Permanent electrode arrays were set up at ten monitoring sites from Whitehorse, Yukon, to Fort St. John, British Columbia, in order to gain a clearer perspective of the effectiveness of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) monitoring over an annual cycle of freezing and thawing. This research forms part of a longer-term project that is attempting to use ERT to examine changes in permafrost resulting from climate change. Inter-site and intra-site variability were examined by installing and maintaining data-loggers to monitor active layer and shallow permafrost temperatures, air temperatures, and snow depths at each site from August 2010 – August 2011. Additional site information was collected on each ERT survey date, including frost table depths, snow depths, and vegetation heights. Based on nearby community records, the climate in the region has been warming by a rate of 0.3 to 0.5 °C per decade since 1970. The permafrost at all ten sites was characteristic of sporadic discontinuous and isolated patches permafrost zones, and is classified as Ecosystem-protected. Nine of the ten permafrost sites had permafrost that was thinner than the 14 or 7 m penetration depth of the ERT survey (three-layer system consisting of an active layer, permafrost, and sub-permafrost perennially unfrozen zone). The most predictable results were achieved at the two-layer system site (active layer overlying permafrost to the base of the profile) in each of its virtual resistivity boreholes, relative resistivity change comparisons, and mean near-surface apparent resistivity progressions. ERT is an effective method of delineating permafrost boundaries in thin permafrost environments and does show strength when monitoring areas of seasonally frozen ground. Repeat surveys at a site indicate seasonal changes in three-layer conditions, but not as predictably as those in a two-layer system. In order to receive the most accurate information regarding permafrost extent and thickness, it appears ideal to conduct ERT surveys annually, within the same month as the previous year’s survey.

Orientador: Osvair Vidal Trevisan / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Mecânica e Instituto de Geociências / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-28T00:52:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fiorelli_GabrielLeal_M.pdf: 3837582 bytes, checksum: 65b0461498266c19956369250cbca96f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O presente trabalho tem por objetivo caracterizar rochas carbonáticas de afloramento, com propriedades petrofísicas análogas às do pré-sal brasileiro, integrando três ferramentas distintas: Resistividade Elétrica, Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) e Porosimetria por Intrusão de Mercúrio (MICP) em condições ambientes. As rochas são coquinas Coqueiro Seco da Formação Morro do Chaves, Bacia Sergipe ¿ Alagoas, Brasil, e dolomitos Silurian da Formação Thornton, provenientes dos Estados Unidos. As amostras de rochas foram analisadas variando-se a suas saturações de salmoura/ar/óleo e medindo-se a resistividade elétrica e o tempo de relaxação magnética transversal (T2) em cada nível de saturação. As amostras foram também analisadas quanto à distribuição de gargantas utilizando a técnica de Porosimetria por Intrusão de Mercúrio (MICP). Os resultados de tempo de relaxação obtidos mostram que as estruturas porosas dos dois sistemas rochosos têm características de distribuição de tamanho de poros multimodal. No entanto, as curvas de MICP apresentaram comportamentos distintos. As coquinas e os dolomitos apresentaram ser compostos na maioria por estruturas macroporosas, com uma pequena parcela mesoporosa e microporosa. As curvas de índice de resistividade para o sistema de saturação água ¿ ar apresentaram comportamento linear para as duas rochas. Em contrapartida no sistema de saturação água ¿ óleo, não foi possível visualizar um comportamento linear. Para os dolomitos as curvas apresentaram um desvio positivo em baixas saturações, justificado pela metodologia empregada. / Abstract: This study aims to characterize carbonate rocks outcrop rocks with similar petrophysical properties of the Brazilian pre-salt by three different methodologies: Electrical Resistivity, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Porosimetry by Mercury Intrusion (MICP) at room conditions. The rocks are coquinas Coqueiro Seco Formation Morro do Chaves, Sergipe Basin - Alagoas, Brazil, and Silurian dolomites Formation Thornton, from the United States. The rock samples were analyzed for varying brine saturations / air / oil by measuring electrical resistivity and magnetic transverse relaxation time (T2) at each level of saturation. The samples were also analyzed for throat size distribution using the technique of porosimetry by mercury intrusion (MICP). The relaxation time results show that the porous structures of the two systems have pore size characteristics of multimodal distribution. However the MICP curves showed different behavior. The present coquinas and dolomites are composed mostly of macroporous structures with a small portion of micropores and mesopores. The resistivity index curves for water/air saturations ¿ are typical, with a linear behavior. However, for water/oil saturations, the linear behavior. For dolomites, the curves showed a positive difference, justified by the methodology used / Mestrado / Reservatórios e Gestão / Mestre em Ciências e Engenharia de Petróleo

<p> Under certain conditions, an induced torque measurement is a measure of the ratio of the resistivity to the square of the Hall constant. Induced torque measurements can be directly related to the connectivity of the Fermi surface.</p> <p> A modulation technique for measuring induced torque is justifield theoretically, and an instrument employing this technique is characterized. Operational limitations on parameters such as sample resistivity and modulation rate are specified. A new procedure is proposed to extract more information from induced torque measurements. This procedure would allow the measurement of resistivity and Hall constant of ellipsoidal samples. The procedure is untested but appears to be feasible.</p> <p> Observations of the induced torque of Hg3-δAsF6 show that the Fermi surface supports an open orbit in one direction. This is discussed in the context of a model (Razavi et al., 1979), which has Fermi surface cylinders of common direction. This is based on conduction in Hg chain directions, which lie in only two directions. At magnetic fields greater than 3.0 Tesla, magnetic breakdown is observed. A Brillouin zone constructed using Hg chain symmetry and crystal parameters yields reciprocal lattice vectors compatible with the observed magnetic breakdown. The model is confirmed but a refinement is needed to allow an undulation of the Fermi surface cylinders.</p> / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

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Mountain Lake in Giles County, Virginia, has a documented history of severe natural lake-level changes involving groundwater seepage [Jansons, 2004] that extend over the past 4200 years [Cawley, 1999], and as of December 2010 the lake was about 2% full by volume. Situated in the Valley and Ridge physiographic province on the axis of a plunging anticline and straddling contacts between three upper Ordovician and lower Silurian formations, the lake is one of two natural lakes in Virginia. A daily water balance, geophysical surveying with dipole-dipole electrical resistivity, and chemical sampling have shed light on the nature of flow to and from the lake, including: 1) the steady nature of net groundwater outflow, 2) the seasonal response to precipitation of a forested first-order drainage system in fractured rock, 3) the influence of a fault not previously discussed in literature regarding the lake, and 4) the possibility of flow pathways through karst features. Results from a water balance indicate steady lake drainage and significant recharge when vegetation is dormant, particularly during rain-on-snow melt events. The resistivity profiles display a highly heterogeneous subsurface and reveal low-resistivity areas that suggest flow pathways to and from the lake. Well logs, satellite images, and outcrop observations appear to confirm the presence of a fault to the east of the lake. Chemical evidence suggests that karst features may be present in the upper Reedsville-Trenton formation underlying the lakebed. / Master of Science

Since the use of epoxy coated steel has become mandatory starting in the 1980s, recent studies have shown that epoxy coating does not prevent corrosion, but instead will debond from the steel reinforcement in as little as 4 years (Weyers RE et al, 1998) allowing instead a much more insidious form of corrosion to take place known as crevice corrosion. Therefore, it is important to determine if the nondestructive corrosion activity detection methods are applicable to ECR as well as institute guidelines for interpreting the results. Since the corrosion of reinforcing steel is directly responsible for damage to concrete structures, it is surprising that nondestructive corrosion assessment methods are not part of regular bridge inspection programs such as PONTIS and NBIS. Instead, the inspection and bridge rating guidelines of federally mandated programs such as NBIS are so vague as to allow for a relatively subjective application by the field inspectors. Clear cover depths, resistance, corrosion potentials, linear polarization data, as well as environmental exposure and structural data were collected from a sample of 38 bridge decks in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These structures were further divided in three subsets: bridge decks with a specified w/c ratio of 0.47, bridge decks with a specified w/c ratio of 0.45 and bridge decks with a specified w/cm ratio of 0.45. This data was then correlated to determine which parameters are the most influential in the assignment of NBIS condition rating. Relationships between the non-destructive test parameters were also examined to determine if corrosion potentials and linear polarization are applicable to epoxy coated steel. Based on comparisons of measurements distributions, there is an indication that corrosion potential tests may be applicable to structures reinforced with epoxy coated steel. Furthermore, these conclusions are supported by statistical correlations between resistivity, half cell potentials and linear polarization measurements. Unfortunately, although apparently applicable, as of now there are no guidelines to interpret the results. Based on the linear corrosion current density data collected, no conclusion can be drawn regarding the applicability of the linear polarization test. As far as the NBIS deck rating is concerned, since the inspection guidelines are so vague, age becomes a very easy and attractive factor to the field personnel to rely on. However, this conclusion is far from definitive since the very large majority of structures used in this particular study had only two rating values out of theoretically ten and realistically five possible rating values. / Master of Science

Yellowstone National Park hosts over 10,000 thermal features (e.g. geysers, fumaroles, mud pots, and hot springs), yet little is known about the hydrothermally active zones hundreds of meters beneath the features. Transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings and 2D direct current (DC) resistivity profiles show that hydrothermal alteration at active sites have a higher electrical conductivity than the surrounding hydrothermally inactive areas. For that reason, airborne TEM is an effective method to characterize large areas and identify hydrothermally active and inactive zones using electrical conductivity. Here we present results from an airborne TEM survey acquired jointly by the U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Wyoming in November, 2016. We integrate resistivity from the airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey with research drillhole data and rock physics models to investigate the controls on electrical conductivity in the upper few hundreds of meters of the Yellowstone hydrothermal system. Resistivities in Yellowstone are the product of complex variations of lithology, temperature, salinity, clay content, and hydrothermal fluids. Results show that the main drivers in lowering the high resistivitiy of volcanic rocks are water saturation and hydrothermal alteration. Salinities are not significantly elevated in Yellowstone and temperature is not a first order affect. / Master of Science / Yellowstone National Park is a popular scientific and tourist destination because of it’s vast amount of thermal features including hot springs like Grand Prismatic, geysers like Old Faithful, and many more. But what is happening beneath those features and how can we use geophysics to find out? In November 2016, the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Wyoming conducted an airborne geophysical survey that measures how conductive the rock is beneath Yellowstone. Using this data, we map fluids and hydrothermal activity, and relate them to the local geology. The goal of this thesis is to understand the geologic factors that make the rock beneath Yellowstone’s features conductive. We have shown that the main factors that contribute to the high conductivities in thermal areas of Yellowstone are hydrothermal alteration of the rocks and the high amount of fluids filling space inside the rocks.

Este trabalho trata do estudo detalhado e com profundidade das metodologias de aquisição, processamento e interpretação de dados de caminhamentos elétricos, sob o enfoque de investigações voltadas a objetivos rasos. Nas técnicas de aquisição 2D (caminhamentos) foram utilizados os arranjos dipolo-dipolo, pólo-dipolo, pólo-pólo e Wenner, permitindo comparações quanto à eficácia dos mesmos. Foi testada uma genuína aquisição 3D utilizando o arranjo pólo-pólo, avaliando-se suas potencialidades e limitações. O Schlumberger foi o arranjo empregado para a execução de SEVs que auxiliaram na interpretação e quantificação das seções geoelétricas 2D, principalmente no que se refere à distribuição vertical das resistividades. Os modelos geoelétricos 2D foram obtidos com um programa de inversão de dados (RES2DINV) que, em tese, é capaz de corrigir as distorções observadas nas pseudo-seções de resistividade elétrica aparente correspondentes aos diversos arranjos utilizados no trabalho. Estes modelos constituem imagens que apresentam uma melhor correspondência com a realidade geológica em subsuperfície, o que facilita a interpretação dos resultados. Procurou-se explorar o máximo as potencialidades do programa de inversão, visando a obtenção de imagens de boa qualidade. A interpretação geofísica foi sempre efetuada com base em informações diretas disponíveis (furos de sondagem, trincheiras, poços e afloramento). Em uma escala de investigação rasa, a resolução passa a ter uma importância fundamental. Procurou-se demonstrar que, quando são utilizados pequenos espaçamentos entre eletrodos (menores que quatro metros), particularmente no caso do dipolo-dipolo, é possível a execução de mais níveis de investigação em profundidade (superiores a oito) ainda com uma boa qualidade do sinal. Por outro lado, os arranjos dipolo-dipolo e pólo-pólo permitem um número muito maior de níveis de investigação sem a limitação das pequenas aberturas, mas com alguma perda em definição. Como conseqüência, tem-se um significativo aumento na quantidade de dados gerados na seção, o que contribui para o incremento da resolução bi-dimensional. Outro aspecto testado e avaliado foi o da utilização de múltiplos espaçamentos entre eletrodos sobre o mesmo perfil de levantamento. Este interessante procedimento garante, além de resolução nas porções rasas (graças aos espaçamentos pequenos), o alcance de maiores profundidades de investigação (devido aos espaçamentos maiores) em uma mesma seção. A eficácia desta prática foi verificada tanto na construção das pseudo-seções, como nos modelos geoelétricos gerados pela inversão dos dados (modelagem). A metodologia foi testada em três distintas áreas tendo por objetivo o mapeamento de um nível d´água raso, a determinação da profundidade e conformação de topo rochoso e o mapeamento de uma provável pluma de contaminação. Além de uma ampla revisão bibliográfica sobre o assunto, foi também abordado neste trabalho o controverso tema da profundidade de investigação que de fato se verifica com os arranjos de eletrodos comumente empregados em eletrorresistividade. Procurou-se, com esta tese, contribuir para um melhor entendimento acerca do tema \"imageamento geoelétrico\" e alguns tópicos a ele relacionados, quais sejam: arranjo de eletrodos, procedimentos para se conseguir um bom volume de dados na seção, utilização eficiente do programa de inversão que gera os modelos e, finalmente, a interpretação dos resultados sempre balizada por informações diretas disponíveis e por outros métodos ou técnicas geofísicas de apoio. / This paper addresses a detailed, in-depth study on data aquisition, processing and interpretation methodologies for 2D electrical profilings, focusing on investigations oriented to shallow targets. Two-dimensional (electrical profilings) acquisition techniques were used on a wide range of arrays - dipole-dipole, pole-dipole, pole-pole and Wenner arrays - for efficiency comparison purposes. A real 3D acquistion was tested with the pole-pole array in order to check its potential use and limitations. Schlumberger was the array used for SEVs, which helped to interpret and quantify 2D geoelectrical sections, especially as to the vertical distribution of resistivity. The 2D geoelectrical models were generated with an inversion computer program (RES2DINV), which basically corrects any distortions found in the apparent resistivity pseudosections corresponding to the arrays included in this study. These models create images that better match the subsurface geological reality, therefore simplifying the interpretation of results. We tried to explore the full potential use of the inversion computer program for good quality images. The geophysical interpretation was always based on the subsurface information available (boreholes, trenches, wells and outcrop). Resolution is critical in a shallow investigation scale. This study tried to show that the use of small spacings between electrodes (less than four meters), particularly in dipole-dipole arrays, allows for more in-depth investigation levels (greater than eight) without compromising signal quality. On the other hand, dipole-dipole and pole-pole arrays allow for a larger number of investigation levels without small spacings limitations, but with a slight loss of definition. Consequently, there is a significant increase in the amount of data generated at the section, enhancing 2D resolution. Another aspect tested and assessed was the use of multiple spacings between electrodes on the same survey profile. In addition to resolution in shallow sections (thanks to small spacings), this interesting procedure allows deeper investigation levels (due to larger spacings) in the same section. The efficacy of this practice was verified both in the development of pseudo-sections and in the geoelectrical models generated by inversion modelling. The methodology was tested in three different areas in order to map a shallow water table, determine the depth and shape of the bedrock, and map a potential contaminant plume. In addition to the broad literature review available, this paper also covered the controversial topic of depth investigation actually present in electrode arrays typically used in electrical resistivity methods. This thesis tried to provide a better understanding of \"geoelectrical resistivity imaging\" and related topics such as: electrode array, procedures required to generate good volumes of data in the section, efficient use of the inversion computer program behind the models and, lastly, interpretation of results, always based on the subsurface information available and on other supporting geophysical methods or techniques.