Error in depth determination from resistivity soundings due to non-identification of suppressed layers

Abstract

The magnitude of errors in the determination of depth to bedrock from Wenner and Schlumberger resistivity sounding curves, caused by the nonidentification of a suppressed layer, has been investigated. The principal objective is to evaluate how the layer thicknesses and resistivities affect the accuracy of depth estimates. In the computations, the intermediate layer in a 3-layer model, in which the resistivity increases with depth, is removed and the 2-layer sounding curve that is electrically equivalent to the 3-layer curve is generated. The results indicate that there is a possibility for large depth underestimations when the resistivity contrast between layers 1 and 2 is very large. This is manifested in a steeply rising terminal branch on the sounding curve. There is a slight decrease in the depth underestimation as the resistivity contrast between layers 2 and 3 increases. Conversely, if the intermediate layer is fairly thick and the resistivity contrasts are not too large, the best-fit 2-layer curve shows large deviations from the 3-layer curve, in such cases, the intermediate layer can be identified, resulting in reliable depth estimates. A field example from Nigeria is presented in which the sounding data has been interpreted so as to account for a prebasement layer of intermediate resistivity, indicative of a fractured granite.