DC-Resistivity Geophysical Equipment

A range of geophysical methods can be used to search for underground water for domestic supply. One of the simplest techniques is DC-resistivity, which images the subsurface resistivity contrasts resulting from water present in underground soil or rock. The method has been used to delineate water-bearing zones all over the world to depths greater than 100 metres. Modern DC-resistivity techniques use multi-channel control units and multi-electrode arrays to rapidly collect 2D and 3D data for inverse modeling of subsurface geological and hydrological structure.

For this project, we have procured a modern DC-Resistivity system from French manufacturer IRIS Instruments. The system, an IRIS Syscal R1+ Switch 72, has capability for up to 72 metal electrodes. The equipment, worth an estimated $30,000 USD, will all be donated to the Myanmar Department of Rural Development so that their newly trained engineers will be able to efficiently find groundwater sources for years to come. The instrument consists of a battery powered transmitter (e.g. 12 Volt vehicle battery easily available in-country) capable of injecting currents up to 2.5 Amps at 600 Volts and 200 Watts, and takes data simultaneously with two measurement channels.