Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) is by far the most used method for geoelectric surveying, because
it is one of the cheapest geophysical method and it gives very good results in many area of interest.
The field measurements technique is adjustable for the different topographic conditions and the
interpretation of the data can be done with specialized software, with a primary interpretation
immediately after the measurements. The results of VES measurements can be interpreted qualitatively
as well as quantitatively. The quantitative interpretation, in the case of mineral exploration, can give the
chance to evaluate the reserves in a certain area of interest.
The principle of this method is to insert a electric current, of known intensity, through the ground with the
help of two electrodes (power electrodes AB) and measuring the electric potential difference with
another two electrodes (measuring electrodes MN). The investigation depth is proportional with the
distance between the power electrodes.

Vertical electric sounding method, as all geophysical methods, needs for a good interpretation the
presence of a contrast in resistivity. As the contrast is greater, the results are better.

The technology is applicable on rivers and lakes also, making it possible to find out the geology of
underwater terrain. This method has proven efficient in designing vertical guided boreholes and other
engineer projects.

VES applications:
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Aquifer description
Bedrock depth
Mapping geological boundaries
Identification of fractures in the bedrock
Mapping of sand and gravel deposits
Sol / Strate unconsolidated
Mineral Exploration
Geological mapping
Mapping groundwater depth
Mapping spots brine
Groundwater Contamination
Inorganic pollutants leak detection
Leaking landfill
Maps of saline soils
Identify wells
Old settlements
Depth mapping rocks

Geoelectrical profiling
The electric resistivity profiling method uses the same type of arrays as in the vertical electric
sounding (VES), just that in this case the interest is concentrated on several levels of depth. There for,
there are arrays conceived with fixed distances between the electrodes so the measuring technology
becomes simple and fast, the number of operators is smaller, the costs are smaller and the results can
be visible immediately.

Geoelectrical profiling is ideal when we need to survey for shallow depth ground properties but on
long distances. It is successfully used in determining soil contamination (for pipe protection, in
agriculture, etc.), determining depth to bedrock, discontinuities in mechanic properties of rocks (useful in
designing pipe and cable diggings), and tracking of pollutants. The method has new applicability in
engineering geophysics.

Applications of geoelectrical profiling method:

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Aquifer description
Bedrock depth
Mapping geological boundaries
Identification of fractures and fissures
Identification of fractures in the bedrock
Mapping of sand and gravel deposits
Sol / Layer unconsolidated
Mineral Exploration
Geological mapping
Mapping groundwater depth
Mapping spots brine
Groundwater Contamination
Inorganic pollutants leak detection
Leaking landfill
Maps of saline soils
Intrusion of salt water
Characterization of buried waste
Identification and mapping of leaks in tanks
Delimitation disposition pits / trenches
Identify wells
Old settlements
Old battle fields
Cemeteries
Historic structures
Historical complex
Observation posts
Archaeological battlefields
Measurements taken before and after dredging
Depth mapping rocks
Rock fracture detection
Tunnels , bridges or pipe route
Sedimentation studies