GeoModel, Inc. Logo

surface resistivity

Surveys by GeoModel, Inc.


Surface resistivity measures the electrical resistivity of the subsurface materials, which include soil and groundwater characteristics, from survey stations at the ground surface. Surface resistivity can be used to study lateral changes and vertical cross sections of the natural hydrogeologic setting. Surface resistivity can also be used to study contamination of soil and groundwater and to locate buried objects.

GeoModel, Inc. personnel have conducted numerous surface resistivity surveys. All surface resistivity surveys are conducted by registered professional geologists. GeoModel, Inc. can travel nationwide or worldwide to conduct a surface resistivity survey. GeoModel, Inc. uses only the latest equipment for conducting surface resistivity surveys.


Surface Resistivity Applications:


Surface Resistivity Method

Application of the surface resistivity method requires that an electrical current be injected into the ground by surface electrodes. The resulting potential field (voltage) is measured at the surface by a voltmeter between electrodes.

The resistivity of the subsurface materials can be calculated by knowing the electrode spacing, geometry of the electrode positions, applied current, and measured voltage. Surface resistivity measurements are reported in the units of ohm-meters or ohm-feet.

The depth of the resistivity measurement is related to the spacings of the electrodes and may vary depending on the subsurface conditions. The surface resistivity unit has a self-contained transmitter, capable of obtaining data to about 50 to 100 meters (160 to 300 feet), using self-contained, rechargeable batteries.


Recent Surface Resistivity Survey in Africa

GeoModel, Inc. recently conducted a surface resistivity survey in Warri, Nigeria, Africa for Mosunmolu Ltd. in cooperation with Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Warri. The resistivity survey was conducted to map soil layers at a Shell facility.

GeoModel, Inc. used an L & R MiniRes surface resistivity instrument to conduct the survey. A Wenner electrode configuration was used to obtain the apparent resistivity values. The field resistivity data was processed using L&R RESPAC automated inverse modeling software.

Shell PDC of Nigeria Ltd., WarriMiniRes in operation

Professor Mike Oladapo of the Department of Geophysics of the Federal University of Technology,
Akure, Nigeria, conducting the resistivity survey with the MiniRes for Mosunmolu Ltd. at the Shell site


Surface Resistivity Imaging Profile

Recent advances in resistivity technology include imaging systems that acquire large amounts of resistivity data through a computer operated system. After a series of electrodes are spread out in an array, the computer automatically collects the data from many different intervals which in turn creates the image.

ABEM surface resistivity system

The color image below shows a surface resistivity profile obtained by GeoModel, Inc. using an automatic mufti-electrode system.

surface resistivity profile

Company Background

GeoModel, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a geophysical services and environmental consulting firm. The company principals have over 50 years of combined experience and have conducted numerous surface resistivity surveys worldwide. All projects are conducted by registered professional geologists.


GeoModel, Inc. conducts surveys in every state.

Contact us to check the availability of a crew in your state.

Click on your state below:

Map of the Untied States of America

Alaska Hawaii Hawaii Washington Oregon California Nevada Idaho Arizona Utah New Mexico Colorado Wyoming Montana Texas Oklahoma Kansas Nebraska South Dakota North Dakota Louisiana Arkansas Missouri Iowa Minnesota Mississippi Illinois Wisconsin Michigan Alabama Tennessee Kentucky Indiana Ohio West Virginia Florida Georgia South Carolina North CarolinaVirginia Maryland Maryland Delaware New Jersey New Jersey Pennsylvania New York Connecticut Connecticut Rhode Island Massachusetts Massachusetts Vermont Vermont New Hampshire New Hampshire Maine Washington, DC
Click hereClick here for worldwide surveysWorldwide Surveys

e-mail: e-mailgeomodel@geomodel.com


home[Back to Top of page] [Back to Surface Geophysical Surveys ]