Search

Geophysical ground investigations

Geophysical ground investigations include several methods for mapping the ground without digging or drilling. The methods are based on physical signals (acoustic/seismic, electromagnetic, gravimetric), which are sent through the ground and then read with suitable sensors.

The properties of the ground will determine how the signals travel in the ground, whether they are reflected, attenuated or deflected. When the measurement data is processed and interpreted, it can be used to derive important geotechnical parameters such as, for example, depth to rock, type of loose masses or weak zones in rock.

With geophysics, you can cover large areas in a short time. Geotechnical drilling or sampling provides more accurate information but is limited to a point and is expensive in comparison. With a combination of the two, the boreholes can be used to calibrate the geophysical results, and the mapping becomes precise, comprehensive and efficient.

21.03.2023

Seismic surveying on land

Seismic methods are based on acoustic waves that propagate in the ground. The waves are usually generated using a source that produces either shock (so-called pressure waves, P-waves) or vibrations (so-called shear waves, S-waves).

21.03.2023

Electrical Resistivity Tomography - ERT & IP

Measuring the subsurface resistivity distribution is one of the most sophisticated geophysical technologies and can be used for various applications using today's advanced and robust Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) systems.

21.03.2023

Ground Penetrating Radar - GPR

GPR (ground-penetrating radar) is a versatile tool for quickly investigating subsurface layer structure and detecting buried objects. The first results can usually already be assessed during fieldwork.

Portrait of Dyre Oliver Dammann

Dyre Oliver Dammann

Head of Section Remote Sensing and Geophysics dyre.dammann@ngi.no
 +47 930 10 310