facilitate mapping the groundwater resources and the shallow subsurface structures in the area. Twenty-eight transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings, three vertical electrical soundings (VES) and three electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were carried out around the Siliyin spring location. The dense cultivation, the rugged topography and the existence of infra structure in the area hindered acquiring more data. The TEM data were inverted jointly with the VES and ERT, and constrained by available geological information. Based on the inversion results, a set of geoelectrical cross-sections have been constructed. The shallow sand to sandy clay layer that forms the shallow aquifer has been completely mapped underneath and around the spring area. Flowing of water from the Siliyin spring is interconnected with the lateral lithological changes from clay to sand soil. Exploration of the extension of Siliyin spring zone is recommended. The interpretation emphasizes the importance of integrating the geoelectrical survey with the available geological information to obtain useful, cheap and fast lithological and structural subsurface information.     

A new method of controlled-source frequency induction soundings

We suggest a new inversion method for frequency induction data implying the use of a new parameter, which has a simple analytical form in the case of a uniform subsurface. The new parameter is found from induction numbers measured in the field of a vertical magnetic dipole or a vertical magnetic dipole combined either with a horizontal electrical dipole or with a horizontal magnetic dipole. Compared with the classical methods, the new technique provides better resolved resistivity curves and faithful images of the subsurface at higher frequencies and smaller transmitter-receiver separations. The inversion algorithm is applied to amplitude and amplitude-phase data and provides reliable depth assignment of the detected resistivity layers in the latter case.     

覆盖层影响下圆锥型瞬变电磁Occam约束反演

在地表浅层瞬变电磁勘探中,覆盖层是影响瞬变电磁探测效果的重要因素之一。为了进一步验证覆盖层影响下圆锥型场源装置的探测效果,在瞬变电磁全区视电阻率理论基础上,引入地层信息约束的Occam反演方法,研究了覆盖层不同参数影响下下伏地层的电磁响应特征。研究结果表明:目标层电磁响应强度与覆盖层和目标层电阻率比值有关;当覆盖层电阻率逐渐增大时,目标层反演电阻率与实际电阻率拟合度呈现先提升后降低的趋势,临界点出现在覆盖层与下伏高阻层电阻率相等时;当覆盖层厚度增大时,下伏地层的电磁响应相应减弱,异常区电磁响应峰值出现时间提前,反演后电阻率峰值深度加深。通过加入地层信息约束,下伏地层电阻率与实际电阻率拟合度及层界面分辨率均得到有效提升。研究成果为圆锥型场源野外数据处理与解释提供理论参考。      

Diesel transport monitoring in simulated unconfined aquifers using miniature resistivity arrays

The principal aim of this study is to assess the scope of monitoring diesel plume migration in a scaled aquifer model with a miniaturised electrical resistivity array. Respectively 1000 and 500 ml of diesel were injected in both the unsaturated and water-saturated zones of a sand body overlying a clay aquitard, and diesel migration was monitored with a miniature electrode array and an off-the-shelf resistivity meter. Inverted time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data reflect downward and lateral spreading of the diesel plume away from the injection point in the unsaturated zone. Diesel was also imaged to spread upwards and laterally away from the injection point in the saturated zone, as controlled by capillary rise. In both cases later-time ERT images reflected preferential pooling of diesel on the water table, as well as vertical smearing of pooled diesel in response to simulated water-table fluctuations. Repeat fluid electrical conductivity (EC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements validate the observed changes in bulk resistivity caused by both diesel injections. Artefacts introduced by 2D inversion of 3D contaminant transport were abound. Time-lapse ERT imaging of diesel transport is therefore inferred to be feasible and well-suited to complementing conventional techniques of intrusive site investigation, although time-lapse 3D or 4D ERT imaging is strongly advocated.     

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

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

Comparative study between filtering and inversion of VLF-EM profile data

This paper discusses the practical use of filtering and inversion in VLF-EM data processing and interpretation. The advantages and disadvantages of both mentioned techniques were outlined to avoid the misleading interpretation of such data in some case studies. Much concern is taken to show the interval distance effect upon the correct depth identification of the anomalous body by either inversion or filtering. The methodology of the study is going through proposing an initial model, generating the synthetic VLF-EM data of the model by means of forward modeling, filtering (Karous–Hjelt filter) and inversion (Inv2DVLF software) of the synthetic data and comparing between the results of both methods and the initial model. The study reached to (1) Karous–Hjelt filter provides misleading depths for his limited depth of resolution and cannot provide estimates of deep targets if the profile is too small, whereas inversion provides exact results, particularly in case of shallow anomalous target; (2) crossover between in-phase and out-of-phase data could resulted from a small shallow conductive target or a large deep one; (3) selection of a reasonable environmental resistivity has an important impact on the inversion process; and (4) the numerical reflection resulted during VLF-EM data inversion could lead to an erroneous interpretation.     

Assessment of integrated electrical resistivity data on complex aquifer structures in NE Nuba Mountains – Sudan

Two geophysical techniques were integrated to map the groundwater aquifers on complex geological settings, in the crystalline basement terrain in northeast Nuba Mountains. The water flow is structurally controlled by the northwest–southeast extensional faults as one of several in-situ deformational patterns that are attributed to the collision of the Pan-African oceanic assemblage of the Nubian shield against the pre-Pan African continental crust to the west. The structural lineaments and drainage systems have been enhanced by the remote sensing technique. The geophysical techniques used are: vertical electrical soundings (VES) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), in addition to hydraulic conductivity measurements. These measurements were designed to overlap in order to improve the producibility of the geophysical data and to provide a better interpretation of the hydrogeological setting of the aquifer complex structure. Smooth and Block inversion schemes were attempted for the observed ERT data to study their reliability in mapping the different geometries in the complex subsurface. The VES data was conducted where ERT survey was not accessible, and inverted smoothly and merged with the ERT in the 3D resistivity grid. The hydraulic conductivity was measured for 42 water samples collected from the distributed dug wells in the study area; where extremely high saline zones were recorded and have been compared to the resistivity values in the 3D model.     

Electrical resistivity tomography mapping of beachrocks: application to the island of Thassos (N. Greece)

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique is widely used in mapping subsurface electrical properties. In this study, ERT was used to map a beachrock outcrop, extended both inland, under beach sediments, and seawards, on and under seafloor sediments. Mapping of beachrock is considered important because it can help evaluate the lateral and vertical extend of the formation. Fast and reliable mapping of beachrocks may contribute in several applications like engineering and construction, coastal management, recreational reformation as well as scientific approaches like coastal evolution research, and palaeo-environmental studies. The outcome of the survey was the mapping of the formation with centimeter precision, especially towards the sea. Special processing was applied to the data in order to constrain the inversion procedure to include the known sea water layer.     

电阻率法监测地下地质变化的数值模拟

通过有限元数值模拟方法,研究了电阻率法监测地下地质变化的可行性,提出了基于多期次观测的地下电阻率监测方法,应用二维电阻率正、反演程序对模型进行了数值模拟。结果表明,电阻率相对变化率可以较好地指示电阻率变化的区域和位置。高精度、大数据量的地电阻率观测,以及基于2D或3D的电阻率正、反演计算使得应用电阻率法监测地下地质变化成为可能。     

Integrated near surface geophysics across the active Mount Marzano Fault System (southern Italy): seismogenic hints

Here, we describe an original geophysical multi-method approach applied to the Mount Marzano Fault System. This is one of the most hazardous seismogenic faults of the Apennines (Irpinia, southern Italy), and it was responsible for the 1980, Mw 6.9, earthquake, along with many others before. We carried out electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements, and horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) microtremor analysis along several common transects designed across the potential and/or certain fault traces. The data obtained from these non-invasive, inexpensive, expeditious methods mutually integrate with and complement each other, providing a valuable subsurface image of the near surface fault architecture. ERT depicts the general shallow image of the fault zone and of the fault-controlled sedimentary basin, with the depth of the buried bedrock cross-correlated through ambient-noise HVSR results. GPR delineates the very shallow geometry of the fault and of the associated deformation. Coupled with previous paleoseismological studies, these data allow the evaluation of some fault parameters and the precise locating of the fault trace, to aid future paleoseismological investigations aimed at seismic risk reduction programs.     

Efficacy of electrical resistivity tomography technique in mapping shallow subsurface anomaly

Electrical Resistivity Tomography is a versatile, fast and cost effective technique for mapping the shallow subsurface anomaly. It covers a wide spectrum of resistivity ranging from <1 Ohm.m to several thousands of Ohm.m. In this paper applications and utility of two-dimensional Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) technique are discussed to look into huge data density coverage, different signal strengths of data from subsurface and their implications in resolving the aquifer zones, related geological structures etc. of the substratum ranging from alluvium to tectonically disturbed hard rock ridge region of the country. The major advantages and flexibility of ERT over conventional resistivity methods are also discussed.     

Geoelectrical survey over perched aquifers in the northern part of Upper Sakarya River Basin,Türkiye

In this study, a groundwater exploration survey was conducted using the DC Resistivity (DCR) method in a hydrogeological setting containing a perched aquifer. DCR data were gathered and an electrical tomography section was recovered using conventional four-electrode instruments with a Schlumberger array and a two-dimensional (2D) inversion scheme. The proposed scheme was tested over a synthetic three-dimensional (3D) subsurface model before deploying it in a field situation. The proposed method indicated that gathering data with simple four-electrode instruments at stations along a line and 2D inversion of datasets at multiple stations can recover depth intervals of the studied aquifer in the hydrogeological setting even if it has a 3D structure. In this study, 2D inversion of parallel profiles formed a pseudo-3D volume of the subsurface resistivity structures and mapped out multiple resistive (>25 ohm·m) bodies at shallow (between 50–100 m) and deep sections (>150 m). In general, the proposed method is convenient to encounter geological units that have limited vertical and spatial extensions in any direction and presents resistivity contrast from groundwater-bearing geologic materials.     

大湾区珠江口海上高密度电法探测

海域环境对高密度电阻率法在仪器设备、测量技术和反演解译等方面提出了更高要求,开展海上高密度电法的数值模拟和实测研究将进一步丰富近岸海域地质、资源和环境等问题的勘查手段.基于数值模拟和野外实测,深入研究了偶极-偶极、温纳、斯贝等不同装置对近岸海域典型地电模型的分辨能力和空间定位效果,并详细分析了海水导电性的影响,最后在珠江口伶仃洋海域开展了国内首次2条长剖面的实际测量.结果表明海水电导率对不同测量装置在探测深度和精度方面存在差异化影响,井中电缆利用浮力材料固定后,进行水面拖缆式偶极-偶极测量能大幅降低海底沉缆式测量的施工风险,实现复杂海域环境下高密度电法探测效果、深度与效率的优化折中.      

基于时延三维电阻率反演的岩溶地下河管道空间分布识别物理模拟研究

岩溶地下河管道空间分布的识别对岩溶区的各类地球科学工作意义重大,文章阐述了采用时延三维电阻率反演技术,开展对地下河管道空间分布识别的研究,在室内灰岩介质下的物理模拟实验结果表明:对雨季管道充水和枯季管道干涸时采集的电阻率数据进行时延反演后,地下河管道的模拟三维空间分布被很好地突显出来,时延反演效果大大地优于对单次采集数据的反演效果,管道充填水时的反演效果次之,管道充填空气时的反演结果很难有效识别地下河管道的空间分布情况。物理模型试验成果可指导野外实践中对岩溶地下河管道的探测研究。      

A genetic meta-algorithm-assisted inversion approach: hydrogeological study for the determination of volumetric rock properties and matrix and fluid parameters in unsaturated formations

An evolutionary inversion approach is suggested for the interpretation of nuclear and resistivity logs measured by direct-push tools in shallow unsaturated sediments. The efficiency of formation evaluation is improved by estimating simultaneously (1) the petrophysical properties that vary rapidly along a drill hole with depth and (2) the zone parameters that can be treated as constant, in one inversion procedure. In the workflow, the fractional volumes of water, air, matrix and clay are estimated in adjacent depths by linearized inversion, whereas the clay and matrix properties are updated using a float-encoded genetic meta-algorithm. The proposed inversion method provides an objective estimate of the zone parameters that appear in the tool response equations applied to solve the forward problem, which can significantly increase the reliability of the petrophysical model as opposed to setting these parameters arbitrarily. The global optimization meta-algorithm not only assures the best fit between the measured and calculated data but also gives a reliable solution, practically independent of the initial model, as laboratory data are unnecessary in the inversion procedure. The feasibility test uses engineering geophysical sounding logs observed in an unsaturated loessy-sandy formation in Hungary. The multi-borehole extension of the inversion technique is developed to determine the petrophysical properties and their estimation errors along a profile of drill holes. The genetic meta-algorithmic inversion method is recommended for hydrogeophysical logging applications of various kinds to automatically extract the volumetric ratios of rock and fluid constituents as well as the most important zone parameters in a reliable inversion procedure.     

时移电阻率反演模拟研究

电阻率法可用于地表浅层的探测,也可用于对动态地下目标进行监测.对于监测数据的反演,不同数据集的单独反演存在一定缺陷,为此本文在常规电阻率反演算法的基础上,推导了时移电阻率反演公式,实现了时移反演算法程序;为了论证时移反演算法对动态地下目标成像的优越性,建立一组多个正演模型,利用模拟数据进行单独反演和时移反演,并对比两种...     

Geophysical exploration on the subsurface geology of La Garrotxa monogenetic volcanic field (NE Iberian Peninsula)

We applied self-potential (SP) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to the exploration of the uppermost part of the substrate geology and shallow structure of La Garrotxa monogenetic volcanic field, part of the European Neogene–Quaternary volcanic province. The aim of the study was to improve knowledge of the shallowest part of the feeding system of these monogenetic volcanoes and of its relationship with the subsurface geology. This study complements previous geophysical studies carried out at a less detailed scale and aimed at identifying deeper structures, and together will constitute the basis to establish volcanic susceptibility in La Garrotxa. SP study complemented previous smaller-scale studies and targeted key areas where ERT could be conducted. The main new results include the generation of resistivity models identifying dykes and faults associated with several monogenetic cones. The combined results confirm that shallow tectonics controlling the distribution of the foci of eruptive activity in this volcanic zone mainly correspond to NNW–SSE and accessorily by NNE–SSW Neogene extensional fissures and faults and concretely show the associated magmatic intrusions. These structures coincide with the deeper ones identified in previous studies, and show that previous Alpine tectonic structures played no apparent role in controlling the loci of this volcanism. Moreover, the results obtained show that the changes in eruption dynamics occurring at different vents located at relatively short distances in this volcanic area are controlled by shallow stratigraphical, structural and hydrogeological differences underneath these monogenetic volcanoes.     

Intervention of Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) in resolving hydrological problems of a semi arid granite terrain of Southern India

Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) has been used in association with several geohydrological, geotechnical and geophysical methods in resolving several site specific problems in hydrological science. Advancement in the field of computers and automation in the field of electronics has jointly resulted in the development of this geophysical innovation which has wide application in groundwater, environmental and engineering problems including monitoring of vadose zone water movement, steam injection etc. In this paper application of ERT in association with geohydrological and other exploration methods in resolving groundwater sustainability problem of a micro-watershed area in semi arid granite terrain is presented as three independent cases. In a hard rock terrain the probability of complexities in understanding the sub-surface lithology and its corresponding hydrological parameters are more. Hence appropriate resistivity survey configuration and suitable inversion of acquired data in congregation with other geo-scientific investigations were carried out to understand the site specific problem. The study demonstrated as 3 independent cases shows the usefulness of the ERT method in hydrological investigations, which is economic, efficient and less time consuming in comparison to the other exploration methods.