A novel mobile multipole system (MUCEP) for shallow (0–3 m) geoelectrical investigation: the ‘Vol‐de‐canards’ array

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to point out the advantages of multipoles for the exploration of the very near subsurface (0–3 m) by continuous profiling. We propose a new geometry with eight poles for a MUltipole Continuous Electrical Profiling (MUCEP) measuring system, where the array has a V‐shape and is thus called ‘Vol‐de‐canards’. A series of criteria including 3D numerical simulations are performed (direct and inverse modelling) to determine the optimal geometry and to compare its performance (in terms of depth of investigation and resolution of the geometry of the targets) with the other arrays (quadrupoles or rectangular‐type multipoles). This multipole was built together with a real‐time acquisition system. The multidepth maps obtained confirm the characteristics predicted by numerical simulations.

Using the ARP-03 for high-resolution mapping of calcic horizons

“…The ARP-03, produced since 2001, represents the innovation of the MuCEP (Multi Continuous Electrical Profiling) prototype (Panissod et al, 1997;Tabbagh et al, 2000). Both instruments were conceived by Geocarta (France), a spin-off society of the CNRS (National Scientific Research Centre, France), for applications in archaeology (Papadopoulos et al, 2009) and precision agriculture (Michot et al, 2007).…”

3D Inversion of Automated Resistivity Profiling (ARP) Data

“…Additionally, the need for conducting high-resolution surveys characterized by a small measurement mesh and reducing as mush as possible the survey cost without limiting the extent of the investigated area, has led to the development of mobile quadripoles allowing continuous measurement while moving (Panissod et al, 1997(Panissod et al, , 1998. Th ese multi-electrode devices allow measurements over several depths of investigation in order to perform an exhaustive 3D exploration.…”

“…1a). Th is method reduces the eff ect of the superfi cial geophysical noise on larger receiver dipoles, it uses three investigation depths without switching and the size of the arrays remains limited to a value equivalent to that of the investigation depth (Panissod et al, 1997;Dabas, 2009). Th e collected apparent resistivity data are presented in the form of 3 maps corresponding to the diff erent measuring dipoles and the recorded anomalies are interpreted in terms of possible buried archaeological structures.…”

Geophysical Techniques for Plant, Soil, and Root Research Related to Sustainability

“…3) is an evolution of the Mucep (Panissod et al 1997), developed in France by CNRS and the University of Paris IV since 1979. It is a multielectrode system which measures at three soil levels simultaneously 0-50, 0-100, 0-200 cm from the soil surface.…”

“…It is a multielectrode system which measures at three soil levels simultaneously 0-50, 0-100, 0-200 cm from the soil surface. The system is designed to be used on-the-go, towed in the field, and has a V-shaped 2D geometry (defined "vol-de-canard" by Panissod et al 1997) where rolling electrodes are teethed wheels. A doppler radar is coupled with a GPS and positioned on the device to provide precise positioning.…”