Geoelectrical properties of saline permafrost soil in the Adventdalen valley of Svalbard (Norway), constrained with in-situ well data

Direct Current (DC) Resistivity and Induced Polarization (IP) response of six profiles were measured using the Gradient electrode configuration in Adventdalen, Svalbard, to characterise near-surface stratigraphy soil account for geotechnical environmental aspects global warming arctic region. In addition, Wenner array data was collected selected examine its effectiveness as compared array, given characteristics study site. Two commercial inversion software programs, Res2DINV AarhusINV, used DC resistivity IP data, compare software. Physical properties, including porosity, water saturation, salinity, freezing temperature grain size distribution, previously from samples retrieved wells along studied profiles, integrated this investigate correlation with geoelectrical properties sediments inferred data. Results processing provided higher resolution especially deeper parts models, due signal-to-noise ratio. The also indicated better result distinctive anomalies survey. a realistic trend anomalies, thanks symmetrical geometry electrodes during survey, although at cost time expenses. Inversion results proved that AarhusINV resolved subsurface layers Res2DINV. However, two algorithms use slightly different parameters presenting results, thus only allowing qualitative comparison. Based on interpretations four zones identified surface maximum depth 26 m, consisting (i) unfrozen active-layer-(silts sands), intermediate values 200–300 Ω·m; (ii) frozen 3–10 m thickness between 2500 5000 (iii) (cryopeg) high salinity low 40 finally (iv) clayey-unfrozen ranging 10–20 Ω·m, depths 13 m. allowed delineation chargeability zone near greater which denote active layer, lower cryopeg respectively, within top 10 subsurface. 3D model area created based constrained by description nearby wells, detailed information about vertical area. good observed physical intersecting profile SVAER04, interface ca. coincided sedimentary formation intermediate-fine size, saturation salt content. Our findings show joint application surveys laboratory analysis are an efficient complement each other. These methods can be alternative other larger areas where achieving is not necessary. underline importance choosing right survey design collecting Contribution mostly concerns shallow ratio depths, ground limited ion mobility hence response. An appropriate program coupled integration sediments, successfully applied morphology formations address challenges related permafrost Arctic. • Study addresses one key engineering Adventdalen. Active soil, cryopeg, imaged res generated more reliable RES2DINV. environment, homogenous main reasons IP. High fine correlate resistivity.