ADDIS ABABA UNIVERISTY

College of Natural Science

School of Earth Science
Master of Geological Engineering (Environmental Geology
and Geohazards) and GIS and Remote Sensing

Integrated Geohazard Analysis and Disaster Management

(ERSC648)
Group Assignment -1

Name: Afework Alemayehu ID: GSR/8922/13

Bertukan Bacha ID: GSR/9120/13
Habte kinfe ID: GSR/3384/13

Submitted to: Dr. Getnet Mewa

 Assignment
Exercise I Group II

A. The layer parameters for the VES data that given for us is key elements in order to
identify and demonstrate the properties of each geological (lithological) unit. Also help to
construct the geo-electric section for the area that the data we have for and to describe the
study site from the landslide point of view, also propose a realistic management plan by
suggesting the location of the likely rupture (slip) plan. These are resistivity of a unit,
height of lithologic unit and depth from the surface. Determination of layer parameters is
done by inserting the VES data that are given to the IPI2win(Lite) software then try to
interpret the layer parameters for each VES curve.

VES Layer Properties

NO Curve type
Layers Resistivity Height Depth
VES 1 (x=319303; z=1743)
1 7.54 3.73 3.73
2 9.59 177 181 A Type
(1<2<3)
3 3187
VES 2( x=319465; z=1728)
1 19.9 0.832 0.832
2 10.2 4.56 5.39
QH Type
3 5.81 54.5 59.9
(1>2>3<4<5)
4 10.2 107 167
5 6592
VES 3( x=319683; z=1681)
1 17.3 0.696 0.696
2 4.81 1.6 2.3
HA Type
3 6.62 71 73.3
(1>2<3<4<5)
4 11.7 464 537
5 40.3

Pseudo cross-section and Resistivity

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 B. Geo-electric section

C. Conclusion
The geo-electric section across the stations generally shows the different subsurface layers and the depth at
which they are encountered during the course of investigation in relation to layer resistivity’s. The geo-
electric section was drawn across VES 1,2, and 3, in the direction that approximately W-E. The section
has three layers at the VES points.
The first layer is the alluvial deposit which is composed of (clay, silt and sand with gravel and boulder
mixtures). This layer resistivity values from 4.81 Ω𝑚 to 19.9 Ω𝑚 and a thickness between 0.696𝑚 and
71𝑚. This layer serves as a site for evapotranspiration. It is generally unreliable for ground stability
though water easily stored and penetrate through them in slightly VES one stations but dominantly in the
remaining two VES station. Sedimentary unconsolidated material due to high porosity and high moisture
content they are characterized by low resistivity; unconsolidated.
Igneous Rocks: they often show low porosity and low moisture content. Therefore, their resistivity is high
and varies. However, the resistivity is inversely affected by the degree of fracturing and property of
materials filling the fracture.
The second layer is the altered pyroclastic deposit, which at places is soft with slightly dry volcanic
intercalation. The resistivity ranges from 9.59 Ω𝑚 to 40.3 Ω𝑚 and the thickness ranges from 4.56𝑚 and
464m, could have lead the ground to reduce its strength.
The third layer is highly to moderately weathered and fractured basalt has resistivity of 3187Ω𝑚 and
6592Ω𝑚, this section indicates high resistivity value and a thickness of these layer is ranges to infinity.

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The weathered/fracture zone gives rise for the convenient flow of water from the aquifer to the earth
surface. Also it is convenient for ground water accumulation and transportation and the aquifer can yield
water in sufficient quantity and economical use due to their high to moderately fractured behavior. But
could also initiate land slide. This section indicates high resistivity value and is good for groundwater
accumulation.
Vertical electrical sounding technique of the electrical resistivity method has proven to be successful and
highly effective in the identification and delineation of subsurface structures that are favorable for
landslide hazard (ground instability) in a certain area. The electrical resistivity survey method used in this
study site entails locating an area with high vulnerability, revealed three subsurface geo-electrical layers.
These consist of the altered pyroclastic deposit, which at places is soft with slightly dry volcanic
intercalation, highly to moderately weathered and fractured basalt and alluvial deposit (clay, silt and sand
with gravel and boulder mixtures).
The resistivity of a material can vary increasingly due to saturation, salinity or ionic concentration,
porosity and presence of fracture, temperature and can decrease by degree of compaction, non-porosity, air
in voids, absence of fracture etc. Geologic Age, Salinity, Free-ion content of the connate water,
Interconnection of the pore spaces (Permeability), Temperature, Porosity, Pressure controlling factor for
resistivity of a material.
The effect of resistivity variations depends up on the following factors: the size of in-homogeneities with
respect to their depth of occurrence, the size of in-homogeneities with respect to the dimension of the array
used, the resistivity contrast between the in-homogeneities and the surrounding media, the type of
electrode array used, the orientation of the measuring array with respect to the strike of the in-
homogeneities and the geometry of in-homogeneities.
So according to that in our study area we have get different formation with varying resistivity. We
interoperate that the area is covered at the top by alluvial deposit (unconsolidated with varying resistivity).
Such as clay deposit silt deposit and sand with gravel deposit. The variations can be due to presence of
water and salinity. And at bottom with greater depth highly to moderately weathered and fractured basalt.
And the area covered by altered pyroclastic deposit, which at places is soft with slightly dry volcanic
intercalation. The western margin of the VES station one dominantly cover by these altered pyroclastic
deposit at the top while the remaining two station by alluvial deposit. Though from its topographical relief
it’s like hill slope the Eastern two VES station highly affected by runoff also infiltration could cause
weaken the strength of a lithological unit. So any material beyond its shear strength it will start down slope
movement (easily slide as a result of gravity and lacks shear strength). They lack their strength mainly by
the water from direct precipitation, runoff, subsurface ground water flow, salinity of the water, the
composition and structure of the geological unit. And these water inter in to the grain to grain contact or
porous space then weaken a material to lose the strength. So it will slide then. There are many factor
rather than precipitation, there is also drainage network, human activities like road cut…