ARES Short Guide

Short guide for resistivity and
induced polarization imaging
Address of the manufacturer:

GF Instruments, s.r.o.
Jecna 29a
62100 Brno
tel: +420 541 634 285
fax: +420 549 522 915
e-mail: info@gfinstruments.cz
Short guide for resistivity imaging

Chapter 1
Comparison of main methods of 2D imaging

The comparison of main 5 methods used for 2 D imaging will be
shown in this chapter. This short overview can help with the
choice of optimum solution with the respect to the studied
problem. A comparison of important basic features in the frame of
these 5 methods is offered. This comparison is illustrated by
attached pictures from measurements with the use of individual
methods.
Schlumberger
Purpose
General purpose method covering broad range of tasks especially
imaging of horizontal and quasi-horizontal (declined) layers.
Detection of larger inhomogenities of various shape and direction
like wider crackles, tectonic zones, ore veins and contacts of
layers with big difference of resistivities is also effective.
Section covering
Medium depth range - of about 1/5 of the maximum used C1C2
distance. Medium side covering.
Resolution
Medium resolution - sufficient rather for detailed investigation of
shallow structures.
Measuring conditions
Commonly used method for various ground resistivities. Lower
resistance against electric noise is caused by lower level of
measured potentials.
Wenner
Purpose
The fastest method. The most frequent variant called Wenner
alpha is close to Schlumberger with similar range of applications.
Other variants called Wenner beta (like Dipole-Dipole) and
Wenner gamma (non conventional array) are used rarely.
Section covering
Low depth range of about 1/6 of the maximum used C1C2
distance. Low side covering.
Resolution
Low resolution inconvenient for detailed investigation of deeper
structures.
High resistance against electric noise effective replacement of
Schlumberger at places hit by electric noise.
Dipole-Dipole
Purpose
The most detailed method especially for detection of vertical
structures (including slimmer fissures, ore veins) and cavities.
Section covering
Medium depth range of about 1/5 of the maximum used C1C2
distance. Medium side covering.
Resolution
The highest resolution allows the maximum possible
distinguishing of deeper situated structures.
The effective depth range is strongly limited by rapid decrease of
measured potential at larger dipole distance. Artificial electric
noise causes additional significant limitation of use of this
method.
Pole-Dipole
Purpose
The most effective method for detection of all vertical structures
(even slim crackles) with high depth range.
Section covering
High depth range of about 1/3 of the used length of the electrode
array. Higher side covering.
Resolution
Higher resolution. The accuracy of positions in section is
decreased (side shift) as the method is non symmetric. For better
results (regarding positions) it is recommended to use an
additional Reverse Pole-Dipole or to use Combined Pole-Dipole
instead.
Installation of external current electrod C2 (C1 in the case of
reverse way) called infinite is necessary. The place of infinite
electrode must be at least at the distance of 5 multiple of the
maximum length of used electrode array. Its optimum position
should be in perpendicular direction from the electrode array. The
big distance of infinite current electrode requires maximum power
of the transmitter and careful installation of such an electrode (or
even electrode nest) to reach its lowest possible ground resistance.
Pole-Pole
Purpose
The most effective method for investigation of deep structures (all
kinds). Rarely used.
Section covering
The highest depth range almost 70 % of the length of the electrode
array. The highest side covering.
Resolution
Medium resolution.
Installation of two external electrodes (C2 and P2) called
infinites is necessary. The preparation of the measurement is the
most time consuming with the highest requirement regarding the
available free area around the measuring line. Each infinite
electrode must be at least at the distance of 5 multiple of the
maximum length of used electrode array. Their optimum position
should be in perpendicular direction from the electrode array. C2
and P2 should be on opposite sides of the electrode array. The big
distance of infinite current electrode requires maximum power of
the transmitter and careful installation of such an electrode (or
even electrode nest) to reach its lowest possible ground resistance.
Comparison of sections measured on the same line

using different methods (electrode arrays)
This way it is possible to judge differences in section covering
(depth and side ranges) and resolution (density of measured points).
Profile: 20
The length of the measured profile: 31 m
Number of electrodes: 32 (4 sections)
a). Wenner Alpha

Ps.Z
C1
10
15
20
P1
P2
25
C2
30 m.
0
2
4
6
Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection
Depth (m)
Iteration 5 RMS error = 1.4 %

0
5
10
15
Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

20
25
30 m.
-1
-3
-5
Inverse Model Resistivity Section
b). Schlumberger
Ps.Z
Unit electrode spacing 1 m
Resistivity in ohm.m
C1
10
15
20
na
P1 a P2
25
na
C2
30 m.
0
2
4
6
Depth (m)

0
5
10
15

20
25
30 m.
-1
-3
-5

c). Dipole-Dipole
Ps.Z
C2 a C1
10
15
20
na
25
P1 a P2
30 m.
0
2
4
6
Depth (m)

0
5
10
15

20
25
30 m.
-2
-4
-6

d). Pole-Dipole
Ps.Z 0
0
C1
10
15
20
na
25
C2
P1 a P2
30 m.
10

0
5
10
15

20
25
30 m.
Depth (m)
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10

C2
e1). Pole-Pole
Ps.Z 0
0
10
15
20
25
C1 a P1
P2
30
10
15
20
25
m.
e2). Pole-Pole
C2

0
5
10
15
20
C1 a P1
25
P2
30 m.
C2
e2). Pole-Pole
C1 a P1
-5
Depth (m)
-10
-15
-20
-25
P2
Comparison of sections measured on the same line

using different Wenner methods (alpha, beta, gamma)
In the following pictures different depth ranges, resolutions
and sensitivities to the structure are obvious.
Profile: 20
The length of the measured profile: 31 m
Number of electrodes: 32 (4 sections)
a). Wenner Alpha
C1
Depth (m)

0
5
10
15
20
P1
P2
25
C2
30 m.
-1
-3
-5
b). Wenner Beta
C2
Depth (m)

0
5
10
15
20
C1
P1
25
P2
30 m.
-1
-3
-5
c). Wenner Gamma
C1

0
5
10
15
20
P1
25
C2
P2
30 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6

Examples of typical applications

Hydrogeology
This wide area of resistivity imaging applications includes various
tasks:
- water management and protection
- environmental monitoring
- impacts in civil engineering
Engineering geology
This area connected with the construction and maintenance of
buildings, roads, railways and bridges requires judgement of:
- bedrock surface
- slope stability
- landslide risk
- detailed geological structure
- mechanical properties of rocks, sediments etc.
Geological mapping
General survey for geological studies covers:
- raw material prospecting
- geological survey
- complex judgement of strategic localities
- choice of places for dangerous waste materials
Depth (m)
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
G - Gneiss
S - Rock surface
20
S
G
40
10
18.2
33.2
60.5
110.3
80
201.1
60
366.4
667.8
100
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
140 m.
Unit electrode spacing 3.0 m
120
The picture shows the position of a wide fault filled with permeable weathered rocks convenient
for building of the well with rich water supply.
Detailed geological information for locating, drilling and building of water well was required.
The preliminary idea of the survey was based on mapping of tectonic zones and weathered rocks.
Due to the needed rather high depth range and resolution Pole-Dipole method was chosen
(infinite electrode C2 at x = 50 m and y = 600 m).
Projecting of water well
22
26
30
34
m.
20
Depth (m)
10
14
38 40
-4
18
15
-4
10
-2
- Zone of contamination with liquid manure
B - Backfill - sand and gravel
-2
Under the backfill created by sand and gravel a zone with significantly decreased resistivity is
seen. These extremely low values of resistivity are typical for the high contamination with
organic substances.
A complex monitoring in the frame of ground water protection in close vicinity of a pig farm
was done. The goal of the resistivity imaging was to detect leakage from a liquid manure tank.
Schlumberger array was used.
Environmental protection
Depth (m)
-8
-6
-4
-2
-10
Depth (m)
10
25

15
45
65
85
105
25
125
20
145
30
165
Eluvium (dry)
Sandstone
35
45
m.
40
Water saturated zone
The picture shows large watered zone with significantly decreased resisitivity in the left part.
The exact position of the main water infiltration is obvious at position P.
Walls of a building as well as cellars were partially hit by water coming to its insufficiently
insulated basement. The survey for determination of watered zones along this building was
performed. Several profiles in the vicinity of the building were measured. Schlumberger array
was used.
Protection of building
180
175
170
165
160
Elevation
20
40
60
80
10
15.9
25.2
63.5
101
40
The way of water infiltration during the high water level.
160
100
254
120
m.
140
160
170
165
175
180
The picture coming from one of profiles in perpendicular direction to the river shows both the
geological structure and the base and structure of the artificial dike. The huge alluvium gravel layer
allows quick water infiltration below the dike in the case of high water level. The material of
the dike shows both inhomogenous structure and permeable basement which leads to its
malfunction in the case of flood (quick occurrence of water on fields behind the dike).
River dike investigation

In the frame of the protection against floods the river dike quality and stability were
monitored. Thus a profile along the dike and a dense grid of profiles perpendicularly to the
river were measured. Schlumberger array was used.
Elevation
420
430
440
450
460
470
480
490
500
510
520
530
40
60
80
10
20
Sandstone locally with

S thin claystone layers
22.5
100
50.6
120
113.9
256.2
576.6
1297.4
Bedrock surface
140
160
180
2919.3
200
220
260
280
240
The picture shows the depth and shape of old landslide created by stones and coarse sandstone
debris. Heterogeneous structure of the bedrock partially saturated with water from the dam is
obvious as well.
Mapping of the depth of the debris for dam stability monitoring was done on a slope of river
valley close to the dam. Schlumberger array was used.
Landslide risk judgement
420
430
440
450
460
470
480
490
500
510
520
m.
530
Elevation
Elevation
20
18
21
24
50
60
m.
460
27
450
15
40
465
470
450
12
30
S Slip surface - base of non solid ground
455
10
455
460
465
470
Wet sediments - zone of saturation
A road in mountains was fatally destroyed by active landslide (as a consequence of heavy
rain). Detailed monitoring of the slope was performed before the road reconstruction.
The picture shows the thickness and shape of the watered zone with risk of the massive
continuous landslide. The bedrock is created by claystone and sandstone. The position of an
old dry landslide is seen at position D as well.
Mapping slope deformation
Elevation
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
Depth (m)
10
20
30
t
hal
p
s
A
d
roa
Cellar
ad
Ro
Iteration 5 Abs. error = 1.61 %
20
30
40
50
60
70
60
Cellars
80
Roof fall
Unbroken
40
50
90
70
100
m.
90
A Base of disturbed area

B Backfill
C Clay
80
Many inhomogenities (cavities, backfill) are visible in left part of the picture. They determine
the zone of the slope instability. The cellars in the right part of the picture are situated in solid
rock and are not endangered by collapse.
Monitoring slope stability above cellars

The area above a queue of wine cellars was endangered by unpredictable movement of
instable soil that occurred as a consequence of collapse of some cellars. Houses and asphalt
road on that place were partially destroyed. The survey should detect weak zones, holes and
waste material deposits in the slope. Schlumberger array was used.
Depth (m)
-6
-4
-2
25
30
10
30
20
50
90
110
40
70
35
130
150
45
55 m.
50
K1 New discovered cavity

K2 Cavity continuation
K3 Known cavity partially repaired
The section shows three main areas filled with mud from the fishpond (taken during the
flood). Their positions are partially visible in situ because they are accompanied with
depressions of the dam.
A fishpond dam was partially destroyed during the flood. The survey was performed to detect
its weak places. Schlumberger array was measured along the dam.
Mapping cavities
Elevation
25
63
101
160
Unit Electrode Spacing = 1.0 m
104
10
16
Resistivity in ohm.m.
40
254
100
106
108
110
112
114
116
m. 118
100
20
30
40
Granodiorite
102
10
Model resistivity with topography

Iteration 4 RMS error = 4.1
Silty loam+Eluvium
102
104
106
108
110
112
114
116
118
B Bedrock surface
The rock surface (granodiorite) was investigated before projecting of basements of houses.
The shape of inclined bedrock as well as the weathered layer above are very well visible from
the picture.
Investigation of the rock surface
Elevation
Mapping resistivity contact

General geological mapping was performed to determine the safe
area for a large building construction. The task was to give an exact
information about the square and depth of homogenous geological
structure. Schlumberger array was used.
The picture shows the border between homogenous clay sediment
and inhomogeneous area created by sandy and clayey sediments.
(These two pictures demonstrate the fact that for this purpose the
increased spacing - 2 m instead of 1 m - gives very similar results.)
a). Minimum electrode spacing 2 m
Elevation
60
40
20
80
m.
220
216
212
208

10
14
18

22
26
30
34
38
b). Minimum electrode spacing 1 m
Elevation
80
60
40
20
m.
220
216
212
208

10
14
Sandy developments
18

22
26
30
Clay sediments
34
38
Geoelectrical boundary
Mapping backfill
-8
-6
-4
-2
60
10
30

0
20
40
70
90
110
100
50
80
130
120
150
A Alluvium sediments - clayey silt

B Bbackfill - building garbage, concrete blocks, recycling materials
160 m.
140
It is possible to see very homogenous bedrock (clayey silt) covered by approx. 2 m backfill.
The backfill shows very inhomogeneous structure (building waste material, concrete blocks
and recycling material).
The backfill thickness was determined by means of resistivity imaging. Schlumberger array
was used.
Depth (m)
Thin horizontal layer survey

The task was to determine a thin inhomogeneous layer (of approx.
1 m) in the ceramic clay quarry. Schlumberger array was used.
The detected inhomogeneous layer of sandstone with pyrite was
spread horizontally at about 1 m depth.
(These two pictures demonstrate the necessity of the sufficient
density of electrodes - decreased spacing - for required resolution.)
Dry cracked claystone at the surface
Sandstone
Claystone
Near-surface inhomogeneous layer- sand and insulated
dissemination of metallic sulfides (pyrite)
a). Minimum electrode spacing 0.4 m
Depth (m)

0
10
-1
20
30
40
m.
-3
-5

50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120 125
b). Minimum electrode spacing 0.8 m
Depth (m)

0
10
-1
20
30
40
m.
-3
-5

50
60
70

80
90
100
110
120 125
Short guide for induced polarization imaging

Chapter 2
General features and purpose of IP measurement

Measurement of induced polarization allows distinguishing
structures according to their chargeabilities and can be used as
complementary method for resistivity imaging. Thus we can
obtain useful information from simultaneous sections of
resistivity, chargeability and metal factor (defined as ratio of
chargeability and resistivity). This comparison is useful for
judgment of structures when metal ore layer (with first order
conductor), water table or influence of artificial substances (like
oil, organic and inorganic chemicals) are supposed and studied.
Physical background
To understand physical basis of this method comparison with
simple and well known electric elements like resistor and
capacitor is useful. Some structures (e.g. dry sandy and crystalline
rocks) look like resistor rather than capacitor the potential
induced during current pulse is rapidly lost (during several
milliseconds) when this pulse is terminated. Other structures (e.g.
metal ore layers) look like capacitor rather than resistor the
potential induced during current pulse is kept for significant
period (during several seconds) when this pulse is terminated. The
decay curve of potential can sampled and sections from individual
sampling windows can be processed as chargeability (resp. as
metal factor).
Methodical reminders
IP measurement is not such a general method like resistivity
imaging, however, for special tasks can bring results that can be
hardly replaced by another geophysical method. Its proper
application requires deeper knowledge, the IP measurement takes
significantly longer time than resistivity. The choice of IP window
can influence selectivity to specific kinds of objects. Generally,
windows set to short times after pulse termination increase
selectivity to shallow situated and smaller objects while windows
set to longer times after pulse termination select bigger and deeper
situated objects.
Measuring instructions and settings

For IP measurement stainless steel electrodes are necessary.
The measured potential is necessary to be kept at the highest level
possible to suppress noise present at low measured potential and
causing big statistic deviation of IP readings. It means to set 200
mV optimum potential for IP measurement which activates the
maximum available transmitter power.
The first 20 ms IP window after pulse termination can be hit by
EM (electromagnetic) effect especially while longer cable line is
used. This effect can disturb responses of real objects.
Examples of typical applications

Following examples show results from raw material prospecting
and hydrogeology, which belong to basic areas of IP applications.
Environmental studies like leakage of oil and other mineral
substances can be supported by IP measurement as well.
Some important features of IP measurement are discussed in
individual pictures.
Ore Prospecting
Shallow situated ore deposit (former surface mines from 15 th century)
was investigated using Schlumberger array.
Chargeability section shows ore vein situated in weakened zone of rock
characterized by lower resistivity (see resistivity section). Metal factor
section illustrates further possibility of selection of ore vein positions
decreasing influence of changing resistivity.
10
20
30
40
60 m.
50
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10

20
29
41
60

86
124
178
257
519
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
IP 2 = 0.02 - 0.04 s
Inverse Model Chargeability Section

0
16 22 28 34 41 47 53 59 66 72 78 84 91 97 157
Chargeability in msec (= 0.1 %)

Depth (m)
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
-0.5
-1.63
-3.03
-4.79
-6.99
-9.73
IP 2 = 0.02 - 0.04 s
Inverse Model Metal Factor Section

500
700
900 1100 1300 1500 1700 1900
Metal Factor in 0.001 msec/ohm.m
IP Windows Selection
This picture (accompanying the previous one) shows the crucial
influence of IP windows position in pulse decay curve. Smaller and
shallow situated objects are emphasized in first 20 ms IP window while
next IP windows select weakened zone filled with ore vein.
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
IP 1 = 0.00 - 0.02 s
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
IP 2 = 0.02 - 0.04 s
10
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
IP 3 = 0.04 - 0.06 s
-10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
16 22 28 34 41 47 53 59 66 72 78 84 91 97 157
Natural Graphite Deposit
-40
-30
-20
-10
-40
-30
-20
-10
50
30
20
50
80
IP 3 = 0.04 - 0.06 s

0
50
15
120
240
110
140
150
170
480
150
100
60
100
960
200
1920
250 m.
250 m.
230
200
200
IP Section performed above former drift of graphite mine shows position of deposit. Position of
the drift as well as rather complicated geological structure are seen from accompanying resistivity
section.
Depth (m)
Depth (m)
Water Table Investigation

Basic geology of the site is created by quartz sand above clay
background visible in resistivity section.
IP section shows slightly inclined water table at approximately
3 m level in the sandy layer.
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
0 20 25 31 39 49 61 76 95 119 149 186 233 291 363 455 568
10
20
30
40
50
60 m.
Depth (m)
0
-2
-4
-6
-8
-10
IP 2 = 0.02 - 0.04 s
0 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40

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Short guide for resistivity and

induced polarization imaging

Address of the manufacturer:

Short guide for resistivity imaging

Comparison of main methods of 2D imaging

Comparison of sections measured on the same line

Number of electrodes: 32 (4 sections)

a). Wenner Alpha

Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection

Iteration 5 RMS error = 1.4 %

Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection

Iteration 5 RMS error = 0.96 %

Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection

Iteration 5 RMS error = 1.18 %

Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection

Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Measured Apparent Resistivity Pseudosection

Unit electrode spacing 1 m.

Iteration 5 RMS error = 5.8 %

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Comparison of sections measured on the same line

Number of electrodes: 32 (4 sections)

a). Wenner Alpha

Iteration 5 RMS error = 1.4 %

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

b). Wenner Beta

Iteration 5 RMS error = 1.29 %

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

c). Wenner Gamma

Iteration 5 RMS error = 2.5 %

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 1 m

Examples of typical applications

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Iteration 4 RMS error = 6.8 %

Unit electrode spacing 3.0 m

Projecting of water well

Unit electrode spacing 1.0 m

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

- Zone of contamination with liquid manure

B - Backfill - sand and gravel

Iteration 4 RMS error = 2.3 %

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Iteration 5 RMS error = 0.44 %

Unit electrode spacing 0.500 m

Water saturated zone

The way of water infiltration during the high water level.

Inverse Model Resistivity Section

Unit electrode spacing 2 m

River dike investigation