Electrical Resistivity Measurement with Spherical-Tipped Cylindrical Electrode Embedded on Two Layers

Area of Science:

• Geophysics
• Electrical Earth Sciences

Background:

• Geological strata formation alters subsurface properties like pore water chemistry, saturation, and temperature.
• These alterations complicate the interpretation of electrical resistivity data.
• Existing research lacks theoretical exploration of electrode geometry and multi-layered systems in laboratory electrical resistivity measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate a theoretical electrical resistance equation for electrodes in two-layered geological systems.
• To investigate the impact of electrode geometry on electrical resistivity measurements.
• To analyze current flow distribution under electrical resistivity mismatch.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of a theoretical electrical resistance equation considering two horizontal layers.
• Incorporation of distinct equipotential surface areas for each layer's electrical resistivity.
• Validation of the theoretical equation using finite element analysis.

Main Results:

• A novel theoretical equation for electrical resistance in two-layered systems with specific electrode geometries was derived.
• Finite element analysis confirmed the accuracy of the theoretical model.
• Insights into electrical current flow patterns were provided, especially under conditions of electrical resistivity mismatch.

Conclusions:

• The developed theoretical framework enhances the understanding of electrical resistivity measurements in complex geological settings.
• This study provides a foundation for more accurate interpretation of geophysical data from layered subsurface environments.
• The findings are crucial for applications in hydrogeology, environmental geophysics, and resource exploration.