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Electrical Resistivity Imaging
Citation:
MILLER, C. R. Electrical Resistivity Imaging. Presented at EPA Geophysical Techniques Workshop for Shallow Ground Water, Dallas, TX, May 11 - 12, 2011.
Impact/Purpose:
Presentation for the EPA Geophysical Techniques Workshop for Shallow Ground Water in Dallas, TX (May 11-12, 2011)
Description:
Electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) is a geophysical method originally developed within the mining industry where it has been used for decades to explore for and characterize subsurface mineral deposits. It is one of the oldest geophysical methods with the first documented usage occurring more than 100 years ago. Recent advances in acquisition hardware and data analysis software have made it faster, easier, and less expensive to employ ERI techniques. As a result, the popularity and overall usage of the ERI method has increased with researchers and practitioners alike. Because electrical current conduction through Earth materials is strongly influenced by water saturation, pore fluid conductivity, and porosity structure; ERI is an ideal tool for the study of shallow groundwater systems. For example, ERI can be used to estimate/image: depth to water, aquifer thickness, water quality, contaminant plume extent, water saturation, and structural controls on groundwater flow. Responsible practitioners of the ERI method must be aware of possible sources of data noise and interference as well as limitations on resolution and investigation depth. A wealth of knowledge regarding ERI is available in the scientific literature to address questions relating to specific applications, survey design, data analysis, and other practical aspects of the method.