Limitations of Survey
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Sadaf AmirLimitations of Survey
Uploaded by
Sadaf AmirLimitations of geophysical surveys:
While geophysical surveys are powerful tools for subsurface explorations but they
also contain limitations. Understanding these limitations helps in correctly design,
interpret results and avid costly mistakes.
Non-uniqueness of interpretations: Geophysical data may have multiple
interpretations from a single parameter. For example a low resistivity zone could
indicate clayey soil, saturated sand, contaminated groundwater and a weathered
fractured zone. This may impact the final result such as increase uncertainty, may
require drilling and sampling to confirm results.
Limited resolutions: Geophysical data can detect variations in physical properties
but cannot directly image specific materials or objects. For resolution of the
features it depends upon Sensor spacing, Wavelength/frequency, and target size vs.
depth.
Depth limitations: every method has a maximum effective depth, beyond which
the signals are too weak or scattered to interpret.
Sensitivity to geological conditions: some methods perform well only in certain
geological settings. For examples: GPR fails in clay-rich or saturated soils.
Resistivity may misinterpret highly resistive dry zones as bedrock. Seismic waves
travel poorly through unconsolidated or saturated soft soil.
Complex data processing and interpretation: raw geophysical data must be
processed, modeled and interpreted which requires expertise. Error in data
inversion can lead to false anomalies, inexperienced interprets may misidentify
features.
Environmental noise: external interferences can distort geophysical data, e.g.
power lines and underground utilities affect the EM and magnetic methods and
traffic or machinery affect the seismic and GPR.
High costs for detailed surveys: Detailed or high resolution surveys can be
expensive for example equipment rental/purchase, field staff and logistics and
processing software and experts.
Ground access and legal permitting: Some areas may be inaccessible or
hazardous affecting survey layout and method choice, and surveys may require
permits for landowners or regulatory authorities.
Material type: Geophysical methods do not directly identify rock or soil types;
they only show physical contrasts like velocity and resistivity.
1. Electrical Resistivity Survey
Description: Measures the subsurface resistivity by injecting electrical current into
the ground and measuring voltage.
Limitations:
Category Details
Lower vertical resolution in layered or complex geology.
Resolution
Difficult to detect thin layers.
Depth is limited by electrode spacing and site constraints.
Depth Limit
Greater depth requires larger arrays.
Highly conductive top layers (e.g., saline water, clay) can mask
Conductive Noise
deeper resistivity contrasts.
Cultural Nearby metallic structures, pipelines, and power lines cause
Interference noise.
Weather Soil moisture strongly affects resistivity; results may vary with
Dependence seasons or after rain.
Data acquisition and processing are relatively slow compared to
Time-Consuming
other methods.
Inversion Multiple models may fit the data (non-unique solutions).
Ambiguity Ground-truthing is often necessary.
2. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
Description: Emits electromagnetic pulses into the ground; reflections from
subsurface boundaries are recorded.
Limitations:
Category Details
Ineffective in high-conductivity materials like clay, wet soils,
Soil Conditions
or saline environments.
Penetration is shallow (typically <5 m in soil, up to 30 m in
Depth Limit
dry sand or ice).
Resolution Trade- High-frequency antennas give better resolution but lower
Off depth; vice versa for low-frequency.
Complex subsurface or rough terrain can produce overlapping
Cluttered Signals
reflections, making interpretation difficult.
Utility Detection Cannot detect non-metallic utilities unless there is a dielectric
Issues contrast.
Needs smooth surfaces for antenna contact or consistent
Surface Access
coupling.
Data Requires experienced analysts and often validation by drilling
Interpretation or excavation.
3. Seismic Refraction
Description: Uses seismic wave arrival times to determine subsurface velocity
structure.
Limitations:
Category Details
Needs increasing seismic velocity with depth;
Velocity Contrast Required fails if deeper layer has lower velocity (velocity
inversion).
Poor for Low-Velocity Layers Cannot detect soft zones (e.g., clay or voids)
Below High-Velocity Layers beneath harder materials (e.g., rock).
Resolution Cannot resolve thin or closely spaced layers.
Susceptible to environmental and cultural noise,
Noise Sensitivity
especially in urban areas.
Limited by spread length; typically 1/3–1/2 of
Depth Limitation
total geophone array.
Requires reasonably flat ground for consistent
Terrain Constraints
coupling and data quality.
Requires skilled interpretation; assumptions (e.g.,
Interpretation Challenges
planar layers) may not hold in complex geology.
4. MASW (Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves)
Description: Uses surface wave dispersion to estimate shear wave velocity (Vs)
profile.
Limitations:
Category Details
Limited by spread length and surface wave wavelength.
Low Depth Penetration
Typical depth: up to 30 m.
Limited to Shear Wave Does not directly measure density or Poisson’s ratio —
Velocity only Vs.
Influence of Surface Asphalt, loose fill, or pavement can impact wave
Conditions propagation and dispersion quality.
Difficulties in identifying fundamental vs. higher modes;
Mode Misidentification
may lead to inversion errors.
Irregular layering or strong lateral changes reduce
Complex Geology
reliability.
Traffic, footsteps, or machinery can contaminate surface
Noise Sensitivity
wave data.
Like resistivity, several models may explain the same
Non-Unique Inversion
dispersion curve; requires constraints or ground-truthing.
Summary Table
Method Major Limitation
Resistivity Affected by moisture/clay; slow; inversion ambiguity
GPR Ineffective in wet or clay-rich soils; shallow depth
Method Major Limitation
