ELECTRICAL TOMOGRAPHY
Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is a geoelectrical method used to investigate the subsurface electrical resistivity of materials by means of controlled direct-current injection through an array of electrodes placed on the surface (or between boreholes).
The method generates 2D or 3D models representing the distribution of subsurface resistivity, providing qualitative information on lithology and moisture content. As such, electrical tomography is a powerful tool for addressing engineering, environmental, and mining challenges.
ERT is based on injecting a controlled direct current into the ground and measuring the resulting potential differences across an array of electrodes positioned on the surface or within a borehole. The apparent resistivity (defined as the average resistivity that a homogeneous medium would exhibit while offering the same resistance to current flow) is calculated from the injected current, the measured voltage difference, and the geometric factor of the electrode configuration.
By automatically collecting large datasets (thousands of readings), it is possible to generate dense coverage of resistivity measurements. Through inversion processes, these data are transformed into 2D or even 3D resistivity models of the subsurface.
Main Applications
Detection and characterization of faults, determining their zone of influence;
Strike, dip, and depth extension.
Detection of contacts between lithological units of different nature,
Determining the morphology and precise location of discontinuities.
Detection and characterization of cavities, caves, sinkholes such as
Karst zones, channels, deposits, clayey fillings, etc.
Determination and characterization of aquifer units, water table levels,
Thermal waters, marine intrusion or invasion, etc.
Exploration of groundwater. Lithological maps.
Inspection of leaks and seepages in pipelines, dams, etc.
Archaeological investigation.
Detection of free-phase contaminant products.
Detection of subsurface minerals.
Environmental studies, leachate monitoring.
The resolving capacity of electrical tomography offers great
Possibilities of application in the field of Geological Prospecting
Geotechnics, and Hydrogeology.
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