4.4 Article

Sediment characterization in deltas using electrical resistivity tomography: The Ebro delta case

Journal

JOURNAL OF APPLIED GEOPHYSICS
Volume 196, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2021.104520

Keywords

Electrical resistivity tomography; Extreme saline environment; Holocene deltas characterization; Deltas subsidence assessment

Funding

  1. European Union [LIFE 13 ENV/ES/001182]

Ask authors/readers for more resources

This study utilized surface electrical resistivity tomography in combination with limited borehole logging and geological information to effectively characterize sedimentary architecture in the Ebro delta plain, overcoming the challenge of salinity impact on resistivity. The results have been crucial in reducing uncertainties in ERT interpretation, constructing a 3D geological model for the Ebro delta, assessing delta plain subsidence, and inferring water quality distribution. The feasibility and capability of electrical resistivity tomography in sediments characterization in extreme environments such as coastal areas and deltas have been highlighted.
Surface electrical resistivity tomography is a non-invasive and highly competitive technique that can be used to effectively characterize subsurface sediments for different purposes: geological, geotechnical, hydrogeological or subsidence problems. However, due to the strong effect of salinity on resistivity, sediments characterization in deltas (coastal areas) becomes a challenge. In this work, the results of combining extensive surface electrical resistivity tomography measurements and limited borehole logging and geological information in the Ebro delta plain is presented. The methodology used has been critical to reduce uncertainties in the interpretation of the ERT models, allowing to characterize the sedimentary architecture of the Holocene deposits in the Ebro delta plain up to about 60 m depth. The obtained geoelectrical models have been used for the construction of the Ebro delta 3D geological model prior to the delta plain subsidence assessment. Results also highlight the feasibility and capability of the electrical resistivity tomography technique to sediments characterization in extreme environments such as coastal areas and deltas. Additionally, the water quality distribution across the delta plain is also inferred.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.4
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available