Automated Electrical Resistivity Tomography Monitoring of Quarry Dewatering

A study has been undertaken to demonstrate proof-of-concept for the use of time-lapse ERT for the monitoring of changing groundwater conditions at mineral extraction sites undergoing active dewatering using a well-point system. Monitoring was undertaken using a permanently installed geoelectrical imaging system, which comprised an advanced data logger (referred to here as “ALERT”) capable of the autonomous collection of geoelectrical data, and a network of surface electrodes. ALERT monitoring is demonstrated as an effective means of monitoring groundwater rebound and drawdown, although a time-lag is observed between hydraulic head levels recorded in the piezometers and the bulk saturation information provided by ERT.