Distributed Self‐Potential Acquisition for Detecting Seepage in River Embankments

Self-potential (SP) methods are widely used for investigating electrokinetic processes associated with subsurface fluid flow in embankments and levee systems. However, conventional SP surveys often rely on fixed reference electrodes and static acquisition geometries, which can limit their applicability for dynamic monitoring and rapid field deployment. This study investigates the potential of alternative SP acquisition strategies to monitor electrokinetic variability under field conditions where seepage processes are already documented. The primary objective of this work is to evaluate and compare gradient-based and reference-based SP acquisition configurations, with particular emphasis on the full sparse gradient (FSG) approach. Field experiments were conducted along an embankment profile using both FSG and fixed-base (FB) layouts, combined with non-polarizable Pb/PbCl2 and stainless steel electrodes. The data were analysed using time-series inspection, electric field vector estimation and gradient-derived indicators to assess temporal coherence and along-profile variability. The results show that the FSG configuration is particularly sensitive to temporal changes and reorganization of local SP gradients, whereas the FB approach provides complementary information on spatial contrasts in the potential field. Despite their different acquisition principles and electrode characteristics, both configurations consistently highlight the same zones of enhanced electrokinetic activity when interpreted qualitatively. These findings demonstrate that complementary SP acquisition strategies can be effectively combined for reconnaissance-level monitoring of electrokinetic variability in embankment environments, without relying on absolute potential measurements.