Utilising Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Peat Soil Stratigraphy Analysis at Parit Nipah

Authors

  • Muhammad Arif Azhar Zaihan Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6753-6633
  • Mohd Khaidir Abu Talib Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA. Research Center for Soft Soil (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA , Research Center for Soft Soil (RECESS), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1598-3225
  • Siti Nor Hidayah Arifin Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, MALAYSIA
  • Kasbi Basri Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor Bahru 81310, MALAYSIA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4690-5094
  • Muhammad Nur Hidayat Zahri Azurite Engineering PLT, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA.
  • Muhammad Faris Hadi Muhamad Shahrulzaman Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Batu Pahat 86400, MALAYSIA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/

Keywords:

Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Schlumberger array, Wenner array, Peat Profiling, Non-invasive method

Abstract

This research examined Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for analysing peat soil stratigraphy at Parit Nipah in Johor, Malaysia. Analyses were carried out with the Wenner and Schlumberger arrays along with two lines to assess their effectiveness for peat profiling. The electrode spacing was set at 2 metres for the longer configuration and 1 metre for the shorter one for Line 1, and 1 metre for the longer configuration and 0.5 metres for the shorter one for Line 2. This allowed for a thorough investigation of both lateral and vertical variations in resistivity. The maximum depth reached during the investigation was 16 metres on Line 1 and 7 metres on Line 2, using an ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000, steel electrodes, and Lund imaging cables. The ZondRes2d software was used for data processing and inversion, creating two-dimensional resistivity models. The Schlumberger array emerged as the preferred method for peat profiling, showing minimal differences compared to results from traditional peat sampling methods. While the Wenner protocol was also effective, it exhibited a slightly greater margin of error. This study highlights the ability of ERT to analyse peat stratigraphy efficiently and non-invasively, underscoring its advantages for peatland conservation and sustainable management practices.

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Published

30-06-2026