6 - Case Studies

Summary

The sensitivity of electrical properties to the physical, chemical and, possibly, microbiological properties of the subsurface has motivated the application of resistivity and induced polarization measurements to image a remarkably diverse range of subsurface structures and processes. Traditional applications of the technologies have focused on static imaging of lithology, but time-lapse monitoring of fluid and solute transport processes in the earth is rapidly growing in popularity. Using a variety of laboratory and field-based case studies, we illustrate some of these applications of resistivity and IP measurements. Our selected case studies highlight some of the key concepts described in earlier chapters of the book, including handling of errors and choice of regularization methods when inverting resistivity and IP datasets. The selected case studies draw from a diverse range of fields, including geology, archaeology, hydrology, engineering and biology. We pay particular attention to recent case studies that illustrate the application of resistivity and IP measurements to issues of high societal relevance, including climate change, food security and environmental restoration.