Non-invasive Geophysical Surveys in Search of the Roman Temple of Augustus Under the Cathedral of Tarragona (Catalonia,Spain): A Case Study

An integrated geophysical survey has been conducted at the Tarragona’s Cathedral (Catalonia, NE Spain) with the aim to confirm the potential occurrence of archaeological remains of the Roman Temple dedicated to the Emperor Augustus. Many hypotheses have been proposed about its possible location, the last ones regarding the inner part of the Cathedral, which is one of the most renowned temples of Spain (twelfth century) evolving from Romanesque to Gothic styles. A geophysical project including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground probing radar (GPR) was planned over 1 year considering the administrative and logistic difficulties of such a project inside a cathedral of religious veneration. Finally, both ERT and GPR have been conducted during a week of intensive overnight surveys that provided detailed information on subsurface existing structures. The ERT method has been applied using different techniques and arrays, ranging from standard Wenner–Schlumberger 2D sections to full 3D electrical imaging with the advanced Maximum Yield Grid array. Electrical resistivity data were recorded extensively, making available many thousands of apparent resistivity data to obtain a complete 3D image after a full inversion. In conclusion, some significant buried structures have been revealed providing conclusive information for archaeologists. GPR results provided additional information about shallowest structures. The geophysical results were clear enough to persuade religious authorities and archaeologists to conduct selected excavations in the most promising areas that confirmed the interpretation of geophysical data. In conclusion, the significant buried structures revealed by geophysical methods under the cathedral were confirmed by archaeological digging as the basement of the impressive Roman Temple that headed the Provincial Forum of Tarraco, seat of the Concilium of Hispania Citerior Province.     

High resolution 3D ERT to help GPR data interpretation for researching archaeological items in a geologically complex subsurface

Muro Leccese (Lecce) contains one the most important Messapian archaeological sites in southern Italy.The archaeological interest of the site arises from the discovery of the remains of Messapian walls, tombs, roads, etc. (4th–2nd centuries BC) in the neighbourhood. The archaeological remains were found at about 0.3 m depth.At present the site belongs to the municipality, which intends to build a new sewer network through it. The risk of destroying potentially interesting ancient archaeological structures during the works prompted an archaeological survey of the area. The relatively large dimensions of the area (almost 10,000 m²), together with time and cost constraints, made it necessary to use geophysical investigations as a faster means to ascertain the presence of archaeological items. Since the most important targets were expected to be located at a soil depth of about 0.3 m, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey was carried out in an area located near the archaeological excavations. Unfortunately the geological complexity did not allow an easy interpretation of the GPR data.Therefore a 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) scan was conducted in order to resolve these interpretation problems.A three-way comparison of the results of the dense ERT measurements parallel to the x axis, the results of the measurements parallel to the y axis and the combined results was performed.Subsequently the synthetic model approach was used to provide a better characterization of the resistivity anomalies visible on the ERT field data.The 3D inversion results clearly illustrate the capability to resolve in view of quality 3D structures of archaeological interest. According to the presented data the inversion models along one direction (x or y) seems to be adequate in reconstructing the subsurface structures.Naturally field data produce good quality reconstructions of the archaeological features only if the x-line and y-line measurements are considered together. Despite the increased computational time required by the 3D acquisition and 3D inversion schemes, good quality results can be produced.     

Integrated Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground Penetrating Radar Measurements Applied to Tomb Detection

The integrated use of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) measurements, and in particular the joint analysis of 2D and 3D data, can represent a valid solution for target identification at complex archaeological sites. A good example, in this respect, is given by the case study of a Phoenician–Punic necropolis in the archaeological site of Nora, in southern Sardinia (Italy), where GPR and ERT measurements were collected before site excavation. In this specific case, the mix of soil and air in the buried chambers, as well as the orientation and the complex spatial distribution of these structures into the sandstone bedrock, generated a number of anomalies difficult to interpret only using 2D results. Only the integration of all GPR and ERT data in a 3D view, and the comparison with archaeological evidence after the excavation, allowed a solid interpretation of geophysical anomalies visible in the 2D sections. Overall, this case study demonstrates the efficiency of the combined use of GPR and ERT acquisitions and shows how, in general, only the joint analysis of 2D data and in a 3D view can help the interpretation of the real distribution of the buried archaeological remains at similar archaeological complex sites.     

A numerical comparison of 2D resistivity imaging with 10 electrode arrays

Numerical simulations are used to compare the resolution and efficiency of 2D resistivity imaging surveys for 10 electrode arrays. The arrays analysed include pole‐pole (PP), pole‐dipole (PD), half‐Wenner (HW), Wenner‐α (WN), Schlumberger (SC), dipole‐dipole (DD), Wenner‐β (WB), γ‐array (GM), multiple or moving gradient array (GD) and midpoint‐potential‐referred measurement (MPR) arrays. Five synthetic geological models, simulating a buried channel, a narrow conductive dike, a narrow resistive dike, dipping blocks and covered waste ponds, were used to examine the surveying efficiency (anomaly effects, signal‐to‐noise ratios) and the imaging capabilities of these arrays. The responses to variations in the data density and noise sensitivities of these electrode configurations were also investigated using robust (L₁‐norm) inversion and smoothness‐constrained least‐squares (L₂‐norm) inversion for the five synthetic models. The results show the following. (i) GM and WN are less contaminated by noise than the other electrode arrays. (ii) The relative anomaly effects for the different arrays vary with the geological models. However, the relatively high anomaly effects of PP, GM and WB surveys do not always give a high‐resolution image. PD, DD and GD can yield better resolution images than GM, PP, WN and WB, although they are more susceptible to noise contamination. SC is also a strong candidate but is expected to give more edge effects. (iii) The imaging quality of these arrays is relatively robust with respect to reductions in the data density of a multi‐electrode layout within the tested ranges. (iv) The robust inversion generally gives better imaging results than the L₂‐norm inversion, especially with noisy data, except for the dipping block structure presented here. (v) GD and MPR are well suited to multichannel surveying and GD may produce images that are comparable to those obtained with DD and PD. Accordingly, the GD, PD, DD and SC arrays are strongly recommended for 2D resistivity imaging, where the final choice will be determined by the expected geology, the purpose of the survey and logistical considerations.     

Compiling and verifying 3D models of 2D induced polarization and resistivity data by geostatistical methods

A 3D model of collected time-domain induced polarization (IP) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data is compiled by geostatistical methods as well as studying spatial correlation among the database. Mesgaran copper deposit, located in Birjand eastern Iran, was chosen to compile and verify the model, leading to five parallel surveyed IP and ERT profiles with dipole–dipole arrays. The collected data were inverted, and then 2D models of IP and ER were prepared; also 3D inversion was done. Afterward, the 3D model has been built by geostatistical methods. Correspondingly, the anomalies threshold was detected by fractal methods and the estimation variance and Kriging efficiency were calculated to validate the modeling. The mineralization zones were determined according to the classified anomalies and those with the lowest error. Results indicated a high correlation between anomalies identified from the model and mineralization. The results made it possible to construct 3D models from surveyed 2D data with acceptable error level.     

Detecting small-scale targets by the 2D inversion of two-sided three-electrode data: application to an archaeological survey

The detecting capabilities of some electrical arrays for the estimation of position, size and depth of small-scale targets were examined in view of the results obtained from 2D inversions of apparent-resistivity data. The two-sided three-electrode apparent-resistivity data are obtained by the application of left- and right-hand pole–dipole arrays that also permit the computation of four-electrode and dipole–dipole apparent-resistivity values without actually measuring them. Synthetic apparent-resistivity data sets of the dipole–dipole, four-electrode and two-sided three-electrode arrays are calculated for models that simulate buried tombs. The results of two-dimensional inversions are compared with regard to the resolution in detecting the exact location, size and depth of the target, showing some advantage for the two-sided three-electrode array. A field application was carried out in the archaeological site known as Alaca Hoyuk, a religious temple area of the Hittite period. The two-dimensional inversion of the two-sided three-electrode apparent-resistivity data has led to locating a part of the city wall and a buried small room. The validity of the interpretation has been checked against the results of subsequent archaeological excavations.     

Archaeo-Geophysics Surveys in Pompeii

Within the extraordinary archaeological site of Pompeii, the Porta Nocera necropolis represents one of the most important sites with funerary monuments, burials and associated graves. The inherent informative potential of the archaeological/monumental heritage present in the Porta Nocera necropolis poses notable problems for the conservation and restoration of the structures and surfaces of the funerary monuments. Brought to light at different times during the second half of last century, they show signs of degradation caused by atmospheric agents and the rising level of the water table, which threatens the foundations. Other important monuments could be still buried. In order to verify both the state of preservation of the foundations of funerary buildings, the presence of still active causes of deterioration and the probable presence of other buried archaeological structures, integrated geophysical surveys, with ground penetrating radar (GPR), passive (Self Potential—SP) and active electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), were undertaken. Furthermore a three-dimensional model of the entire necropolis was created. This involved the creation of a specific survey methodology, combining laser scanning with ortho-photogrammetry using shots taken on the ground and from the air by the use of a drone. The integration of the acquired data allows us to plan future interventions of restoration.     

熊家冢古墓电阻率层析成像探测

为了合理地设计熊家冢古墓的后续考古发掘工作,需要对其主冢和陪冢的位置和墓室埋深等进行地球物理探测。电阻率层析成像具有无损性的优点,利用该技术对熊家冢古墓的主冢和陪冢进行了试验性探测。在探测中,分别布设了展布南北和东西的2条测线来控制主冢和陪冢。根据反演后的电阻率图像,估算了主冢和陪冢的位置和尺寸,为古墓的后续考古挖掘工作设计提供了基本参数。      

高密度电法数值模拟及其在寻找北京人头盖骨化石中的应用

为寻找埋藏在地下两米以内深度装有文物的木箱,采用高密度电阻率方法进行了探测.在完成三维正演与二维反演数值模拟的基础上进行了野外数据的反演解释工作,利用三维局部异常体的正演响应特征及二维反演结构与真实模型的对应关系,对实际的数据进行了认识解释,得到了目的层的异常体可能是地道而不是木箱的初步结论.实际表明,利用高密度电法来进行浅层的探测是可行的.     

Field test to compare 3D imaging capabilities of three arrays in a site with high resistivity contrast regions

The applicability of three kinds of electrode configurations used to delineate a buried horizontal pipe was studied. A 3D resistivity imaging survey was carried out along eight parallel lines using pole-pole, pole-dipole, and dipole-dipole arrays with 1m minimum electrode spacings. Roll-along measurements were carried out to cover a rectangular grid. The 2D and 3D least squares algorithms based on the robust inversion method were used in the inversion of the apparent resistivity data sets. The 2D inversion of data sets could not delineate the orientation and dimension of the subsurface anomalies clearly. To obtain more accurate results, a 3D joint inversion of the pole-pole and pole-dipole data sets was performed, as well as of pole-pole and dipole-dipole data sets. In this case, both horizontal and vertical dimensions of subsurface structures were resolved. The resulting model obtained from each array was compared to those of joint inversion method. The result showed that the horizontal resolution does not improve so much as that in the vertical direction when joint inversion is applied.     

Use of four-electrode arrays in three-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging survey

The objective of this paper is to investigate the applicability of four-electrode arrays in 3D electrical resistivity imaging survey. A 3D resistivity imaging survey was carried out along fourteen parallel lines using dipole-dipole, Wenner-Schlumberger, and Wenner arrays with 2 m minimum electrode spacings. Roll-along measurements using a line spacing of 1 m were carried out covering a grid of 20 × 14 electrodes. The 3D least squares algorithm, based on the robust inversion method, was used in the inversion of the 3D apparent resistivity data sets. The results show that the 3D electrical resistivity imaging survey using the Wenner-Schlumberger and the dipole-dipole arrays, or the Wenner and the dipole-dipole arrays, in combination with an appropriate 3D inversion method, can be highly useful when the site conditions do not allow using the pole-pole or pole-dipole arrays.     

A 3D ERT study of solute transport in a large experimental tank

A high resolution, cross-borehole, 3D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) study of solute transport was conducted in a large experimental tank. ERT voxels comprising the time sequence of electrical images were converted into a 3D array of ERT estimated fluid conductivity breakthrough curves and compared with direct measurements of fluid conductivity breakthrough made in wells. The 3D ERT images of solute transport behaviour were also compared with predictions based on a 3D finite-element, coupled flow and transport model, accounting for gravity induced flow caused by concentration differences.The tank (dimensions 185×245×186 cm) was filled with medium sand, with a gravel channel and a fine sand layer installed. This heterogeneous system was designed to complicate solute transport behaviour relative to a homogeneous sand tank, and to thus provide a challenging but insightful analysis of the ability of 3D ERT to resolve transport phenomena. Four ERT arrays and 20 piezometers were installed during filling. A NaCl tracer (conductivity 1.34 S/m) was injected and intensively monitored with 3D ERT and direct sampling of fluid chemistry in piezometers.We converted the bulk conductivity estimate for 250 voxels in the ERT imaged volume into ERT estimated voxel fluid conductivity by assuming that matrix conduction in the tank is negligible. In general, the ERT voxel response is in reasonable agreement with the shape of fluid conductivity breakthrough observed in six wells in which direct measurements of fluid conductivity were made. However, discrepancies occur, particularly at early times, which we attribute to differences between the scale of the image voxels and the fluid conductivity measurement, measurement errors mapped into the electrical inversion and artificial image roughness resulting from the inversion.ERT images revealed the 3D tracer distribution at 15 times after tracer injection. The general pattern and timing of solute breakthrough observed with ERT agreed with that predicted from the flow/transport modelling. However, the ERT images indicate a vertical component of tracer transport and preferential flow paths in the medium sand. We attribute this to transient vertical gradients established during tracer injection, and heterogeneity caused by sorting of the sand resulting from the filling procedure. In this study, ERT provided a unique dataset of 250 voxel breakthrough curves in 1.04 m³. The use of 3D ERT to generate an array of densely sampled estimated fluid conductivity breakthrough curves is a potentially powerful tool for quantifying solute transport processes.     

Focused imaging of electrical resistivity data in archaeological prospecting

Electrical resistivity mapping and electrical resistivity profiling are powerful instruments for investigating archaeological structures. Interpretation of geoelectrical data is complicated by near-surface anomalies and the characteristics of the applied electrode arrays. Averaging Wenner α and Wenner β data as an alternative method of focused imaging is presented to overcome these problems. The mechanism of focused imaging is explained using the sensitivity distribution of the combined arrays. Various methods of imaging geoelectrical data are examined with synthetic and field data. In electrical resistivity mapping, inversion of the data is unnecessary when using focused imaging. In electrical resistivity profiling, focused imaging gives a first idea about the subsurface resistivity distribution without achieving the quality obtainable by inversion.     

Two‐dimensional joint inversions of cross‐hole resistivity data and resolution analysis of combined arrays

In this study, a new two‐dimensional inversion algorithm was developed for the inversion of cross‐hole direct current resistivity measurements. In the last decades, various array optimisation methods were suggested for resistivity tomography. However, researchers have still collected data by using classical electrode arrays in most cross‐hole applications. Therefore, we investigated the accuracy of both the individual and the joint inversion of the classical cross‐hole arrays by using both synthetic and field data with the developed algorithm. We showed that the joint inversion of bipole–bipole, pole–bipole, bipole–pole, and pole–tripole electrode arrays gives inverse solutions that are closer to the real model than the individual inversions of the electrode array datasets for the synthetic data inversion. The model resolution matrix of the suggested arrays was used to analyse the inversion results. This model resolution analysis also showed the advantage of the joint inversion of bipole–bipole, pole–bipole, bipole–pole, and pole–tripole arrays. We also used sensitivity sections from each of the arrays and their superpositions to explain why joint inversion gives better resolution than the any individual inversion result.     

Combined electrical and electromagnetic imaging of hot fluids within fractured rock in rugged Himalayan terrain

Integrated electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and short-offset transient electromagnetic (TEM) measurements were carried out to investigate a geothermal area in the Main Central Thrust (MCT) zone of Garhwal Himalayan region, India. The study area is located around Helang on either side of Alaknanda River and it is dotted with hot water springs with water temperature of 45°–55 °C emerging at the surface.To assess the geothermal potential and its lateral and vertical extension in and around the hot water springs in the study area, 7 ERT profiles and 21 TEM stations on 7 profiles were established around the hot water spring and at far distant locations. The 2D inversion of ERT data indicates a low resistivity (< 50 Ωm) zone in the vicinity of hot springs, which appears to be associated with an underground water channel through the fractured rock. The bedrock resistivity is very high (> 1000 Ωm) whereas the resistivity of the weathered near surface soil at a far distant location from the hot spring is low (< 100 Ωm) again. A common feature of all TEM data is the sign reversal observed at roughly 10 μs. The consistent sign reversal in all TEM data indicates the existence of the multi-dimensionality of the geoelectrical structure. Therefore, the TEM data were treated by using the SLDM (Spectral Lanczos Decomposition Method) 2D/3D forward modeling code based on the finite difference algorithm. The resistivity structure obtained from ERT data was used as an input for the modeling of TEM data. Based on the joint analysis of the ERT and TEM data it can be inferred that geothermal anomalies associated with the hot spring in the MCT zone are a local feature appearing as a low resistivity zone (< 50 Ωm) at shallow depth (< 100 m) in the vicinity of the hot spring region.     

An algorithm for fast 3D inversion of surface electrical resistivity tomography data: application on imaging buried antiquities

In this work a new algorithm for the fast and efficient 3D inversion of conventional 2D surface electrical resistivity tomography lines is presented. The proposed approach lies on the assumption that for every surface measurement there is a large number of 3D parameters with very small absolute Jacobian matrix values, which can be excluded in advance from the Jacobian matrix calculation, as they do not contribute significant information in the inversion procedure. A sensitivity analysis for both homogeneous and inhomogeneous earth models showed that each measurement has a specific region of influence, which can be limited to parameters in a critical rectangular prism volume. Application of the proposed algorithm accelerated almost three times the Jacobian (sensitivity) matrix calculation for the data sets tested in this work. Moreover, application of the least squares regression iterative inversion technique, resulted in a new 3D resistivity inversion algorithm more than 2.7 times faster and with computer memory requirements less than half compared to the original algorithm. The efficiency and accuracy of the algorithm was verified using synthetic models representing typical archaeological structures, as well as field data collected from two archaeological sites in Greece, employing different electrode configurations. The applicability of the presented approach is demonstrated for archaeological investigations and the basic idea of the proposed algorithm can be easily extended for the inversion of other geophysical data.     

The use of non-conventional CPTe data in determination of 3-D electrical resistivity distribution

The spatial distribution of the electrical resistivity data provides useful information for investigating and modeling the fluid transport processes. 3D electrical resistivity distribution provides information about water flow and changes in electrical resistivity of the pore fluid.Therefore, to assist in understanding and modeling of the fluid transport process, 3D spatial distribution of the electrical resistivity data with the corresponded 3D geological section were mapped and interpreted in the test site located in western Germany. A process of deriving electrical resistivity values from the mechanical and radioactive parameters of cone penetration tests (CPT) and geological information of boreholes was presented. A reliable method which gives accurate resistivity values in cases of near surface sediments was introduced. Then a field test was executed where the calculated resistivity values were compared with the measured CPTe resistivity data. The CPTe (cone penetration test with electrical extension) data were also used in correlating to the ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) data. Consequently, obtained dense CPT surveys give us the possibility to determine a high resolution resistivity distribution of the investigated area.     

Two-dimensional joint inversion of radiomagnetotelluric and direct current resistivity data

An algorithm for the two-dimensional (2D) joint inversion of radiomagnetotelluric and direct current resistivity data was developed. This algorithm can be used for the 2D inversion of apparent resistivity data sets collected by multi-electrode direct current resistivity systems for various classical electrode arrays (Wenner, Schlumberger, dipole-diplole, pole-dipole) and radiomagnetotelluric measurements jointly. We use a finite difference technique to solve the Helmoltz and Poisson equations for radiomagnetotelluric and direct current resistivity methods respectively. A regularized inversion with a smoothness constrained stabilizer was employed to invert both data sets. The radiomagnetotelluric method is not particularly sensitive when attempting to resolve near-surface resistivity blocks because it uses a limited range of frequencies. On the other hand, the direct current resistivity method can resolve these near-surface blocks with relatively greater accuracy. Initially, individual and joint inversions of synthetic radiomagnetotelluric and direct current resistivity data were compared and we demonstrated that the joint inversion result based on this synthetic data simulates the real model more accurately than the inversion results of each individual method. The developed 2D joint inversion algorithm was also applied on a field data set observed across an active fault located close to the city of Kerpen in Germany. The location and depth of this fault were successfully determined by the 2D joint inversion of the radiomagnetotelluric and direct current resistivity data. This inversion result from the field data further validated the synthetic data inversion results.     

Mapping of quick clay by electrical resistivity tomography under structural constraint

Geotechnical projects usually rely on traditional sounding and drilling investigations. Drilling only provides point information and the geology needs to be interpolated between these points. Near surface geophysical methods can provide information to fill those gaps. Norwegian case studies are presented to illustrate how two-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) can be used to accurately map the extent of quick clay deposits. Quick clay may be described as highly sensitive marine clay that changes from a relatively stiff condition to a liquid mass when disturbed. Quick clay slides present a geo-hazard and therefore layers of sensitive clay need to be mapped in detail. They are usually characterized by higher resistivity than non-sensitive clay and ERT is therefore a suitable approach to identify their occurrence. However, our experience shows that ERT cannot resolve this small resistivity contrast near large anomalies such as a bedrock interface. For this reason, a constrained inversion of ERT data was applied to delineate quick clay extent both vertically and laterally. As compared to the conventional unconstrained inversions, the constrained inversion models exhibit sharper resistivity contrasts and their resistivity values agree better with in situ measurements.     

Study of water tension differences in heterogeneous sandy soils using surface ERT

Herbaceous vegetation in the Sahel grows almost exclusively on sandy soils which preferentially retain water through infiltration and storage. The hydrological functioning of these sandy soils during rain cycles is unknown. One way to tackle this issue is to spatialize variations in water content but these are difficult to measure in the vadose zone. We investigated the use of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) as a technique for spatializing resistivity in a non-destructive manner in order to improve our knowledge of relevant hydrological processes. To achieve this, two approaches were examined. First, we focused on a possible link between water tension (which is much easier to measure in the field by point measurements than water content), and resistivity (spatialized with ERT). Second, because ERT is affected by solution non-uniqueness and reconstruction smoothing, we improved the accuracy of ERT inversion by comparing calculated solutions with in-situ resistivity measurements. We studied a natural microdune during a controlled field experiment with artificial sprinkling which reproduced typical rainfall cycles. We recorded temperature, water tension and resistivity within the microdune and applied surface ERT before and after the 3 rainfall cycles. Soil samples were collected after the experiment to determine soil physical characteristics. An experimental relationship between water tension and water content was also investigated. Our results showed that the raw relationship between calculated ERT resistivity and water tension measurements in sand is highly scattered because of significant spatial variations in porosity. An improved correlation was achieved by using resistivity ratio and water tension differences. The slope of the relationship depends on the soil solution conductivity, as predicted by Archie's law when salted water was used for the rain simulation. We found that determining the variations in electrical resistivity is a sensitive method for spatializing the differences in water tension which are directly linked with infiltration and evaporation/drainage processes in the vadose zone. However, three factors complicate the use of this approach. Firstly, the relation between water tension and water content is generally non-linear and dependent on the water content range. This could limit the use of our site-specific relations for spatializing water content with ERT through tension. Secondly, to achieve the necessary optimization of ERT inversion, we used destructive resistivity measurements in the soil, which renders ERT less attractive. Thirdly, we found that the calculated resistivity is not always accurate because of the smoothing involved in surface ERT data inversion. We conclude that further developments are needed into ERT image reconstruction before water tension (and water content) can be spatialized in heterogeneous sandy soils with the accuracy needed to routinely study their hydrological functioning.