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3-Layer VES Forward Modeling

Adjust layer parameters to explore how the apparent resistivity curve changes.

Subsurface Parameters

Array Setup

Layer 1 (Top)

100 Ω·m
5 m

Layer 2 (Middle)

10 Ω·m
15 m

Layer 3 (Bedrock/Base)

500 Ω·m

Thickness is considered infinite.

Current Curve H-Type

H-type

ρ₁ > ρ₂ < ρ₃

Conductive middle layer (e.g. saturated sand between dry soils). Curve dips then rises.

K-type

ρ₁ < ρ₂ > ρ₃

Resistive middle layer (e.g. dry gravel between clay). Curve rises then falls.

A-type

ρ₁ < ρ₂ < ρ₃

Monotonically increasing (e.g. clay → sand → bedrock). Curve rises continuously.

Q-type

ρ₁ > ρ₂ > ρ₃

Monotonically decreasing (e.g. gravel → sand → saline water). Curve falls continuously.

Important Caveat: Apparent vs. True Resistivity

The plotted curve represents Apparent Resistivity (ρa) over electrode spacing, which is essentially what a Pseudosection plots spatially.

The pseudosection/plot is NOT a true depth section. It is a distorted, volumetrically averaged image of the subsurface. Mathematical Inversion is required to recover the true resistivities (ρ₁, ρ₂, ρ₃) and thicknesses that you are manipulating in the controls above.

Pseudosection (Apparent Data) → (Inversion Process) → True Resistivity Section