Advanced Geosciences Blog

The Streaming-Potential Method: Its 2 Main Uses

Posted by AGI on Feb 28, 2017 8:43:25 PM

 

Streaming-potential (SP) is an electrical surveying method used when fluids or electrolytes—typically water—move through porous areas in the the ground. This creates a change in voltage that can be read using a voltmeter and two electrodes.

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An Overview Of The Self-Potential (Spontaneous-Potential) Method

Posted by AGI on Feb 15, 2017 1:00:00 AM

Before we dive into details, let’s start with a primer on three different terms that are abbreviated “SP.” In this article, we’ll be discussing self-potential, which is synonymous with spontaneous-potential. The self-potential method in geophysics refers to an electrical surveying method used for looking at electrical anomalies in the ground. It is primarily used in mineral exploration. Streaming-potential, on the other hand, is caused by a fluid —typically water with dissolved minerals (an electrolyte)—moving in the ground, which causes a change in voltage. This change is detected when a reading is taken.

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A Closer Look At 3D Resistivity Surveys

Posted by AGI on Feb 14, 2017 1:00:00 AM

One-dimensional (1D) resistivity surveys are not ideal because they assume that the geological layers are horizontal and homogeneous—which is rarely the case. Two-dimensional (2D) resistivity surveys are an improvement but still an approximation, as they assume the geology continues infinitely in both directions perpendicular to the survey line. While this method is more accurate than the 1D Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method, it is still inadequate. 

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3D Time-Lapse Surveys: Watching Resistivity Change Over Time

Posted by AGI on Feb 13, 2017 10:08:04 AM

The three-dimensional (3D) time-lapse resistivity survey is the holy grail of resistivity surveys. It is an extremely accurate and effective method that allows you to not only see the surveyed area in three dimensions—but also how the resistivity in the surveyed area changes over time

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An Introduction To Induced Polarization (IP) Surveying

Posted by AGI on Jan 20, 2017 1:00:00 AM

Induced polarization (IP) is the Earth’s capacity to hold an electric charge over time. IP measures the voltage decay curve after the injected current is shut off. The higher the IP, the longer over time the charge is held—IP decays over time, typically a few seconds but sometimes up to minutes, and will eventually disappear. IP is especially useful for mineral exploration applications. 

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Inversion Modeling In Geophysics: The Why & How

Posted by AGI on Jan 19, 2017 1:00:00 AM

Inversion is the mathematical process of calculating cause from a set of observations. In resistivity work, it is used to calculate the resistivity of different formations in the ground from a set of readings taken at the surface or between boreholes. 

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7 Types Of Resistivity Instruments & Equipment You Need (& Why)

Posted by AGI on Jan 18, 2017 9:40:27 AM

Have you ever prepared for a vacation, only to arrive at your destination and realize you’d neglected to pack important attire and equipment for your holiday? Recently, in my haste to prepare for a trip, I didn’t make a list and found myself in this very situation—I ended up wearing wool sweaters and jeans in an 80-degree climate. 

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Detecting Karst At Friesenhahn Cave Using 3D Electrical Resistivity

Posted by AGI on Jan 12, 2017 9:12:03 AM

Dr. Keith N. Muhlestein, PG, REM, from the University of Texas at San Antonio’s Environmental Science and Engineering department, used AGI equipment for an electrical resistivity survey to image Karst regions within Friesenhahn Cave in Texas. 

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2D Resistivity Surveys: The Benefits, Limitations, & Technology

Posted by AGI on Jan 4, 2017 3:44:39 PM

In the 1980s and early 1990s, geophysicists became largely disenchanted with electrical resistivity because of the inadequacies of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). Specifically, the VES method assumes that the imaged geology is horizontally layered and that each layer is homogeneous. Of course, this often isn’t the case, causing some project managers (and their clients) to become fed up with the unusable results.

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Topics: field training

1D Geophysical Resistivity Survey: Vertical Electrical Sounding

Posted by AGI on Dec 16, 2016 12:29:25 PM

Throughout most of the 20th century, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was the dominant geophysical resistivity method. It has been used all over the world for three primary purposes: geotechnical investigation, groundwater exploration, and mineral exploration.

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