Development of novel resistivity-chargeability statistical relationships for subsurface characterization at Langkawi, Kedah.

Abstract

Abstract The significance of resistivity-chargeability relationships has been acknowledged and applied in various geologic terrains and different environmental conditions. However, there remains an underexplored opportunity to fully utilize these methods in complex geological terrains with a mixture of granitic and sedimentary rocks, where empirical relationships have not been established. Such discoveries are crucial for accurately delineating petrophysical and geomechanical properties, which are essential in addressing urgent environmental concerns like landslides, foundation collapse, groundwater shortages, and pollution. To address this research gap, a novel approach was employed, resistivity-chargeability data with simple linear regression modeling. The study focused on developing resistivity-chargeability relationships specifically tailored for tropical granitic environments, using a typical example from Kedah Langkawi, Malaysia. The regions are characterized by complex geological features, ruggedness, and irregular progressive weathering and fracturing of subsurface strata, making the task challenging. Despite these complexities, the study successfully derived an efficient resistivity-chargeability empirical relation that correlates resistivity and chargeability. The derived empirical relationship exhibited high accuracy, surpassing 87%, in predicting chargeability from resistivity datasets or vice versa. This achievement holds great promise in promptly and accurately addressing environmental issues specific to the target region under study. By utilizing this novel resistivity-chargeability relationship, geoscientists, engineers and environmental practitioners can make informed decisions and effectively manage environmental challenges in these regions, especially during the pre-development stage.