Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Generic comparison of ISM and LSIT interpretation of geo-resistivity technology data, using constraints of ground truths: a tool for efficient explorability of groundwater and related resources

  • Research Article - Applied Geophysics
  • Published:
Acta Geophysica Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Geo-electrical resistivity technology, an investigative tool for prognosis or prospection of subsurface resources in relation to hydrogeology, environment, Archeology, engineering and mining, was employed to estimate the prime geo-electrical indices in a sedimentary environment using the interpretative candidacy of direct modelling of geo-electrical data through inverse slope method (ISM) and inverse modelling utilizing the least squares inversion technique (LSIT). The aim was to generically compare in-line with borehole indices, the results from the direct interpretation (ISM) with the conventional digitally computerized method (LSIT), which is associated with the ill-posed problem of inverse theory. The image maps, regression analysis and charts, from the qualitative and quantitative analyses of resistivity data, show that marginal correlations exist between ISM and LSIT in layer one while maximal correlation of resistivities is revealed in layers two and three. The curve types obtained from LSIT were 100% in agreement with the values of resistivities obtained from the ISM. Comparatively, the depth of investigation from the LSIT showcased a correlation with borehole depth in the range of 56.3–88.6% (average: 70.3%) while ISM has middling correlation of 79.0% with range of 68.0–87.7% in layers one to three distinctively delineated at the maximum electrical current separation. In terms of comparison, the depths and thicknesses displayed in Table 2 and Figs. 10–12, ISM is practically more compliant with the drilling results than the results from conventional and digitally computerized method (LSIT). Again, the results indicate the ill-posed problem of inverse theory associated with LSIT can be made well-posed by hybridizing the ISM and LSIT techniques in the interpretation of geo-resistivity data, mostly in the areas where there are no borehole logs (ground truths).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig.12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Akpan AE, Ugbaja AN, George NJ (2013) Integrated geophysical, geochemical and hydrogeological investigation of shallow groundwater resources in parts of the Ikom-Mamfe embayment and the adjoining areas in Cross River State Nigeria. Environ Earth Sci 70(3):1435–1456. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-013-2232-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Akpan AE, Ugbaja AN, Okoyeh EI, George NJ (2018) Assessment of spatial distribution of contaminants and their levels in soil and water resources of Calabar, Nigeria using geophysical and geological data. Environ Earth Sci Ger 77:13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-7189-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • AL-Hameedawi MM, Thabit JM, AL-Menshedv FH (2021) Some notes about three types of inhomogeneity and their effect on the electrical resistivity tomography data. J App Geophys 191:104360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2021.104360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asfahani J (2016) Inverse slope Method for interpreting vertical electrical soundings in sedimentary phosphatic environments in the Al-Sharquieh Mine, Syria. CIM J 7:30. https://doi.org/10.15834/cimj.2016.12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bandani E (2011) Application of groundwater mathematical model for assessing the effects of galoogah dam on the shooro aquifer-Iran. Euro J Sci Res 54(4):499–511

    Google Scholar 

  • Binley A, Ramirez A, Daily W (1995) Regularised image reconstruction of noisy Electrical resistivity tomography data. In: Proceedings of the 4th Workshop of the European concerted action on process tomography, Bergen, pp 401–410

  • Bouadou RAM, Kouassi KA, Kouassi FW, Coulibaly A, Gnagne T (2019) Use of the inverse slope method for the characterization of geometry of basement aquifers: case of the department of bouna (ivory coast). J Geosci Env Prot 7:166–183. https://doi.org/10.4236/gep.2019.76014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ekanem AM, George NJ, Thomas JE, Nathaniel EU (2019) Empirical relations between aquifer geohydraulic–geoelectric properties derived from surficial resistivity measurements in parts of Akwa Ibom state, Southern Nigeria. Nat Resour Res. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-019-09606-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ekanem AM, Akpan AE, George NJ, Thomas JE (2021) Appraisal of protectivity and corrosivity of surficial hydrogeological units via geo-sounding measurements. Environ Monit Assess. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-021-09518-9 (PMID: 34642861)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ekanem KR, George NJ, Ekanem AM (2022) Parametric characterization, protectivity and potentiality of shallow hydrogeological units of a medium-sized housing estate. Acta Geophys, Shelter Afrique, Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00737-3

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Evans UF, George NJ (2007) Resistivity study of groundwater potential at Aka-Offot and Ikot Ntuen Nsit villages in Uyo capital city developmentarea of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. J Env Stud Nigeria 3(4):114–118

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedel S (2003) (2003) Resolution, stability and efficiency of resistivity tomography estimated from a generalized inverse approach. Geophys J Int 153:305–316

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George NJ (2020) Appraisal of hydraulic flow units and factors of the dynamics and contamination of hydrogeological units in the littoral zones: a case study of Akwa Ibom State University and its environs, Mkpat Enin L.G.A Nigeria. Nat Resour Res 29:3771–3788. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-020-09673-

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George NJ, Nathaniel EU, Etuk SE (2014) Assessment of economically accessible groundwater reserve and its protective capacity in Eastern Obolo local government area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using electrical resistivity method. Int J Geophys 2014:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/578981

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George NJ, Emah JB, Ekong UN (2015) Geohydrodynamic properties of hydrogeological units in parts of Niger delta, southern Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sc 105:55–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2015.02.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George NJ, Ekanem AM, Ibanga JI, Udosen N1 (2017) Hydrodynamic implications of aquifer quality index (AQI) and flow zone indicator (FZI) in groundwater abstraction: a case study of coastal hydro-lithofacies in south-eastern Nigeria. J Coast Conserv 21:759–776. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11852-017-0535-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • George NJ, Ekanem AM, Thomas JE (2021) EkongSA (2021) Mapping depths of groundwater-level architecture: implications on modest groundwater-level declines and failures of boreholes in sedimentary environs. Acta Geophys 69:1919–1932. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-021-00663-w

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghanati R, Fallah Safari M (2021) DC Electrical resistance tomography inversion. J Earth and Space Phys. https://doi.org/10.22059/jesphys.2021.323911.1007321

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibanga Jewel I, George NJ (2016) Estimating geohydraulic parameters, protective strength, and corrosivity of hydrogeological units: a case study of ALSCON Ikot Abasi, southern Nigeria. Arab J Geosci 9(5):1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Ibuot JC, Akpabio GT, George NJ (2013) A survey of the repository of groundwater potential and distribution using geo-electrical resistivity method in Itu local government area (L.G.A), Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Central Eur J Geosci 5(4):538–547. https://doi.org/10.2478/s13533-012-0152-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ibuot JC, George NJ, Okwesili AN, Obiora DN (2019) Investigation of litho-textural characteristics of aquifer in Nkanu West local government area of Enugu state, southeastern Nigeria. J Afr Earth Sci Egypt 153:197–207. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.03.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ikpe EO, Ekanem AM, George NJ (2022) Modelling and assessing the protectivity of hydrogeological units using primary and secondary geo-electric indices: a case study of Ikot Ekpene urban and its environs, southern Nigeria. Modeling Earth Sys Environ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-022-01366-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kouassi FW, Kouassi KA, Coulibaly A, Kamagaté B, Savané I (2017) Efficiency of inverse slope method in the interpretation of electrical resistivity soundings data of schlumberger type. Int J Eng Sci Res 7(121):130

    Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH, Barker RD (1996) Rapid least-squares inversion of apparent resistivity pseudosections by a quasi-Newton method. Geophys Prospect 44:131–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH, Dalhin T (2002) A comparison of the Gauss-Newton and quasi-Newton methods in resistivity imaging inversion. J App Geophys 49:149–462

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH, Acworth I, Dalhin T (2003) A comparison of smooth and blocky inversion methods in 2-D electrical imaging surveys. Explor Geophys 34:182–187

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mohamed HS, Senosy MM, Abdel Aal GZ (2014) Upgrading of the inverse slope method for quantitative interpretation of earth resistivity measurements. Arab J Geosci 7:4059–4077. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-013-1075-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obinawu VI, George NJ, Udofia KM (2011) Estimation of Aquifer Hydraulic Conductivity and Effective Porosity Distributions using Laboratory Measurements on Core Samples in the Niger Delta, Southern Nigeria. Int Rev Phys Praise Worthy Prize Italy 5(1):19–24

    Google Scholar 

  • Obiora DN, Ibuot JC, George NJ (2015) Evaluation of aquifer potential, geoelectric and hydraulic parameters in Ezza North, southeastern Nigeria, using geoelectric sounding. Int J Sci Technol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-015-0886-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oladapo MI, Mohammed MZ, Adeoye OO, Adetola BA (2004) Geo-electrical investigation of the Ondo state housing corporation estate IjapoAkure. Southwestern Nigeria J Min Geol 40(1):41–48

    Google Scholar 

  • Panda B, Chidambaram S, Ganesh N (2017) An attempt to understand the subsurface variation along the mountain front and riparian region through geophysics technique in South India. Modeling Earth Syst Environ 3(2):783–797. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-017-0334-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Petters SW (1982) Central West African cretaceous: tertiary benthic foraminifera and stratigraphy. Paloeontograph A 179:1–104

    Google Scholar 

  • Petters SW (1989) Akwa Ibom State: physical background, soil and landuse and ecolgical problems. Technical report for government of Akwa Ibom State, p 603

  • Sanjiv KS (2010) Site characterization studies using electrical resistivity technique in Gudwanwadi dam site, Karjat, Maharashtra (p. 47). Master of science in applied geophysics, Bombay: department of earth science indian institute of technology

  • Sankarnaryan PV, Ramanujachary KR (1967) An inverse slope method for determining absolute resistivities. Geophysics 32(6):1036–1040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Short KC, Stäuble AJ (1965) Outline of geology of Niger delta. Am Asso Petrol Geol Bull 51:761–779

    Google Scholar 

  • Simms JE, Morgan FD (1992) Comparison of four least-squares inversion schemes for studying equivalence in one-dimensional resistivity interpretation. Geophysics 57:1282–1293

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Temitope OAA, JA, (2016) Geophysical characterization of aquifer parameters within basement complex rocks using electrical sounding data from the polytechnic, Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. Int J Sci Res 4:112–127. https://doi.org/10.12983/ijsrk-2016-p0112-0127

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas JE, George NJ, Ekanem AM, Nsikak EE (2020) Electrostratigraphy and hydrogeochemistry of hyporheic zone and water-bearing caches in the littoral shorefront of Akwa Ibom State university, southern Nigeria. Environ Monit Assess 192:505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-020-08436-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tizro AT, Voudouris K, Basami Y (2012) Estimation of porosity and specific yield by application of geoelectrical method: a case study in western Iran. J Hydrol 454–455:160–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2012.06.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tripp AC, Hohmannt GW, Swift CM Jr (1984) Two-dimensional resistivity inversion. Geophysics 49(10):1708–1717

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Udosen NI, George NJ (2018a) A finite integration forward solver and a domain search reconstruction solver for electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Model Earth Syst Environ 4:1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40808-018-0412-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Udosen NI, George NJ (2018b) Characterization of electrical anisotropy in north Yorkshire England using square arrays and electrical resistivity tomography. Geomech Geophys Geo-Energy Geo-Resour 4(3):215–233. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40948-018-0087-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uwa UE, Akpabio GT, George NJ (2019) Geohydrodynaic parameters and their implications on the coastal conservation: a case study of Abak local government area (LGA), Akwa Ibom State, southern Nigeria. Nat Resour Res 28(2):349–367. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-018-9391-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vander Velpen BPA, Sporry RJ (1993) Resist: a computer program to process resistivity sounding data on PC compatibles. Comput Geosci 19(5):691–703

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yao BK, Lasm T, Ayral PA, Johannet A, Kouassi AM, Assidjo E, Biémi J (2007) Optimisation des modèles Perceptrons Multicouches avec les algorithmes de premier et de deuxième ordre. application à la modélisation de la relation plu-ie-débit du Bandama Blanc, Nord de la Côte d’Ivoire. Eur J Sci Res 17:13–328

    Google Scholar 

  • Zohdy AAR (1989) A new method for automatic interpretation of Schlumberger and Wenner sounding curves. Geophysics 5(2):245–252

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zohdy AAR, Eaton GP, Mabey DR (1974) Application of surface geophysics to groundwater investigations. US geological survey techniques of water-resources investigations, Book 2. p 116 Chapter D1

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are thankful to our colleagues in Geophysics Research Group (GRG) of Akwa Ibom State University for their assistance during the field data acquisition and editing of the manuscript

Funding

The project was funded by the authors.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics (Geophysics Research Group), Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, PMB 1162, Uyo, Nigeria

    Nyakno Jimmy George, Kufre Richard Ekanem, Aniekan Martin Ekanem, Ndifreke Inyang Udosen & Jewel Emem Thomas

Authors
  1. Nyakno Jimmy George
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Kufre Richard Ekanem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Aniekan Martin Ekanem
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ndifreke Inyang Udosen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jewel Emem Thomas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Nyakno Jimmy George.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Human and animal rights

This article does not contain studies with human or animal subjects.

Additional information

Edited by Dr. Michael Nones (CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

George, N.J., Ekanem, K.R., Ekanem, A.M. et al. Generic comparison of ISM and LSIT interpretation of geo-resistivity technology data, using constraints of ground truths: a tool for efficient explorability of groundwater and related resources. Acta Geophys. 70, 1223–1239 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00794-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00794-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation