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DC resistivity
A sequence of pages is provided that introduces essential concepts
underlying direct current (DC) resistivity field surveying methods. The
sequence includes includes text and equations, interactive figures,
photographs and some self-directed learning aids such as quizzes.
available on the BCcampus "Shareable Online Learning Resources" server (SOL*R) - a repository for
online programs, courses, and learning resources. Students and instructors can create their own
accounts on this system using the "Create an Account" tab at the top of the
Introduction
DC resistivity surveys
DC resistivity surveys
In resistivity surveying, information about the subsurface distribution of electrical conductivity is
obtained by examining how currents flow in the earth. DC (direct current) resistivity methods involve
injecting a steady state electrical current into the ground and observing the resulting distribution of
potentials (voltages) at the surface or within boreholes.
Like all geophysical processes, DC surveys can be described in terms of input energy, the earth's
physical properties, and signals or data that are measured.
Using the same colour scheme as the flow diagram above, Figure 2 shows how this conceptual
framework applies for DC methods. The energy source is a pair of electrodes that inject a well-known
current into the ground at known locations (Fig. 2a). The earth affects this energy because variations
in the electrical conductivity of subsurface structures will bend the current flow lines (Fig. 2b). The
measured signals or data (Fig. 2c) will involve measurements of voltage at the earth's surface or
within boreholes. This type of data contains information about how charges become distributed at
boundaries where electrical conductivity changes.
Soils and rocks are composed mostly of silicate minerals, which are essentially insulators. Exceptions
include magnetite, specular hematite, carbon, graphite, pyrite, and pyrrhotite. Therefore conduction is
largely electrolytic, so conductivity depends mainly upon:
porosity;
hydraulic permeability, which describes how pores are interconnected;
moisture content;
concentration of dissolved electrolytes;
temperature and phase of pore fluid;
amount and composition of colloids (clay content).
Detailed discussion of geologic factors affecting this important physical property are provided in a
separate location.