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www.the-cryosphere-discuss.net/3/895/2009/
doi:10.5194/tcd-3-895-2009
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Quasi-3-D resistivity imaging – mapping of heterogeneous frozen ground conditions using electrical resistivity tomography
Department of Physical Geography, University of Würzburg, Germany
Abstract. Up to now an efficient 3-D geophysical mapping of the subsurface in mountainous environments with rough terrain has not been possible. A merging approach of several closely spaced 2-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys to build up a quasi-3-D model of the electrical resistivity is presented herein as a practical compromise for inferring subsurface characteristics and lithology. The ERT measurements were realised in a small glacier forefield in the Swiss Alps with complex terrain exhibiting a small scale spatial variability of surface substrate.
To build up the grid for the quasi-3-D measurements the ERT surveys were arranged as parallel profiles and perpendicular tie lines. The measured 2-D datasets were collated into one quasi-3-D file. A forward modelling approach – based on studies at a permafrost site below timberline – was used to optimize the geophysical survey design for the mapping of the mountain permafrost distribution in the investigated glacier forefield.
Quasi-3-D geoelectrical imaging is a useful method for mapping of heterogeneous frozen ground conditions and can be considered as a further milestone in the application of near surface geophysics in mountain permafrost environments.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 9247 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 5 Comments) Publication in TC not foreseen
Citation: Kneisel, C., Bast, A., and Schwindt, D.: Quasi-3-D resistivity imaging – mapping of heterogeneous frozen ground conditions using electrical resistivity tomography, The Cryosphere Discuss., 3, 895-918, doi:10.5194/tcd-3-895-2009, 2009. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
