Resistivity Imaging

A Presentation
by
Advanced Geosciences, Inc.

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 Depth Penetration
Using the Sting/Swift system, resistivity imaging
surveys can be performed to large depths. This
example shows measurements down to approxi-
mately 200 meters. Data, courtesy of Geological
Survey of Austria.
 Cave detection
A previously unknown cave, the
Sting Cave, was detected with the
Sting/Swift system
Cave 1 is a previously known cave.
The Sting Cave (Cave 2) was detected
during a demonstration survey over Cave 1
The Sting Cave was carefully mapped and
named by Mike Warton & Associates
Three important lessons can be learned from
the Sting Cave example

1. The resistivity imaging technique is “side-looking”

The profile was oriented perpendicular

to the screen, and positioned where the
entrance hole was drilled. The hole, which
was drilled into the center of the anomaly
almost missed the cave, which is mainly
located to the right of the profile
 Three important lessons can be learned from
the Sting Cave example

2. The resistivity image may be

“distorted” by unknown
formations. The Sting Cave appers larger than
Cave 1 even though it in reality is
smaller.

The limestone in the area is horizontally

layered and less competent layers have
been eroded under the main cave. These
eroded layers are less than a meter in
thickness, but prevents the current to pass
through the rock and thereby magnifies
the shape of the cave in the resistivity
image.
 Three important lessons can be learned from
the Sting Cave example
3. The resistivity image is a picture
in terms of electrical resistivity
and not a true picture as we are used
to seeing.
The Sting cave (Cave 2) appears to
have higher resistivity (darker grey),
even though both caves are air-
filled. However, Cave 1 has moist
stalactites and stalagmites
connecting the roof and the ceiling.
Therefore current can pass from the
roof to the ceiling and make this cave
appear more transparent.
Dipole-dipole electrode array Dipole-dipole gives high resolution,
but has the weakest signal.
 Schlumberger does not have as high
Schlumberger electrode array resolution as dipole-dipole but has
stronger signal.
 Wenner has poor lateral resolution, but
Wenner electrode array has the strongest signal
Conclusion:

• Use the dipole-dipole array when the

highest resolution is required

• Use the Schlumberger array in

case of electrically noisy conditions
which is often the case under low
resistive conditions such as
landfills and environmental sites

• Use the Wenner array as a last

resort, or if you are mapping
basically horizontal layers
The profiles above are recorded with
three different arrays, keeping the
electrodes in the exact same position
The Sting/Swift system comprises the
Sting resistivity meter, the Swift
interface Easy and simple
box and a number of electrode switches. to set up and run.

The switches are simply

“rubberbanded” to the electrode
stakes
Resistivity survey at the
Amistad Dam
The survey was performed
along the embankment on the
bottom of the almost dry dam
The dam is leaking under the embankment in the karstic
limestone.
One of more than 15 concrete plugged holes, where water leaked out of the
dam.
Landfill Survey using the Sting/Swift
automatic resistivity system, courtesy
of SAIC, Middletown Pennsylvania
Site investigation for proposed tunnel,
courtesy of Hyundai Construction Company, Korea
Resistivity/GPR survey at
historical tree site in El Paso,
Texas
Objective: to map the root system
Pole-pole 3D command file
It is easy to create a pole-pole 3D command file by using the
“Create command file” option in the UserLoad software
3D resistivity image
Survey (pole-pole) performed over a horizontally layered limestone.
Displayed high resistive area is caused by unknown structure within
the limestone.

3D presentation, courtesy of “C Tech Development Corp.”

 Shallow marine resistivity
survey
Four Wenner (a=6m) profiles
repeated along the same line
Trawling Data
Trawling data
0.42

0.41

0.40

Series1
Series2
0.39
eter)

Series3
hm-m

Series4
App. Res. (o

0.38

0.37

0.36
0:00:00 0:00:17 0:00:35 0:00:52 0:01:09 0:01:26 0:01:44 0:02:01 0:02:18
Time fromTimepassing the
from passing start markerstart marker
If you would like to get more information on the electrical
resistivity imaging technique or our Sting/Swift, automatic
resistivity imaging instrument you can contact us at:
Advanced Geosciences, Inc.
10710 D-K Ranch Rd.
Austin, Texas 78759
USA

Phone +1 512 335-3338

Fax +1 512 258-9958

E-mail agi@agiusa.com
Web site http://www.agiusa.com