A study of the geoelectrical resistivity imaging for shallow investigations

Author(s)

Otavio Coaracy Brasil Gandolfo

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Geociências (IG/BT)
• Defense date: 2007-09-20

Examining board members

Jose Domingos Faraco Gallas; Antonio Celso de Oliveira Braga; Walter Malagutti Filho; Carlos Alberto Mendonca; Fabio Taioli

• Advisor: Jose Domingos Faraco Gallas

Abstract

This paper addresses a detailed, in-depth study on data aquisition, processing and interpretation methodologies for 2D electrical profilings, focusing on investigations oriented to shallow targets. Two-dimensional (electrical profilings) acquisition techniques were used on a wide range of arrays - dipole-dipole, pole-dipole, pole-pole and Wenner arrays - for efficiency comparison purposes. A real 3D acquistion was tested with the pole-pole array in order to check its potential use and limitations. Schlumberger was the array used for SEVs, which helped to interpret and quantify 2D geoelectrical sections, especially as to the vertical distribution of resistivity. The 2D geoelectrical models were generated with an inversion computer program (RES2DINV), which basically corrects any distortions found in the apparent resistivity pseudosections corresponding to the arrays included in this study. These models create images that better match the subsurface geological reality, therefore simplifying the interpretation of results. We tried to explore the full potential use of the inversion computer program for good quality images. The geophysical interpretation was always based on the subsurface information available (boreholes, trenches, wells and outcrop). Resolution is critical in a shallow investigation scale. This study tried to show that the use of small spacings between electrodes (less than four meters), particularly in dipole-dipole arrays, allows for more in-depth investigation levels (greater than eight) without compromising signal quality. On the other hand, dipole-dipole and pole-pole arrays allow for a larger number of investigation levels without small spacings limitations, but with a slight loss of definition. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the amount of data generated at the section, enhancing 2D resolution. Another aspect tested and assessed was the use of multiple spacings between electrodes on the same survey profile. In addition to resolution in shallow sections (thanks to small spacings), this interesting procedure allows deeper investigation levels (due to larger spacings) in the same section. The efficacy of this practice was verified both in the development of pseudo-sections and in the geoelectrical models generated by inversion modelling. The methodology was tested in three different areas in order to map a shallow water table, determine the depth and shape of the bedrock, and map a potential contaminant plume. In addition to the broad literature review available, this paper also covered the controversial topic of depth investigation actually present in electrode arrays typically used in electrical resistivity methods. This thesis tried to provide a better understanding of \"geoelectrical resistivity imaging\" and related topics such as: electrode array, procedures required to generate good volumes of data in the section, efficient use of the inversion computer program behind the models and, lastly, interpretation of results, always based on the subsurface information available and on other supporting geophysical methods or techniques. (AU)