The efficiency of 2D electrical resistivity arrays in shallow subsurface investigations : a comparative study between three conventional arrays

Abstract EN

Two-dimensional (2D) field data was used to evaluate the performance of three electrical resistivity arrays for shallow subsurface investigations.

The three arrays analyzed include Wenner-α, Dipole-dipole and Wenner-Schlumberger.

The study was conducted at the University of Technology Baghdad /Iraq to evaluate the performance of these arrays in subsurface soil investigations.

The three profiles were surveyed with total length of 60 m for each line, and the depth of penetration reach to 12m.

Results showed two geoelectrical layers: the upper layer with high resistivity represents the topsoil layer (loamy soil) and the second layer with low resistivity represents the clayey layer.

Among the three arrays tested, Wenner-Schlumberger array was the best for the study area as it was suitable for field conditions, more informative, provides high signal strength and deeper depth of penetration in the soil.