SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Near Surface Geophysics Site Map

	DC electrical resistivity used to map variations in near-surface geologic strata

Cost-effective techniques for rapid, accurate, and comprehensive geophysical mapping of the Earth's subsurface have been developed at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). These geophysical techniques use:

• Magnetics

• Electromagnetics

  • Ground conductivity

  • Transient electromagnetics

• Direct current resistivity

• Gravity

• Ground-penetrating radar

Each geophysical method targets different properties and specific depths. The geophysical method chosen for a site depends on:

• Geologic strata

• Investigation depth

• Resolution required

• Anticipated electrical and magnetic contrasts

When integrated, these geophysical methods can offer greater insight into geophysical subsurface characteristics than when used alone.
 

Magnetics with integrated differential GPS used to map buried volcanic centers, dikes, and faults in Western United States		Transient electromagnetics (TEM) used to detect depth and thickness of geologic and hydrologic units

For more information about near surface geophysics capabilities and geophysical techniques at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Ronald T. Green, Ph.D., at rgreen@swri.org or (210) 522-5305, or James Prikryl at jprikryl@swri.org or (210) 522-5667.
 

| Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses | Geosciences and Engineering Division | SwRI Home |

Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

September 16, 2009