Gilsonite exploration by using electrical resistivity tomography with multi-electrode gradient array: A case study in Rionegro (Colombia)
Yesid Paul Goyes-Peñafiel- Sait Khurama-Velasquez
- Oleg Nikolaevich-Kovin
Published 2020-03-10
Keywords
- gilsonite,
- asphaltite,
- electrical resistivity tomography,
- electrical prospecting,
- geophysical exploration
- shallow geophysical method ...More
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Copyright (c) 2020 Revista UIS Ingenierías
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Subsurface exploration using geophysical methods has increased the prospective economic possibilities for new non-metallic minerals and other raw materials such as solid hydrocarbons. In this paper, we show results of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) carried out by using the multi-electrode gradient array, and conducted with the main purpose of mapping the high resistivity anomalies related to the presence of solid hydrocarbons bodies. ERT profiles were interpreted trough considering the gilsonite evidence on rocky outcrops in the La Luna Formation (Ksl) and their respective lithological contact with the Bocas Formation (Jb). This study concludes that, both on the surface and in the subsurface, in the stratification plane of La Luna Formation, the gilsonite is a tabular and oblique shape, and the contact Ksl-Jb is faulty with an almost vertical inclination. However, different structural processes have contributed to the irregular formation and massive body of gilsonite. Finally, the study concludes that resistivity tomographies represent a reliable alternative for preliminary exploration stages. Since the cost of the method is relatively low in Colombia, it also serves as an economically viable alternative for small exploratory projects.
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References
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