A Real-Time, Remote-Controlled Experimental Electrical Resistivity Tomography

We have developed a remote-controlled Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) experimental setup with application in hydrology research and education. The setup is comprised of several subsystems that include the ERT electronics, interfaces for local computer-control of the ERT electronics, a web services interface for remote control over the Internet, and a module for quick preview of measurements in real-time. The system allows for flexible and rapid ERT measurements over the Internet and corresponding stochastic inversions of the collected data. It also has utility in hydrogeophysics education, enabling real-time demonstration of ERT measurements. We have successfully employed the system with collaborators at remote locations to perform a number of proof-of-concept experiments. These include ERT measurements on a small sandbox with embedded objects, and conductive paper. We are extending the system to interface with pumps, flow meters and pressure transducers to facilitate remotely executed hydrologic experiments in both the unsaturated and saturated zones.