Enhanced subsurface investigation utilizing electrical resistivity tomography and precise positioning tools (study case: Rongga landslide)

Abstract

This study presents an enhanced approach for subsurface investigation using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) coupled with precise positioning tools, focusing on the Rongga Landslide in Indonesia. ERT is widely recognized for its ability to map subsurface conditions by detecting resistivity contrasts associated with geological structures and water content, especially in landslide-prone areas. The study combines GPS and digital waterpass altimeter with ERT to improve the precision of subsurface anomaly detection. Important information regarding moisture distribution, graben structures, and sliding surfaces was revealed by the generation of two ERT profiles. Our research indicates that a number of factors, including lithological characteristics, erosion along riverbanks, and tectonic activity—specifically, a nearby fault structure—may have contributed to the Rongga landslide These findings highlight the usefulness of ERT to evaluate the risk of landslides and offer useful data for geotechnical research in tectonically active areas.