PT.

WASKITA KARYA (Persero) Tbk

Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

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Research Method

Resistivity survey in Oe Cusse, Republic Democratic of Timor Leste,

conducted multichannell acquisition system, using 2-D Wenner technique .
Survey lines divided into 5 lines, with length of each line is 240 m. Each survey
line applied by 25 channells, using 25 metal probes (electrodes) with 10 m of
spacing.

Stages of work performed in this survey are:

• Preparation Stage
• Data Acquisition
• Data Processing and Interpretation
• Reporting
The preparation phase including desk study carried out to study of
existing secondary data, then the determination of the line length, the desired
target depth, spacing and span of the electrodes in accordance with the target
depth. Then stacking chart calculation for each electrode and datum points in
accordance with field plans prepared.
At this stage also conducted survey tools and equipment preparation, as
well as equipment test and calibration that used.
Data acquisition is stage of field data collection directly in accordance
with the plans that had been predetermined. The data obtained are the apparent
resistivity value data and topography of each measurement point.
Data processing and interpretation stage is field data processing using
resistivity modeling software, and then analysis of the data processing being
performed to obtain the best possible interpretation.

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Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

RESISTIVITY METHODS

Resistivity survey is a method of exploration geophysics that uses an

electric current (DC Current) that injected through two electrodes into the earth,
then potential formed by the two potential electrodes elsewhere is studied,
these rules are referred to Galvanic contact. Potential differences measured
reflect the distribution of resistivity beneath the surface. Basically this method is
based on the concept of electrical propagation in isotropic homogeneous media,
electrical currents moving in all directions are equal, based on that assumption,
then if acquired anomalies that distinguish the current density flowing amount is
assumed to result from the differences in distribution due to the different types
of custody-different, these differences will be used to reconstruct the subsurface
conditions.

Figure. Basic electrode configuration on resistivity method,

C and P are current electrode (C) and potential electrode (P)

From current injection (i) , potential difference (V) obtained at another point,
that the value of resistivity ():

ρa = k V / I
where k is the geometric factor which depends on the arrangement of the
four electrodes.
Resistivity meters normally gives a resistance value, R = V / I, so in practice
the apparent resistivity value is calculated by

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Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

ρa = k R
where the value of the measured resistivity is apparent resistivity values, to
obtain the actual resistivity value data need to be processed and calculated
manually or using software.

Figure. Some electrodes configuration with its geometry factor

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 PT. WASKITA KARYA (Persero) Tbk
Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

TWO DIMENSIONAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY

Two dimensional (2-D) resistivity method is one of many methods that
commonly use for measurement of vertical and horizontal resistivity difference
variance. Two-dimensional (2-D) gives a more accurate model of the subsurface
model where the resistivity changes in the vertical direction, as well as in the
horizontal direction along the survey line. In this case, it is assumed that
resistivity does not change in the direction that is perpendicular to the survey
line. In many situations, particularly for surveys over elongated geological bodies,
this is a reasonable assumption. In theory, a 3-D resistivity survey and
interpretation model should be even more accurate. However, at the present
time, 2-D surveys are the most practical economic compromise between
obtaining very accurate results and keeping the survey costs down. Typical 1-D
resistivity sounding surveys usually involve about 10 to 20 readings, while 2-D
imaging surveys involve about tens to thousands measurements.

Resistivity exploration steps conducted in study area consisted of :

 Length of lines, electrodes configuration and electrode spaces
determination.
 Stacking chart construction for all datum point that suitable with deth
target.
 Data acquisition
 Data processing and interpretaion
Line length were used 240 meter for every line with Wenner electrode
configuration and 10 meter electrode spacing.

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 PT. WASKITA KARYA (Persero) Tbk
Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

Figure. Wenner electrode configuration

Figure. The arrangement of electrodes for a 2-D electrical survey and the sequence of
measurements used to build up a pseudosection

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Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

Stackingchart is a diagram showing the entire datum point in a circuit

configuration for a single measurement of 2-D line.

Figure 3.5. Stacking chart model for electrode spacing = a

RESISTIVITY METER
One of the most important equipment to obtain optimum result in
resistivity survey is the Resistivity Meter. Optimum condition and capability of
the resistivity meter effecting the accuracy of survey results.
In Oe Cusse area 2-D resistivity survey, the equipments used were
Naniura resistivity meter with specifications as follow :

Naniura - Technical Specifications

Transmitter
DC in ( Power supply ) : 12 Volt, minimum 6 AH
Power output : 300 W for power supply > 20 A
Output voltage : 500 V maximum
Output current : 2000 mA maximum
Current accuracy : 1mA
System : Digital
Power supply digital meter : 9 V, dry cell
Facility : Current loop indicator

Receiver

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Geoelectrical Report
September 2015

Input impedance : 10 m-Ohm

Range : 0,1 mV – 500 V
Accuracy : 0,1 mV
Rough Compensator : 10 x ( Precision multi turn potensiometer )
Fine Compensator : 1 x ( Wire round resistor )
Reading System : Digital ( Auto range )
Power supply digital meter : 3 V ( 2 AA dry cell)
Datameter facility : HOLD ( saved on memory )

Figure. Naniura resistivity meter

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