GE 3040

Homework #11
4/9/2011

Due Wednesday, 4/20

Name ________________________________

1. Calculate the apparent resistivity equation for the four electrode array shown
below. Reduce the equation to its simplest algebraic form.

Vp1 = __________________________________
Vp2 = __________________________________
V = Vp1 - Vp2 = __________________________

= _______________________________ V/I

2. Interpret the vertical electrical resistivity (VES) data shown in the table below.
A Wenner array was utilized with a constant current reading of 0.25 amperes.
Convert the potential difference readings to apparent resistivities (a) values
and plot the data using the 2-layer Master curve log paper as a log-log
template. (Remember field data must be plotted using the same log scale as
the theoretical curves, i.e. one log cycle on either paper must be equal.)
Determine the resistivities of the two layers and the thickness of the first layer
by curve matching using the Wenner 2-layer Master curves.
a-spacing
(m)
2
4
6
8
10
15
20
25
30
40
50

Potential
Difference
(volts)
0.410
0.210
0.155
0.125
0.120
0.105
0.100
0.098
0.088
0.076
0.064

3. Using the two-layer Master curve from the resistivity hand out, draw the
resistivity sounding (VES) curve for a two-layer Earth using a Wenner Array.
The resistivity of the upper layer is 1200 ohm-m, thickness is 25 m, and the
resistivity of lower layer is 400 ohm-m. Start with a a spacing of 4 m and
carry the curve out to a a spacing of 600 m. Assume the layers are
horizontal. Now repeat this process using a thickness for the first layer of 10
m. Comment on the results.
4. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) data were collected near Sherman Park in
the city of Sault Ste Marie, MI as part of a groundwater project for the city. A
Schlumberger array was used to collect the data; electrode spacings ("AB/2")
are in feet and the apparent resistivities are in ohm-ft. The data (t86-a.dat)
are located in Homework and data files for GE 3040 web page. No
corrections to the data are needed. Use 1X1D to determine the "best fitting"
model to the field data. Attached is a drilling log for a well T86-A which is
positioned 15 m SW from the geometric center of the sounding array to assist
in your modeling. Your model must consist of at least three layers and have a
RMS fit of less than 3.75%. Remember there is no "unique" solution. Turn in
your best-fit model along with a short discussion on how your model relates to
the known geology (i.e., the drilling log).

5. As part of a ground water study for the Mission Creek Water District, vertical
electrical sounding (VES) data were collected in the vicinity of Desert Hot
Springs, California. The sounding data located in a file named "dsh21c.dat"
are from a Schlumberger array; electrode spacings ("AB/2") are in meters and
the apparent resistivities are in ohm-m. Use the smoothed data found in
columns 3 and 4 of the data file.
In the Desert Hot Springs area, the subsurface generally consist of a very
resistive surface layer that varies between 1 and 5 meters thick with
resistivities between 1500 and 3000 ohm-m. The second layer (including a
layer of slightly differing resistivity) is between 20 and 70 meters thick with
resistivities between 500 and 800 ohm-m. The next layer is the water table or
water-saturated gravels whose resistivities are generally less than 100 ohmm. The bedrock in this region is rather deep and was not picked up with
spreads lengths of AB/2 of 200 meters. Therefore, we can consider the water
table as being infinitely deep.
Determine the "best fitting" model to the field data using 1X1D. Your model
should have an RMS fit of less than 6. Remember there is no "unique"
solution. Turn in your best-fit model. What is the depth to the water table at
this location?
6. Use 1X1D to interpret the Wenner sounding data found in file
Berger510w.dat. Since the second layer has a lower resistivity than either the
upper or lower layer the problem of equivalence exists, i.e. as long as the
ratio of the second layer thickness to its resistivity remains constant there are
many models that are equally valid as a solution to the sounding data. Find
one other solution that also fits the VES data. Apparent resistivity data are in
ohm-m and electrode spacing (a) in m.
7. Do problem 5.7 in Burger, Sheehan, and Jones.
8. Do problem 5.6a in Burger, Sheehan, and Jones.