Application of two-dimensional resistivity imaging to investigate sand deposits

Sand is the most widely used (by mass) raw material in construction processes, with an increasing demand level. Conventionally, sand explorations are performed using surface geological mapping and drilling. However, those techniques usually provide inadequate subsurface information and sometimes are insufficient for pit design and development. Geophysical methods are considered to be cost effective tools to provide a more continuous subsurface information. In this study, the two widely used geophysical methods of two-dimensional (2D)-resistivity imaging and multichannel analysis of surface seismic waves (MASW) were evaluated in direct comparison to each other to determine the effectiveness of each method in providing geological subsurface information for sand exploration. The 2D-resistivity method was found to be the most cost- and time-effective tool for providing accurate and reliable subsurface information. Finally, 10 lines of 2D resistivity were acquired over the entire study area in order to map the sand and gravel distribution and estimate the potential level of the sand reserve. © 2014 ejge.