Abstract: The present invention relates to acoustic wavefields produced using sources appropriately delayed in time and focused at known positions and times in a heterogeneous medium. Seismoelectric conversion occurs if the acoustic focus point coincides with a discontinuity in electrical and hydrological medium properties, thus generating a current density. The current generates a potential difference, which can be observed at a distance by an array of monitoring electrodes. Since the acoustic wavefield is precisely located at a position and time, this electrical source behaves like a controlled virtual electrode whose properties depend on the strength of the acoustic wavefield and on the medium properties. This procedure can be used to increase the robustness and resolutions of electrical resistivity tomography and to identify hydrological parameters at various points in the medium by scanning the medium by changing the position of the acoustic focus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to acoustic wavefields produced using sources appropriately delayed in time and focused at known positions and times in a heterogeneous medium. Seismoelectric conversion occurs if the acoustic focus point coincides with a discontinuity in electrical and hydrological medium properties, thus generating a current density. The current generates a potential difference, which can be observed at a distance by an array of monitoring electrodes. Since the acoustic wavefield is precisely located at a position and time, this electrical source behaves like a controlled virtual electrode whose properties depend on the strength of the acoustic wavefield and on the medium properties. This procedure can be used to increase the robustness and resolutions of electrical resistivity tomography and to identify hydrological parameters at various points in the medium by scanning the medium by changing the position of the acoustic focus.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring the integrity of a water aquifer is provided. The method and system generally monitors an aquifer for subsurface fractures, fluid intrusion, or water contamination. In one embodiment, the method and system may be utilized before, during, and after contaminating operations to monitor a water aquifer and generate reports detailing the effect of the contaminating operations on the water aquifer. The reports, and associated raw data, may be used as legal documents. For example, in one embodiment, an independent company is responsible for monitoring the aquifer and generating reports, which are then submitted to all interested parties, including the state for regulatory purposes.