ERTH2020 Practical: Processing and Modelling of Electrical Resistivity Soundings

Overview and Purpose This practical provides experience in the processing and geological interpretation of Schlumberger sounding data. The real data are soundings performed during the 2013 Kilkivan eld trip. The results of this practical will be incorporated into your eld report. Three Schlumberger soundings (R1, R2, R3) were recorded at two locations. Soundings R2, R3 were recorded by different teams at the same location, and so provide a useful check on repeatability. The locations for these soundings are indicated in the data les provided. The raw data will be processed to provide apparent resistivity sounding curves. These will be rst interpreted qualitatively and then interpreted quantitatively using a forward-modelling approach. 1. Download of data and modelling software Create a suitable directory (folder) for the analysis and name it appropriately. From the specied download site download (i.e. right-click / save as) the following: Field data les for resistivity soundings (R1.ss, R2.ss, R3.ss) Edited data les (R1E.ss, R2E.ss R3E.ss) Python script required for data-processing (schlum processing.py) Python script required for modelling (ghosh200.py) Python script required for comparison of curves (compare.py) Data les required for modelling (spacings2.dat, schlumcoeff.dat)

Practical: Electrical Resistivity Sounding

ERTH2020

Page 1

2. Familiarisation with eld data les Examine the raw data les for the Schlumberger eld data from the three soundings (R1, R2, R3). These are in les with a .ss extension. Header information is given at the start of each le, and this describes the format of the resistivity data. These data have been entered directly from the eld data sheets. (Note that current and voltage have been input as mA and mV as required by the processing software.) 3. Python Script for Computation of Schlumberger Sounding Curves Open the Python Script schlum processing.py Look over the different sections of the code to see what it does. Lines starting with # are comments. Other lines are active code. In particular, locate the section of code which calculates the apparent resistivity. Which version of the Schlumberger formula is being used (exact or approximate)? Is the SP voltage being allowed for? 4. Quality Control of Field Data Run the Python script schlum processing.py for the Schlumberger Sounding R2 (raw data le is R2.ss). This calculates the apparent resistivity at each L-spacing, and plots the sounding curve. Note that the calculated resistivity curve is saved as the le R2.ssr. Now process the data from Sounding R3 from the same location. Use the compare.py script to compare the two calculated resistivity curves R2.ssr and R3.ssr. Recall that these are from the same location, but recorded by different teams. Comment. (You may need to refer to original eld data sheets.) Based on intuition, the original eld les have been edited (generally by adjusting the power of some entries (e.g. changed 500 to 50 etc) to produce the edited versions R2E.ss and R3E.ss. Process these les and compare the resultant resistivity curves R2E.ssr and R3E.ssr. Similarly examine R1.ss and the edited version R1E.ss Based on these QC analyses, what is your recommendation for future eld trips. 5. Qualitative Interpretation for Location 2 (R2/R3) and Location 1 (R1) Perform a qualitative interpretation of the sounding curve R3E.ssr. That is, estimate number of layers, layer resistivities and thicknesses. Repeat for Location 1 (Curve R1E.ssr).

Practical: Electrical Resistivity Sounding

ERTH2020

Page 2

6. Forward modelling of Schlumberger sounding curves In this section we will assume earth models, calculate the expected Schlumberger sounding curve, and compare with our real sounding curves. The modelling uses a technique referred to as the Resistivity Transform. For more detail see the following URL: http://www.geoph.uq.edu.au/erth3021/PRACS/10.RESISTIVITY TRANSFORM/ For example, to model the Schlumberger sounding curve R3 proceed as follows: Open and Run the Python Script ghosh200.py, which will do the forward modelling. When asked for the Existing Sounding Curve use the sounding le generated in Part 4. (e.g. R3E.ssr). Based on your earlier qualitative interpretation, provide the number of layers, and the layer parameters as requested. (Note - the thickness of the bottom layer is not used - it is assumed to be innite.) A plot will be produced which shows the theoretical sounding curve for the specied earth model, and also the eld sounding that we are trying to match. Adjust your earth model and repeat until a good match is achieved. Save plots and model les for future reference. Repeat the modelling exercise for Location 1 (match the curve R1E.ssr). 7. Non-uniqueness: Equivalence and Suppression Demonstrate the concept of equivalence. For example, see if you can apply the concept of equivalence to the thin resistive layer seen at Location 1. Demonstrate the concept of suppression. Comment on the sensitivity of the sounding curve to the different layer parameters. For example how sensitive is the curve to the properties of the top layer, and bottom layer. 8. Geological Interpretation Provide a concise description of the preferred geophysical model for for the two locations. Include comments on the errors in the models. Finally, provide a concise geological interpretation of your geophysical models.

Practical: Electrical Resistivity Sounding

ERTH2020

Page 3