Preliminary Evaluation of an Alternate Electrode Array for Use in Shallow Subsurface Electrical Resistivity Studies

摘要

Laboratory and field research was conducted to evaluate several electrode arrays, including the Wenner and Schlumberger, as to their relative efficiency with regard to time and space requirements, and effectiveness in predicting subsurface conditions. Laboratory investigations were conducted by use of a table-top tray in which various materials could be placed to simulate a variety of vertical cross-section of subsurface conditions. Nine different electrode arrays were thus examined to select the most suitable for further trial under field conditions. Field testing of the Wenner and Modified Wenner (and to a limited extent the Schlumberger) arrays confirmed the superiority, in some ways, of the Modified Wenner as compared to the Wenner and Schlumberger arrays. The areas of superiority are defined as reliability of data under most conditions examined, speed of field use and straight-line distance required for a given test.