Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and sedimentological analysis applied to investigation of Upper Jurassic limestones from the Krzeszowice Graben (Kraków Upland, southern Poland)

Abstract

This paper highlights the application of shallow non-invasive geophysics (electrical resistivity tomography) supported by sedimentological analysis applied to the investigation, description and interpretation of Upper Jurassic limestones exposed in the abandoned quarry near the village of Tomaszowice (Kraków Upland, southern Poland). Within this site, on the northern margin of the Krzeszowice Graben, a facies diversity of Upper Jurassic limestones can be observed. Field exposures were analysed to broadly characterize these Upper Jurassic limestones in terms of facies and microfacies development. Three facies types, including pelitic limestones, bedded limestones and carbonate gravity-flow deposits, composed of numerous microfacies, have been distinguished. ERT study using a dipole-dipole array has been carried out, along 5 parallel 110 m long profiles and along a perpendicular 110 m long profile, north of the Tomaszowice Quarry wall. The use of ERT in combination with the geological data allowed characterization and description of the geology at the research site as well as the determination of the lithological composition and internal architecture of the subsurface. Furthermore, the ERT interpretation results indicated the presence of a series of a secondary faults closely linked with the Krzeszowice Graben. The distribution of the gravity-flow deposits reflects the fault zone pattern of the graben and Late Jurassic fault activity.