ON THE INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS BY THE LEAST-SQUARES METHOD*

An interactive least-squares method for the interpretation of VES curves was proposed by Johansen (1977). The method permits one to select some parameters (thicknesses and/or resistivities of individual layers) and to change the rest in such a way that the interpreted model approaches the measured data. This note suggests a modification of Johansen's method, in which not only the individual parameters can be selected but also linear combinations of parameters—in particular, the sum of thicknesses of several layers.     

DEFINITION AND APPLICATION OF THE FREQUENCY -EFFECT TRANSFORM FUNCTION TO THE INTERPRETATION OF IP SOUNDINGS*

This paper deals with a new method of quantitative interpretation of induced polarization soundings in the frequency-domain. From the general expression of the apparent frequency-effect for soundings carried out on a multi-layered earth the application of Hankel's inversion theorem allows to introduce a new function, called here the “frequency-effect transform”. The new interpretation method consists of two steps: 1) the inversion of field data to obtain the frequency-effect transform graph and 2) the analysis of this graph to derive the layering parameters. The first step is performed by means of a slightly revised version of a simple numerical procedure, previously suggested by the author for the inversion of d.c. resistivity sounding data. The second step is carried out by a complete curve-matching procedure, applied directly on the transform graph. This implies suitable master curves, whose preparation doesn't meet all the mathematical difficulties which are present when preparing master curves of the apparent frequency-effect function.     

DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF TWO-ELECTRODE RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS *

This paper describes the procedure for interpreting the apparent resistivity data measured with the two-electrode array directly with the help of kernel function. The calculation of kernel function from the observed resistivity curve is done by the method of decomposition. In the method of decomposition the resistivity curve is approximated by a sum of certain functions, whose choice is only restricted by the requirement that the contribution to the kernel function corresponding to them should be easily computable. A few such functions are classified. These, and the standard curves for corresponding kernel functions obtained by utilising an integral expression for two-electrode array expressing the kernel explicitly in terms of the apparent resistivity functions, are plotted on log-log scale. The determination of layer parameters, that is, the layer resistivities and thicknesses from the kernel function can be carried out by a method proposed by Pekeris (1940).     

NUMERICAL INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS OVER HORIZONTAL BEDS*

The digital computer technique described for interpreting resistivity soundings over a horizontally stratified earth requires two steps. First, the kernel function is evaluated numerically from the inverse Hankel transform of the observed apparent resistivity curve. Special attention is given to the inversion of resistivity data recorded over a section with a resistant basement. The second step consists in the least-squares estimation of layer resistivities and thicknesses from the kernel function. For the case of S or T-equivalent beds only one layer-parameter can be obtained, either the longitudinal conductance, or the transverse resistance respectively. Two examples given in the paper show that a wide tolerance is permitted for Choosing the starting values of the layering parameters in the successive approximation procedure. Another important feature for practical applications is good convergence of the iterations. The method is probably best suited for interpreting profiles of electrical soundings with the purpose of mapping approximately horizontal interfaces at depth.     

PROGRESS IN THE DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS: AN ALGORITHM*

An algorithm is presented for the direct interpretation of resistivity sounding data. The algorithm is based on the method of successive reductions to lower boundary plane of the resistivity transform function. A novel aspect of the algorithm is that error limits are assigned to the initial values of the resistivity transform, and these error limits are carried through in all the subsequent computations. The width of the error range is then used as the basis for assigning weight factors in the final computation of thicknesses and resistivities of the layers. The errors in the resistivity transform derived from the solution given by the algorithm are usually not more than twice as large as those in the original data.     

THE ASSOCIATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

A simple measure, the association parameter, is proposed for directly comparing the results of two electrical soundings. The use of this measure to classify field results and to gain some insight into geological structure before extensive depth interpretation is discussed. In particular it is shown that when used with soundings conducted using the tripotential technique the combined use of association parameter arid lateral inhomogeneity index can allow structural patterns to be discerned where otherwise they might be obscured. Possible extension of the technique is considered.     

A NUMERICAL DIRECT INTERPRETATION METHOD OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS USING THE PEKERIS MODEL*

A numerical method is presented for direct interpretation of resistivity sounding measurements. The early part of the resistivity transform curve derived from field observations by standard methods is approximated by a two-layer curve. The resistivity of the first layer is determined from the arithmetic mean of the successive computations which are carried on each of three successive discrete values of the resistivity transform curve. Using this mean value of the resistivity, the thickness of the first layer is computed from the sample values in pairs of the resistivity transform curve. After these determinations, the top layer is removed by Pekeris's reduction equation. The parameters of the second layer are obtained from the discrete values of the reduced transform curve (which corresponds to the second part of the resistivity transform curve) by the same procedure as described for the first layer. The same computational scheme is repeated until the parameters of all intermediate layers are obtained. The resistivity of the substratum is determined from the reduction equation.     

AN INTERACTIVE COMPUTER/GRAPHIC-DISPLAY-TERMINAL SYSTEM FOR INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

A fast computer-procedure giving the apparent resistivity curve as well as the partial derivatives with respect to the layer-parameters is presented. It is based on the linear filter method developed by D. P. Ghosh in 1971. The sampling frequency is 10 points per decade, and 3 decades are covered. The maximum relative error is less than 10^?3, and in most cases orders of magnitude smaller. The computation time on a CDC 6400 for one curve given in 30 points ranges linearly from .17s for a two-layer case to .36s for a ten-layer case. The procedure is used to plot master curves interactively on a graphic display terminal (Tektronix 4010) connected to the CDC 6400. By trial-and-error adjustments a set of layer-parameters is found, giving essentially the measured curve.     

DIRECT RESISTIVITY INTERPRETATION BY ACCUMULATION OF LAYERS*

The asymptotic approximation of Pekeris is replaced by two new procedures referred to as the two-point method and the multilayer method, other steps in the direct interpretation remaining unmodified. The new methods are based on the assumption that there are at least one or two consecutive sample points of the kernel curve containing the information on a particular layer and containing no information on the deeper layers. In any step, the identified covering layers are accumulated and the interpretation progresses to the successive deeper layer. The multilayer method is oriented towards interpretation of data severly contaminated by noise. The elimination of noise with simultaneous averaging of layer parameters is performed in the domain of Dar Zarrouk parameters.     

A STUDY ON THE DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF DIPOLE SOUNDING RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS OVER LAYERED EARTH *

Dipole sounding resistivity measurements over layered earth can be interpreted directly by adapting the procedure given by Koefoed (1968) for Schlumberger system. To carry out the first step of the interpretation leading to the determination of the raised kernel function, partial resistivity functions for the dipole method are derived and given in the form of standard curves. The second step involving the derivation of layering parameters from the kernel being independent of the electrode configurations remains unaltered. The applicability and limitations of the method are discussed.     

FAST AUTOMATIC PROCESSING OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

The difficulty to use master curves as well as classical techniques for the determination of layer distribution (e_i, ρ_i) from a resistivity sounding arises when the presumed number of layers exceeds five or six. The principle of the method proposed here is based on the identification of the resistivity transform. This principle was recently underlined by many authors. The resistivity transform can be easily derived from the experimental data by the application of Ghosh's linear filter, and another method for deriving the filter coefficientes is suggested. For a given theoretical resistivity transform corresponding to a given distribution of layers (thicknesses and resistivities) various criteria that measure the difference between this theoretical resistivity transform and an experimental one derived by the application of Ghosh's filter are given. A discussion of these criteria from a physical as well as a mathematical point of view follows. The proposed method is then exposed; it is based on a gradient method. The type of gradient method used is defined and justified physically as well as with numerical examples of identified master curves. The practical use for the method and experimental confrontation of identified field curves with drill holes are given. The cost as well as memory occupation and time of execution of the program on CDC 7600 computer is estimated.     

TRANSFORMATION OF SCHLUMBERGER APPARENT RESISTIVITY TO DIPOLE APPARENT RESISTIVITY OVER LAYERED EARTH BY THE APPLICATION OF DIGITAL LINEAR FILTERS *

A simple extension of our previous work in which digital filters were developed to transform dipole resistivity measurements over layered earth to Schlumberger ones leads us to the development of filters for transforming the latter to the former. As in the previous work we use a sampling interval of 1/6 In 10 in designing the filters that are both accurate and fast in operation.     

A SIMPLE METHOD OF INTERPRETATION OF RESISTIVITY SOUNDING DATA USING EXPONENTIAL APPROXIMATION OF THE KERNEL FUNCTION*

A simple unified equation of apparent resistivity for a general four-electrode array is developed. The main idea is the analytical integration of the Stefanescu expression for potential over a layered earth by writing an exponential approximation for the kernel function. Finally a matrix equation is developed to estimate the kernel function from observed apparent resistivity values. The general equation automatically reduces to the particular configuration once the electrode separations are modified suitably. Examples for Schlumberger and Wenner configurations are numerically calculated to estimate the precision of the method. Good results in a short execution time are obtained, irrespective of the shape of the apparent resistivity curve. Finally, the full interpretation of one theoretical resistivity curve and two field resistivity curves is demonstrated. The more stable ridge-regression estimation method is used in the identification of layer parameters from the kernel function.     

INTERPRETATION OF GRAVITV ANOMALIES BY MEANS OF LOCAL POWER SPECTRA*

A statistical model of the medium is introduced as source of a gravimetric anomaly. On the basis of this model the estimation of the parameters of the medium is proposed based on the statistically transformed power spectrum of the gravity anomaly. The method permits to associate the estimated depths to the disturbing limit with the profile points. Practical examples illustrate usefulness of this method to interpretation.     

A NUMERICAL COMPUTATION PROCEDURE FOR THE DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF GEOELECTRICAL SOUNDINGS*

In this paper a numerical method of direct interpretation of geoelectrical soundings is described. It has similarities with already existing direct methods, but owing to its simplicity and, in particular, to the possibility of applying it also without digital computers, it proves useful mostly in the field, where very often an accurate method for the interpretation of multi-layer curves is required. The direct interpretation system splits up into three steps: i) the evaluation of the resistivity transform after application of Hankel's inversion theorem; ii) the determination of the layer distribution after application of Koefoed's recurrent procedure; iii) the control of the solution. Each step is considered and the practical procedures suggested. Finally two field examples are presented and discussed.     

THE USE OF FILTERED BESSEL FUNCTIONS IN DIRECT INTERPRETATION OF GEOELECTRICAL SOUNDINGS *

We start from the Hankel transform of Stefanescu's integral written in the convolutionintegral form suggested by Ghosh (1971). In this way it is possible to obtain the kernel function by the linear electric filter theory. Ghosh worked out the sets of filter coefficients in frequency domain and showed the very low content of high frequencies of apparent resistivity curves. Vertical soundings in the field measure a series of apparent resistivity values at a constant increment Δx of the logarithm of electrode spacing. Without loss of information we obtain the filter coefficient series by digital convolution of the Bessel function of exponential argument with sine function of the appropriate argument. With a series of forty-one values we obtain the kernel functions from the resistivity curves to an accuracy of better than 0.5%. With the digital method it is possible to calculate easily the filter coefficients for any electrode arrangement and any cut-off frequency.     

TRANSFORMATION OF DIPOLE SOUNDINGS OBTAINED ALONG A CROOKED LINE *

Data collected in a dipole-dipole sounding along a crooked line can be transformed to form an approximately equivalent Schlumberger sounding, using a simple matrix inversion technique. The equivalent curve can be interpreted using rapid interpretation methods.     

EFFECT OF VERTICAL CONTACT ON WENNER RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

The allowance for the influence of a vertical contact is evaluated on Wenner resistivity sounding curves, which are graphically constructed on bilogarithmic paper over simple composite earth models consisting of a vertical contact separating two- or three layered earth on one side and a homogeneous medium on the other side. The error incurred in the graphical constructions is explored. Finally, the use of these graphically constructed sounding curves is shown in the interpretation of two Wenner field soundings measured in a complex geologic area.     

THE QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF FREQUENCY-DOMAIN INDUCED POLARIZATION SOUNDINGS OVER HORIZONTAL BEDS*

Following up our recent study of an indirect procedure for the practical determination of the maximum frequency-effect, defined as fe = 1 ? pρ_∞/ρdc with ρ_∞ the resistivity at infinite frequency, we show at first how, through the Laplace transform theory, ρ_∞ can be related to stationary field vectors in the simple form of Ohm's law. Then applying the equation of continuity for stationary currents with a suitable set of boundary conditions, we derive the integral expression of the apparent resistivity at infinite frequency ρ_∞,a in the case of a horizontally layered earth. Finally, from the definition of the maximum apparent frequency-effect, analytical expressions of fe_α are obtained for both Schlumberger and dipole arrays placed on the surface of the multi-layered earth section in the most general situation of vertical changes in induced polarization together with dc resistivity variations not at the same interfaces. Direct interpretation procedures are suggested for obtaining the layering parameters directly from the analysis of the sounding curves.     

A FIELD EXAMPLE OF THE USE OF ANISOTROPY PARAMETERS DERIVED FROM RESISTIVITY SOUNDINGS*

In areas where steep dips are encountered conventional practice in resistivity work has involved orienting arrays favourably in relation to the geological strike. In concealed conditions, however, the geological strike may not be known; moreover, strike may change with depth. Considerable advantage is to be gained, in such circumstances, by the use of crossed square arrays in that these yield orientationally insensitive resistivity measurements and also allow strike determinations and measurements of the effective vertical anisotropy. Two traverses of crossed square array observations are presented, together with one deeper sounding. The results show that, in favourable circumstances, reliable data on concealed strike directions can be obtained, and that the anisotropy findings greatly assist the subsequent interpretation. Model results pertinent to the field material are presented and discussed.