THE REDUCTION OF LATERAL EFFECTS IN RESISTIVITY PROBING*

To be able to make use of all existing probe interpretation techniques, it is desirable that field resistivity observations be conducted in such a way that it is possible to construct an equivalent curve for the surface variation of potential about a point source. Further, the usual parallel layer interpretation will only be justified in as much as the observed potential curve is compatible with such a subsurface geometry. Thus, whilst a potential curve may be constructed from suitable finite potential differences obtained using a Wenner configuration of electrodes, it can be shown, using the tri‐potential technique of measurements, that these potential differences may arise partly from lateral resistivity variations.

In this paper, a ladder network technique is employed to display these lateral effects and an adjustment method proposed to reduce them. The adjusted potential differences obtained form a consecutive series suitable for summation to give the potential function. These values are subject to further minimum adjustments required for them to comply with slope and curvature conditions for a layered medium. After forming the potential curve by summation, a final numerical smoothing process is carried out. From this smoothed potential curve, corresponding Wenner and Schlumberger curves can readily be derived for interpretation.

The method proposed thus attempts to extract from the observed data the maximum part which can be reconciled with a purely depth variation of resistivity. A method is also proposed for compounding the ‘errors of closure’ of the network to provide a Lateral Inhomogeneity Index which gives a measure of the departure of the observed data from the basic interpretation requirements.

The method involves no great labour, but can readily be programmed for a computer if desired. Examples are given of the application of the method to field observations. In the interest of objectivity, the final smoothing has been confined to a single stage but in certain very extreme examples a further stage may prove desirable.