Permeability imaging in granitic rocks based on surface resistivity profiling

Abstract

In order to image the distribution of permeability in granitic rocks, we carried out two-dimensional (2D) resistivity profiling, together with in-situ permeability tests, electrical logging of boreholes, and resistivity measurements of rock core samples in a laboratory. Based on the electrical logging and in-situ permeability data from boreholes, we obtained empirical equations which relate resistivity and permeability of the granitic rocks in the area studied. We then applied the empirical equation to a 2D resistivity section, to produce a 2D permeability section of the granitic rocks. In this paper, we present details of the field data and of the procedure for conversion from the resistivity section to a permeability section. The observed relationship between resistivity and permeability of the rocks is also discussed.