The effect of terrain topography on commonly used resistivity arrays

P.I. Tsourlos, J.E. Szymanski, G.N. Tsokas

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In this work a study of the effect of surface topographical variations on several dc resistivity arrays is presented. A 2.5-D finite-element modeling scheme is used to examine the performance of several arrays over buried features that exist below a range of different topographical terrain contexts, such as valleys, hills, and steep slopes. A mesh-generating algorithm allows a realistic representation of terrain topography.

The results confirm that topographical variations can have a significant impact on the field resistivity data values for all resistivity arrays. Further, topographical variations can be treated flexibly using a realistic resistivity forward modeling process. Thus, topographic effects, to the degree they can be modeled, are predictable and should be taken into account when designing surveys and interpreting data.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1357-1363
Number of pages7
JournalGeophysics
Volume64
Issue number5
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 1999

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