ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY DATA ANALYSIS
OF SUBSURFACE GEOLOGY AT SUNGAI
LEMBING, PAHANG
Muhamad Faiz Zakaria
Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Universiti Teknologi Petronas
Tronoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan
Email: faizzack19@gmail.com
Abstract This project is basically about the subsurface geology
at Sungai Lembing, Pahang with the emphasis of geophysical
method. Subsurface geology is the study of physical properties and
setting of rock and soil situated below the ground surface. The
main objective of this study is to investigate the subsurface geology
and it relations to minerals distribution. Electrical Resistivity (ER)
method is fully utilized for this study to achieve the targeted
objective. By using ER survey, interpreter can identify the
lithology, structural geology, minerals distribution and map the
study area. In general, every rock units have their own resistivity
and conductivity values which is vary between each other. Thus,
the identification of rock lithology can be further identified.
Besides that, there are plenty of other factor that can cause
variation in resistivity, such as presence of metallic ore, the
temperature of the subsurface, presence of archeological features
and amount of groundwater present. Based on this parameters,
subsurface geology of Sungai Lembing can be identified. At the
end of this project, 2D subsurface modeling will be produced so
that further interpretation about the lithology and minerals
distribution can be made.
Keywords- subsurface geology, electrical resistivity,
mineralization.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
Sungai Lembing is a tin mining town in Kuantan District,
Pahang, Malaysia. It was operated from 1906 to 1986 by the
Pahang Consolidated Company Limited (PCCL). This
company ran three mines, namely Willinks, Myah and Gagak.
It was among the largest and deepest tin mine in the world.
However, in 1985, tin industry facing huge setback due to high
operational costs and low yields that eventually closed on 1986.
This study area is approximately situated 42.1 km away
from Kuantan and about 267.6 km from Malaysias capital city,
Kuala Lumpur. The estimated area of study is around 4.94 km2.
Furthermore, the main purpose of this study is to
investigate the subsurface geology by using 2D resistivity
imaging technique in association with mineral distribution at
Sungai Lembing. Electrical Resistivity (ER) technique is used
instead of other geophysical methods because it has a lot of
functionality and relevant for the study objective and cost
saving. Next, the raw data gathered throughout the survey will
be analyzed by using Res2Div software. By using this
technique, the formation thickness, structural geology and
formation lithology can be identified and interpreted.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Tin (Sn) is one of important minerals that has been used and
traded by man for more than 5000 years. Tin was exported to
whole region of world especially Europe. The nature of tin itself
with low melting point, highly ductile and malleable, resistant
to corrosion, non-toxic and easily recycled making them the
favorite prospect for the industry. Thus, the subsurface geology
study is conducted at Sungai Lembing by using geophysical
study with emphasis on electrical resistivity method to
investigate the mineral distribution at Sungai Lembing. Mineral
is a naturally occurring chemical compound, most often
crystalline and abiogenic in origin. They are usually formed at
contact area between sedimentary and igneous intrusion
through contact metamorphism. Metamorphism process is
known as alteration of composition or structure of a rock by
heat, pressure or other natural agency.
There are some problems that must be clarified such as:
What are the subsurface geology at Sungai Lembing?
How are the minerals distribution at Sungai Lembing?
What are the relationship between geology of the rock
and mineral distribution?
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this project is to study the subsurface
geology of Sungai Lembing through electrical resistivity
method. Thus, the objectives pursued in this study are stated as
below:
To conduct Electrical Resistivity technique at Sungai
Lembing?
To build Resistivity modelling 2D of Sungai
Lembing?
To map the minerals distribution at Sungai Lembing?
 1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY
The study is conducted at Sungai Lembing, Pahang that
emphasis on the Electrical Resistivity technique to investigate
the subsurface geology with association of mineral distribution.
About 10 set of survey lines are conducted vary between 400 to
800 meter. 9 survey lines are aligned parallel to each other with
orientation from north to south while 1 line is perpendicular
with direction of northwest to southeast compare to other.
Based on the data obtained, the 2D resistivity model is built and
mineral distribution is mapped. Figure 1 illustrates the base map
of Sungai Lembing.
Figure 1.4: Base Map of Sungai Lembing, Pahang
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GEOLOGICAL HISTORY
Sungai Lembing has rare extensive lode systems with large
underground mine that operated by Pahang Consolidated
Company Limited (PCCL). The mine is located about 20 km
west of Kuantan, and its geology has been described by Fitch
(1952) and Pun and Singh (1978). A thick sequence of Visean
to basal Namurian shales with subordinate siltstones and
sandstones generally dips 30 to the ENE. Besides that, the rock
sequence is intruded by a ridge of Permian adamellitic granite
(Hutchison, 1983). On the other hand, the strata consists of
fossiliferous and ripple marked. Figure 2 shows the geological
map of study area (Onegeology Portal, 2016).
Figure 2.1: Geology of Sungai Lembing (Onegeology portal,
2016)
Based on the map above, the age of rock lithology at study
area is Carboniferous vary from phyllite, slate, shale with
subordinate sandstone. It has locally prominent of limestone
and volcanic of acid to intermediate composition, (Onegeology
portal, 2016). This area is surrounded by Permian to Jurrasic
intrusive rocks, mainly granite.
Besides that, this area is well known with mineralization of
eastern belt. Eastern Belt granitoids associates with iron, tin and
tungsten mineralization. It is generally occurred along the
eastern margins of granitic intrusion, spatially related to contact
between granitoid and sediment. The deposit of Sungai
Lembing is stanniferous. Skarn development and contact
metamorphic rocks are good evidence for the iron and tin
mineralization are related to granitoids.
Chand, Rajah and Singh (1977) describes that tin
mineralization at Eastern Belt develops along fissures, faults
and in open spaces which gave rise to veins, lodes and massive
replacements of pneumatolytic and/or hydrothermal origin. The
lode-tin deposit at Sungai Lembing is one of the most
economically for mining industry in Malaysia. It forms fissure
fillings and replacement veins essentially of quartzcassiterite in
Lower Carboniferous shale that is in contact with granitic rock.
However, secondary tin deposits formed through
weathering and erosion process of primary lodes which is not
to be economically. These zonation of minerals derived from
low grade lodes and stockworks consisting of stanniferous
quartz veins and greisens.
2.2 ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TECHNIQUE
Electrical Resistivity (ER) is one of the methods in
archaeological geophysics to detect and map subsurface
features and patterning. This technique is based on the earth
response towards the electrical current flow, where current is
passed through the ground and the resultant potential difference
is recorded using two electrodes. ER gives interpreter an ability
to measure the electrical impedance of subsurface material
which is vary according to lithology and many more. In shallow
subsurface survey, the presence of water plays an important role
to control the conductivity variation. This is because resistivity
is inversely proportional to current. Water has low resistivity
range, thus, electric current will follow through the path with
least resistance. This is useful in measurement of water
saturation and pore connectivity space at the subsurface rock
formation.
Factors that impacting variation in subsurface resistivity are
rock type, presence of metallic ores, temperature of the
subsurface, presence of archeological features and amount of
groundwater present. Therefore, electrical resistivity survey is
relevant for the subsurface and structural geology.
METHODOLOGY
The methodology for this study is comprised the
combination between geological and geophysical analysis in
order to achieve the objective target. This project consists of six
major phases, namely as pre-fieldwork, geological fieldwork,
geophysical acquisition, data processing, geological and
geophysical interpretation and report writing.
3.1 Pre-Fieldwork Phase
The pre-fieldwork covers of literature review and site
identification. All of the necessary information from articles,
books, research papers and journals about the study area and
geophysical method are collected for the literature review
studies. This information is very useful to get better
understanding pertaining the Sungai Lembing area, pros and
cons of geophysical survey itself.
3.2 Geological Fieldwork Phase
The main purpose of this fieldwork is to study the lithology
on the surface before relating it together with the subsurface
geology. Besides that, geological data such as strike, dip and
rock samples are collected during site visit for the project
purposes. Thus, compass is needed for the structural
measurement at study area. Next, the rock specimens are
collected for thin section studies.
3.3 Geophysical Data Acquisition Phase
For this project, two method are used for the acquisition
purposes. They are Electrical Resistivity and Induced
Polarization. Electrical Resistivity employs measurements of
electrical potential associated with the subsurface electrical
current flow
3.4 Data Processing Phase
All the data gathered from geological fieldwork and
geophysical data acquisition are processed. For the geological
fieldwork, data about resistivity measurement, core sample, and
thin section are processed during lab section in order to identify
the rock type. Meanwhile, data from geophysical acquisitions
are also processed for better data enhancement to build a good
2D resistivity modeling.
3.5 Geological and Geophysical interpretation Phase
The data and information gained from previous phases are
interpreted to study the subsurface geology of Sungai Lembing.
Based on these two information, geological and geophysical
data are analyzed and correlate between each other to achieve
the objective targets.
3.6 Report
Finally, the result will be collected and recorded for the
report writing purposes. During this phase, further details will
be discussed to increase the confidence level of subsurface
investigation of study area.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Geological Analysis
Based on the geological fieldwork, rocks lithology of
selected outcrop at Sungai Lembing are identified. The four
outcrops are weathered sandstone.
4.2 Core Analysis
Sample Core IP Tester (SCIP) is an innovative way to
measure the electrical properties of drill cores, samples and
outcrops. This test can helps interpreter to evaluate resistance
properties and IP response of the core samples. Thus, by using
this particular device, better geophysical survey and IP
inversion can be done which is very useful in subsurface
geology study.
Two samples vary of lithology and depth are collected.
They are sandstone and shale.
No Sample (Lithology) Depth (m)
1 Sandstone 86
2 Shale 77
Table 4.2: Rock Lithology and Depth
SCIP test was conducted for sandstone and shale samples;
dry sample and wet sample. Based on the data above, all of the
resistivity value shows increment in value with increasing of
voltage except for dry sample 2. This shows that the current
past through the rock with difficulties. Plus, the tortuosity
which is less complex of the pore space for dry sample 2
causing this reduction of resistivity. Dry sample 2 has low
porosity and indicates shale lithology. In general, materials
such as sand and gravel tends to have high resistivity value
while silt, clay, peat, fill and wet ground have low resistivity
value.
 4.3 Electrical Resistivity Data Analysis
Figure 4.3(a) below shows the map of Electrical Resistivity
Survey Layout. There are 6 survey lines (400m) with parallel
and 1 line (800m) perpendicular to the others.
Figure 4.3(a): Survey Layout Map
ABEM SAS4000 equipment is used to carry out survey and
later process the data acquired. The process data will be
converted into file format so that it can be read by Res2DInv
software for further interpretation process which involving
resistivity profile generation. By utilizing this software, 2D
inverse model resistivity in pseudosection and induced
polarization (IP) are created. For this project, data from
Wenner-Schlumberger arrays are used.
Figure 4.3(b) below indicates the electrical properties of
rocks representative chart developed by Palacky (1987).
Figure 4.3(b): Typical ranges of electrical resistivity or
conductivity for selected earth material (Palakcy, 1988)
Table 4.3 below shows the classification of resistivity values
for interpretation in Sungai Lembing, Pahang. By referring to
the table below, Sungai Lembing can be divided into three
major zones that vary in resistivity value from high, medium
and low. High resistivity zone indicates compacted zone,
medium is weathered slate and low range is saturated zone.
Material Resistivity Value
Saturated zone <300
Weathered slate 300-3000
Compacted zone >3000
Table 4.3: Resistivity zonation
Line 1
Figure 4.3(c): 2D Resistivity Profile line 1
The resistivity survey for line 1 was conducted with 400 m
length and 5 m of electrode separation. 7 iterations were carried
out in order to obtain good result with lower RMS error, 11.1%.
Based on the result above, it shows that the resistivity value
gradually decrease with depth from the surface to the
underlying materials. This is suggested that the near surface
materials comprises compacted zone such as coarse sand and
gravel while deep materials vary from shaley sand to shale.
Furthermore, at the depth of 40 m, there is low resistivity value
observed which indicates the boundary of fracture that fill with
water or mineral. Thus, it can be a good potential spot for
mineral accumulation.
Line 2
Figure 4.3(d): 2D Resistivity Profile line 2
Similar to previous line 1, line 2 was directed in 400 m
length with 5 m electrode spacing. Both of this survey lines
have same trend of resistivity value that is decreasing with
depth. Besides that, fracture zone is observed, illustrates by low
resistivity value ranging from 60 to 300 at point A.
Mineralization tends to be deposited at the fracture zone. For
example, vein is the fracturing along the fault zone. Then,
hydrothermal solutions pass along the previous fault and
fracture zone and deposit or precipitate the ore and minerals
within this open spaces. The low resistivity value itself may be
due to mineral ore deposition, where, it good conductivity
properties resulting poor resistivity reading.
Line 3
A different lithology units have different electrical and
Figure 4.3(e): 2D Resistivity Profile line 3
The survey line 3 was measured in 400 m length and 5 m
electrode spacing. The 2D resistivity profile shows highest
resistivity value at point A, ranging from 3000 to 6000. Based
on the geology study carried out, Sungai Lembing comprises of
Paleozoic rock which is Carboniferous that vary from phyllite,
slate, shale with subordinate sandstone. Locally prominent
development of limestone. Then, volcanic of acid to
intermediate composition are locally present. Thus, high value
of resistivity can be good indication for compacted zone like
coarse sand and gravel. It also can be a limestone with void
space. Since air is not a good conductor for electrical current, it
will produce high value of resistance. Furthermore, the range of
resistivity shows at point A equivalent to the model developed
by Palacky, 1988, typical ranges of electrical resistivity (ohm-
m) or conductivity (mS/m) for selected earth materials.
Line 4
B A
Figure 4.3(f): 2D Resistivity Profile line 4
Based on the resistivity profile above, fracture zone can be
mapped and identified which is labeled by point A. Low
resistivity range value shows that the fracture zone fill with
materials with good conductivity value such as water, clay or
mineral. Meanwhile, point B illustrates compacted zone.
Induced polarization result shows that the chargeability at this
area is relatively low due to low tortuosity. Tortuosity refers to
the connectivity of a rock pore space network. As the
complexity of pore space decrease, it makes the movement of
the ionic charges become easier through rock, resulting low
chargeability.
Line 5
B A
Figure 4.3(g): 2D Resistivity Profile line 5
The survey line 5 was measured 400 m length with spacing
in between each electrode is 2.5 m. This profile can be divided
by two parts, point A and B. Point A represents high resistivity
value while point B low resistivity value. This is because
conductivity properties. Point A can be identified as limestone
with void space. It is ranging from 2000 to 6000 ohm.m. Point
B demonstrates saturated rock unit and the boundary is marked
by the fracture zone. This rock is saturated by water causing the
reduction of resistivity unit.
Line 6
B A
Figure 4.3(h): 2D Resistivity Profile line 6
The resistivity survey line 6 was conducted using 400 m
length of line with 2.5 m electrode spacing with RMS error of
10.2%. For this line, the range of resistivity value can be
divided into three group. They are saturated zone, residual soil
(weathered slate) and bedrock. By referring to figure above,
point A indicates boulder through high resistivity range of
value. Next, saturated zone and residual soil are separated by
the fracture zone at point B.
Line 10
A
B
Figure 4.3(i): 2D Resistivity Profile line 10
Electrical survey line 1 to 9 have same orientation which is
parallel to each other. However, survey line 10 was carried out
perpendicular towards other nine lines. The result shows
dominant in high resistivity value. Point A is interpreted as a
saturated zone such as coarse sand and gravel. This can be
proved by low chargeability due to tortuosity; decrease in pore
space. Next, the bedrock is labeled by point B.
Throughout this resistivity survey, the interpretation of
these 2D resistivity profiles are based on the typical ranges of
electrical resistivity (ohm-m) or conductivity (mS/m) for
selected earth materials developed by Palacky, 1988, and
resistivity of common rocks, soil materials and chemicals
(Keller and Frischknecht 1966, Daniels and Alberty 1966,
Telford et al. 1990). By referring to this correlation, standard
resistivity and conductivity values can be identified and fixed
to ensure the accuracy of the profile can be achieved.
Based on the 2D resistivity model of these 10 survey lines,
there are two obvious range of resistivity zones. They are low
resistivity range (<300 ohm.m) and high resistivity range
(>3000 ohm.m). Thus, as the finding, it can be concluded that
there are many fracture zones observed at the subsurface
geology around the study area marked by the boundary of low
and high resistivity zones. Besides that, high chargeability
shows by IP can help the interpretation of subsurface geology
better. This is because individual rock properties has its own
chargeability unit. Thus, factor impacting chargeability are
sulphide mineralization, clays, pore-water salinity and
tortuosity. In the other words, these fracture zones can be good
indicator for mineral accumulation at Sungai Lembing.
Besides that, it is confirmed that the bedrock has high
resistivity reading and located deeper depth. Next, limestone
with void space also has significant high resistivity value and
can be observed near the surface. Tortuosity plays important
role for the high chargeability reading obtained from the IP
profile where the higher the complexity or pore space, the
higher the chargeability value. Next, water saturated zones on
the other hand have good conductivity value. Clay and salinity
of water have high chargeability value. Thus, presence of these
materials can produce zone with low resistivity range. For the
mineral exploration, clays can be bad marker since it represents
dominant source of IP in unmineralized sedimentary rocks.
CONCLUSION
As the conclusion, the expected result of this project would
be that every lithology units have their own resistivity value
which can be used to discriminate the boundary of lithology and
structural geology of study area. From the geological fieldwork,
general overview of the formation lithology and structural
geology can be identified. The formation is dominated by the
sandstone bodies with some shale and mudstone (interbedded).
Based on the 2D resistivity profiles of Sungai Lembing, the
resistivity unit can be divided into three major resistivity value.
They are high, medium and low as tabulated at table 4.3 above.
Thus, mineralization can be observed at the fracture zone
marked by the low resistivity range value.
FURTHER STUDY
Recommendations for this project would be towards the
number of survey lines. More survey lines can produce better
result of resistivity image profile of the study area. Besides that,
parallel orientation of survey lines also important for the 3D
resistivity modelling. While conducting the resistivity survey,
any objects that can lead to interference should be avoided, such
as underground pipe or cable. Finally, safety is the most
importance things that need to be considered while conducting
geological and geophysical fieldwork.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The completion of this project report could not have been
possible without the participation and assistance of many
people whose names not all may be counted. Their
contributions and times are sincerely appreciated and gratefully
acknowledged. First and foremost, I would like to express my
gratitude my supervisor Mr Khairul Ariffin and Mr
MUHAMMAD Noor Amin bin Zakariah for his valuable
guidance, encouragement and providing this golden
opportunity to be working together and finished my final year
project in Electrical Resistivity (ER) method. Next, to all my
beloved family, relative, friends and others for all the support,
time, guidance, and constructive critics which is very helpful
throughout the completion of this project. Most of all, the
greatest thanks to the Almighty, for providing me good health
and strength that made all of this possible.
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