Calibrating the GHPPS Model Using Cation Exchange Capacity for Improved Resistivity Interpretation in Heterogeneous Sandstones
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37375/susj.v16i1.4181Keywords:
cation exchange capacity (CEC), GHPPS model, Archie’s Law, Vadose ZoneAbstract
Estimating water saturation in the vadose zone is a complex challenge in hydrological applications. Traditional models like Archie’s Law often fail in clay-bearing formations due to neglecting surface conduction and assuming a fixed saturation exponent. This study calibrates the Glover-Hole-Pous (GHP) model and its partially saturated extension (n) using data from Wildmoor Formation sandstone cores. Under full saturation, the geometry factor (m) ranged from 1.62 to 1.86, and surface conductivity varied between 10.23 and 24.0 mS/m. Under partial saturation, the (n) ranged from 0.49 to 0.77, significantly lower than Archie’s canonical value. Analysis revealed strong correlations between n, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and volumetric charge density (Qv), confirming that clay content controls surface conductivity and dictates the saturation-conductivity relationship. These results provide a reliable framework for determining field-scale pore water salinity and saturation. The synergy between model parameters and CEC allows constraining GHP and GHPPS models using field measurements, enhancing the interpretation of electromagnetic induction and resistivity surveys. This approach significantly improves the predictability of pore water salinity variations, overcoming traditional limitations. It offers a precise tool for managing water resources and assessing environmental risks in complex clay-bearing formations. By integrating laboratory parameters with field geophysical data, the study establishes a rigorous methodology for improved subsurface characterization, ensuring accurate hydrological modeling and effective environmental monitoring in heterogeneous environments where conventional methods often yield unreliable results for practical applications and decision-making processes in water resource management.
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