Contribution of electrical tomography methods in geotechnical investigations at Mavropigi lignite open pit mine, Northern GreeceContribution of electrical tomography methods in geotechnical investigations at Mavropigi lignite open pit mine, Northern Greece Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-11-102014enIn this paper, the application of 2D and 3D electrical resistivity methods in geotechnical investigations is explored through a case study in Northern Greece. These two methods were employed at a lignite surface mining operation where fracture zones and discontinuities have been recently observed close to the pit boundaries. The main aim of the geophysical survey was to estimate the inclination of the contact between the Neogene and Schist/Carbonate formations near the southern limits of the pit, as well as to estimate the thickness of the carbonate rocks on top of the Schist formations to evaluate the stability of the southern slopes. Synthetic data were initially generated to help plan an efficient electrical tomography survey, in a region with complex geology and irregular terrain. Three configurations (Wenner–Schlumberger and dipole–dipole or pole–dipole) proved essential in such conditions and helped improving the resolution of the resistivity section. The sections were then calibrated by boreholes. Finally, the geophysical survey provided invaluable data regarding the geometry of the bedrock and possible faults, which was essential for the slope stability calculations. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Environmental Earth Sciences7253063-3066 Hamdan Ali-Hamdan Hamdan Hamdan Andronikidis Nikolaos Ανδρονικιδης Νικολαος Kritikakis Georgios Κρητικακης Γεωργιος Oikonomou Nikolaos Οικονομου Νικολαος Agioutantis Zacharias Αγιουταντης Ζαχαριας Schilizzi Paul Steiakakis Chrysanthos Papageorgiou Christodoulos Tsourlos, Pangiotis, 1968- Vargemezis, George Vafeidis Antonios Βαφειδης Αντωνιος Springer Verlag Tomography (Mathematics) Tomography, Geometric geometric tomography tomography mathematics tomography geometric