We conducted near-surface geophysical surveys in and around the Majes I agricultural development (60 km west of Arequipa, Peru), where the nexus of geology and agriculture has increased landslide activity along the Majes–Siguas River Valley. Through DC resistivity, transient electromagnetics (TEM), and seismic surveys, we refined the understanding of local geology, characterized the agricultural impact on the local water table, and updated landslide modeling to help inform discussions on landslide mitigation strategies at Majes I and landslide prevention at the planned Majes II site. At the Majes I development, we identified an increase in water table and water saturation due to irrigation. At the planned Majes II site, which shares similar geology to Majes I, we interpret the regional water table that has yet to be affected by significant human development. We integrated these results into updated landslide modeling. Our modeling for Majes I suggests stable conditions prior to irrigation; as the water table rose from irrigation, landsliding began and evolved as a retrogressive failure that is now focused along the headscarp near critical infrastructure including the Carretera Panamericana (Pan-American Highway). Majes II is currently stable and irrigation management, such as drip versus flood techniques, must be supported. Soil ameliorants such as polymers and/or biochar should be encouraged to hold water near the roots to reduce the risk of landslide initiation. Combined this work shows the value of integrated hydrological and geophysical research for landslide management and optimized irrigation.
Abstract. Recent advancements and the widespread availability of low-cost microcontrollers and electronic components have created new opportunities for developing and using low-cost, open-source instrumentation for near-surface geophysical investigations. Geophysical methods that do not require ground contact, such as frequency-domain electromagnetics, allow one or two users to quickly acquire large amounts of ground resistivity data. The Colorado School of Mines electromagnetic system (CSM-EM) is a proof-of-concept instrument capable of sensing conductive objects in near-surface environments, is similar in concept to commercial grade equipment, and costs under US$ 400 to build. We tested the functionality of the CSM-EM system in a controlled laboratory setting during the design phase and validated it over a conductive target in an outdoor environment. The transmitter antenna can generate a current of over 2.5 A, generating signals that are detectable by a receiver antenna at offsets of up to 25 m. The system requires little refitting to change the functioning frequency, and has been operationally validated at 0.4 kHz and 1.6 kHz. The receiver signal can be measured by off-the-shelf digital multimeters. Future directions will focus on improving the electronic and mechanical stability of the CSM-EM with the goal of using acquired data to make quantitative estimates of subsurface resistivity distribution.
No abstract
Abstract. Recent advancements and the widespread availability of low-cost microcontrollers and electronic components have created new opportunities for developing and using low-cost, open-source instrumentation for near-surface geophysical investigations. Geophysical methods that do not require ground contact, such as frequency-domain electromagnetics, allow one or two users to quickly acquire significant amounts of ground resistivity data in a cost-effective manner. The Colorado School of Mines electromagnetic system (CSM-EM) is a proof-of-concept instrument capable of sensing conductive objects in near-surface environments, and is similar in concept to commercial-grade equipment while costing under USD 400 to build. We tested the functionality of the CSM-EM system in a controlled laboratory setting during the design phase and validated it over a conductive target in an outdoor environment. The transmitter antenna can generate a current of over 2.5 A, and emit signals that are detectable by a receiver antenna at offsets of up to 25 m. The system requires minor refitting to change the functioning frequency, and has been operationally validated at 0.4 and 1.6 kHz. The receiver signal can be measured by off-the-shelf digital multimeters. Future directions will focus on improving the electronic and mechanical stability of the CSM-EM with the goal of using acquired data to make quantitative measurements of subsurface resistivity.
No abstract
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