Subsurface investigations of landslides using geophysical methods : geoelectrical applications in the Swabian Alb (Germany)

摘要

Landslides occur frequently all over the world, causingat times considerable economic damage, injuriesand even death. In order to improve hazard assessment, common landslide types of a given regionneed to be investigated in detail. While traditionaltechniques of subsurface investigation are expensiveand only provide point information, geophysicalmethods are suitable tools for gathering 2D and 3Dinformation on the subsurface quickly, reliably andcost-effectively.In this study, the suitability and limitations of 2Dresistivity for the determination of landslide extent,structure and soil moisture conditions are presented.For this purpose, two identical profiles were takenduring a two-month period. Significant differences inelectrical resistivity (>1000 Ωm) due to varying soilmoisture conditions were observed. Using variousinversion parameters, it was possible to model twodistinct subsurface images. Regrettably, the slidingplane could not be detected reliably, possibly due tothe homogeniety of the landslide material and underlying bedrock.