Improved characterization of unconsolidated sediments under field conditions based on complex resistivity measurements

The pore space of unconsolidated rocks could, in spite of the several attempts within the last few years, still only roughly be characterized by de geoelectric surface measurements. Important parameters like the permeability coefficient could at best only be estimated with much uncertainties. The reason for this is, that the de resistivity is mainly determined by the fluid conductivity and the saturation of the pore space; the pore space geometry, which is important for the hydraulic conductivity, is only of secondary importance. The complex resistivity method (CR) measures the capability of rocks to accumulate electric energy (induced polarization method lP). Since this feature is related to the geometry of the pore space, the hydraulic parameters can be estimated much more reliably than it is possible with the de resistivity method.