Localization of water bearing fractured zones in a hard rock area using integrated geophysical techniques in Andhra Pradesh,India

Knowledge of the existence of fracture zones, their extent, intensity and direction is very useful for assessing groundwater in hardrock regions and in this context geophysical methods are widely accepted as a powerful means of study. In the modern era of exploration, application of the Resistivity Imaging technique gives a new opportunity for groundwater study in hardrock regions. Exploration surveys were conducted at one of the important sites in Maheshwaram watershed, Andhra Pradesh, India with a multielectrode resistivity imaging system. To reduce the ambiguity of geophysical interpretation some complementary geophysical studies like ground Magnetic and VLF were also carried out.A number of 2D resistivity images were prepared in a grid pattern, which clearly show the weathered and fractured zones in different parts of the study area. With the help of all 2D profiles a quasi-3D image has been created, which indicates the orientation and extension of the fracture zone in a horizontal as well as vertical direction in the study area. Strong agreement exists among the anomalies identified using the ground magnetic, VLF and resistivity imaging methods. The litholog data available in the study area also helps to interpret geophysical results to find a potential groundwater bearing zone in that area.     

Role of some salient geophysical, geochemical, and hydrogeological parameters in the exploration of fresh groundwater in a brackish terrain

. Geophysical, geochemical, and hydrogeological parameters, for example longitudinal unit conductance (S), transverse unit resistance (T), total dissolved solids (TDS) and thickness of the weathered zone (Wz), have been compared for 25 sites of Navalgund taluk in Dharwar District of Karnataka State, India. Interrelation among these parameters has been analyzed quantitatively by the standard statistical technique leading to a suitable mathematical model. The contrasting geophysical, geochemical, and hydrogeological characteristics of the fresh water pockets in the regionally brackish aquifers are compared and illustrated. The study explains the significant bearing of these parameters on exploration, development, and exploitation of fresh groundwater sources in the areas affected by the occurrence of a brackish water aquifer. The importance of such a comparison in raising the confidence to identify a fresh groundwater aquifer in the brackish terrain by quantitative interpretation of resistivity data has been demonstrated.     

Environmental applications of geophysical and geochemical methods to map groundwater quality at Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India

Coastal aquifers can become polluted due to natural and human activities, such as intrusion of saline water, discharge of effluents in industrial areas and chemical weathering of natural geological deposits. The present study is aimed mainly at understanding the geophysical and chemical characteristics of groundwater near Tuticorin, Tamilnadu, India by studying the electrical resistivity distribution of the subsurface groundwater by applying the Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique followed by chemical analysis of water samples. A total of 20 VES soundings were carried out to understand the resistivity distribution of the area and 21 water samples were collected to analyze the chemical quality. The interpretation and analysis of the results have identified different hydrogeologic behaviors, a highly saline coastal aquifer and freshwater locations. The results obtained from geophysical and geochemical sampling are in good agreement with each other. The approach shows the efficacy of the combination of geophysical and geochemical methods to map groundwater contamination zones in the study area.     

Deep resistivity sounding studies for probing deep fresh aquifers in the coastal area of Orissa, India

Exploration and exploitation of groundwater in sedimentary areas are reasonably simple. However, the problem of salinity in coastal areas makes the job very difficult, especially when the freshwater aquifers are not extensive and are entrapped between saline aquifers. States along the eastern coast of India, particularly Orissa with respect to the Mahanadi basin, have acute problems with groundwater salinity. It has been possible to locate horizons of fresh groundwater entrapped between deep saline aquifers in the southwestern part of Mahanadi delta, with the help of deep resistivity soundings along the Delang-Puri profile. This finding has been validated through boreholes and checked with electrical logs of this region. Three freshwater aquifers have been detected: one at shallow depth between 20 and 60?m, the second in the depth range of 90??60?m, and the third in the fractured/weathered basement. The second freshwater aquifer has the most potential; it has a thickness range of 20??0?m and it could be exploited to overcome problematic salinity issues. In general, the depth to basement is variable and it increases seaward.     

Geophysical and geomorphological approach for locating groundwater potential zones in Sukinda chromite mining area

The impact of mining causes deterioration of environment and decline of groundwater level in the adjoining mining areas, which influences groundwater source for domestic and agriculture purposes. This necessitated locating and exploiting of new groundwater source. A fast, cost-effective and economical way of locating and exploration is to study and analyze remote sensing data. Interpreted remote sensing data were used to select sites for carrying out surface geophysical investigations. Various geomorphologic units were demarcated, and the lineaments were identified by interpretation of false color composite satellite imageries. The potential for occurrence of groundwater in the Sukinda Valley was classified as very good, good, moderate and poor by interpreting the images. Sub-surface geophysical investigations, namely vertical electrical soundings, were carried out to delineate and demarcate potential water-bearing zones. Integrated studies of interpretation of geomorphologic, lineaments and geophysical data (aquifer thickness) were used to prepare groundwater potential map. The studies reveal that the groundwater potential of shallow aquifers is due to geomorphologic features, and the potential of deeper aquifers is determined by lineaments and degree of weathering.     

Electrical resistivity surveys to delineate groundwater potential aquifers in Peddavanka watershed,Anantapur District,Andhra Pradesh,India

Vertical electrical resistivity soundings were conducted in order to delineate groundwater potential aquifers in Peddavanka watershed, which is a catchment of about 398 km² in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. The main lithologic units in the watershed are quartzite, limestone, shale, and alluvium. Ninety-nine vertical electrical soundings were conducted using the Schlumberger configuration, covering the entire watershed. The data were interpreted with the help of master curves and auxiliary point charts. Interpretations of VES were used to generate a top layer apparent resistivity contour map and longitudinal conductance map. Isoresistivity contour maps were prepared and interpreted in terms of resistivity and thickness of various sub-surface layers using computer software (SURFER), and isocontour diagrams depicting the depth to bedrock were prepared. Resistivity results were correlated with the existing lithology. Based on the depth to bedrock, the thickness of the saturated layer and the resistivity of the second layer, a groundwater potential map has been prepared, in which good, moderate, and poor zones are classified. The study reveals that the weathered and fractured portions in shale and limestone that occur in the southernmost and central portions of the watershed area constitute the productive water-bearing zones categorized as good groundwater potential aquifers.     

Geoelectrical method in the investigation of groundwater resource and related issues in Ophiolite and Flysch formations of Port Blair, Andaman Island, India

Geoelectrical resistivity investigation using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique was conducted at Port Blair, South Andaman Island, to locate the fractures in different formations and to decipher its groundwater potential. A total of 40 VES were carried out covering the entire study area using Schlumberger electrode configuration out of which 34 VES fall in Andaman Flysch formations and the remaining VES in Ophiolite formations. The interpreted resistivity results were integrated with nine borehole lithologs for the subsurface analysis. The combination of VES with borehole litholog data has provided a close correspondence on subsurface hydrogeological conditions. The interpreted VES data of various formations showed drastic variations in the resistivity ranging from higher in Ophiolite, moderate in Andaman Flysch and very low in valleys of Andaman Flysch formations. The study further revealed that the weathered and fractured volcanics of Ophiolite groups of rocks and sandstone that occur in the Andaman Flysch formations constitute the productive water bearing zones categorized as good groundwater potential zone. Based on the geoelectrical parameters, viz., thickness of layers and the layer resistivity values, a groundwater potential map was prepared, in which good, moderate, and poor groundwater zones were demarcated. Further, numerical, spatial and litho-geoelectric models of resistivity were analyzed in terms of groundwater potential and these models have thus enabled to prepare a comprehensive groundwater development and management plans proving its efficacy in this art of exploratory investigations.     

Deep low-salinity groundwater in sedimentary basins: petrophysical methods from a case study in Somalia

Oil and gas exploration data for the Northern Somalia and Horn of Africa region have been utilised for deep freshwater resources exploration. This unique geophysical and petrophysical dataset is integrated into a regional hydrogeological study and it allows for targeting of unmapped and unknown deep aquifers that would otherwise be beyond the conventional reach of the groundwater sector. The database includes open-hole well logging surveys (resistivity, gamma ray, and spontaneous potential), mud logging and drill stem test (DST) data. The results from the data analysis are combined with the geological interpretation to assess the freshwater potential of each mapped hydrostratigraphic unit in the region. The results highlight the presence of several previously unknown deep low-to-medium salinity (<9  g/L total dissolved solids (TDS)) aquifers within the Jurassic to Eocene units, including the Adigrat, Hamanlei, Gabredarre, Gumburo, Jessoma, and Auradu formations. With tested intervals of water containing less than 3.8 g/L total dissolved solids, the Auradu, Jessoma, and Gumburo formations are the most promising deep freshwater aquifers. Additional results on the analysis of groundwater parameters, such as hydraulic head, provide the basis for further groundwater modelling. The results show that the method has good potential, in particular for use in drought-stricken areas of arid regions. Ultimately, the results from this region have global significance, as the method can provide a new means of boosting fresh groundwater resources in water-poor regions, and supporting sustainable development and utilization of the resources in the medium and long term.

     

Assessing aquifer vulnerability to pollutants by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) at a nitrate vulnerable zone in NE Spain

There is an increasing demand for groundwater vulnerability maps which illustrate the exposure of aquifers against pollution. These maps show areas of greatest potential for groundwater contamination on the basis of local subsurface conditions. Parameters affecting vulnerability are mainly permeability and thickness of each protective layer. For unconsolidated sediments, the permeability is strongly related to the clay content, which can be deduced from indirect resistivity methods, like electrical-imaging. Such geophysical methods can be of great help in groundwater vulnerability studies because they disturb neither the structure nor the dynamics of the soil. Sensibility analysis was performed of the electrical resistivity tomography method for accurately mapping soil media. Managers and public administrators may effectively use this method for assessing the potential risk of groundwater contamination. In the studied zone, electrical resistivity exhibits a wide range of variability that can be easily correlated to soil parameters, such as clay content and hydraulic conductivity. A numerical index of protection has been assessed from the geophysical information derived from 2D electrical resistivity tomography. This work represents a preliminary approach on the natural vulnerability evaluation of shallow aquifers at the Empordà basin (NE Spain) that is highly affected by diffuse pollution by nitrates.     

Identifications of fractured zones in part of hard rock area of Sonebhadra District,U.P., India using integrated surface geophysical method for groundwater exploration

Surface geophysical methods were used to determine the locations of fracture zones in part of the hard rock area in Sonebhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey comprises three DC resistivity profile using the gradient profiling technique and ten very low frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) traverses profiles. The methods were used over survey lines extending between 200 and 400 m; the results were correlated to locate fracture zones for the purpose of groundwater exploration. Qualitative interpretation of the VLF-EM was carried out using Fraser and Karous–Hjelt filters. The result of the interpretation revealed a number of subsurface zones with high real component current density that defines the potential subsurface features (probably fracture zones). The subsurface feature concurred with the low resistive zones indentified from the gradient resistivity profiling. The zones where further inferred quantitatively using data obtained from DC resistivity sounding at some selected anomalous points. The result obtained proves the efficiency of integrating both methods in detecting fractures zones in hard rock area.     

Groundwater potentiality mapping of hard-rock terrain in arid regions using geospatial modelling: example from Wadi Feiran basin,South Sinai,Egypt

Identifying a good site for groundwater exploitation in hard-rock terrains is a challenging task. In Sinai, Egypt, groundwater is the only source of water for local inhabitants. Interpretation of satellite data for delineation of lithological units and weathered zones, and for mapping of lineament density and their trends, provides a valuable aid for the location of groundwater promising areas. Complex deformational histories of the wide range of lithological formations add to the difficulty. Groundwater prospect mapping is a systematic approach that considers the major controlling factors which influence the aquifer and quality of groundwater. The presented study aims to delineate, identify, model and map groundwater potential zones in arid South Sinai using remote sensing data and a geographic information system (GIS) to prepare various hydromorphogeological thematic maps such as maps of slope, drainage density, lithology, landforms, structural lineaments, rainfall intensity and plan curvature. The controlling-factor thematic maps are each allocated a fixed score and weight, computed by using a linear equation approach. Furthermore, each weighted thematic map is statistically computed to yield a groundwater potential zone map of the study area. The groundwater potential zones thus obtained were divided into five categories (very poor, poor, moderate, good and very good) and were validated using the relation between the zone and the spatial distribution of productive wells and of previous geophysical investigations from a literature review. The results show the groundwater potential zones in the study area, and create awareness for better planning and management of groundwater resources.     

Evaluation of groundwater potential zones using electrical resistivity and GIS in Noyyal river basin,Tamil Nadu

The purpose of this study was to identify the groundwater potential zones in Noyyal river basin using GIS and electrical resistivity. River Noyyal was perennial with good flow till early seventies. In recent years, the scene has changed drastically and the river has become practically seasonal and receives copious water during northeast monsoon from September to November. The rest of the years it remains more or less dry. Since the surface water resources in the area are inadequate to meet the local needs it is necessary to explore groundwater resources which has not been done properly. Hence various thematic maps have been used for the preparation of groundwater prospective map by integrating geology, geomorphology, slope, drainage and lineament of the study area. Electrical resistivity survey was conducted at 52 locations by using Schlumberger configuration. From this weathered thickness and depth to basement have been taken and overlaid for identifying groundwater potential sites and finally this result was compared with yield data. The interpretation shows that the entire study area has moderate to good category of groundwater potential.     

Hydrogeophysical investigation and estimation of groundwater potentials of the Lower Palaeozoic to Precambrian crystalline basement rocks in Keffi area, north-central Nigeria, using resistivity methods

The use of resistivity sounding and two-dimensional (2-D) resistivity imaging was investigated with the aim of delineating and estimating the groundwater potential in Keffi area. Rock types identified are mainly gneisses and granites. Twenty-five resistivity soundings employing the Schlumberger electrode array were conducted across the area. Resistivity sounding data obtained were interpreted using partial curve matching approach and 1-D inversion algorithm, RESIST version 1.0. The 2-D resistivity imaging was also carried out along two traverses using dipole–dipole array, and the data obtained were subjected to finite element method modeling using DIPRO inversion algorithm to produce a two-dimensional subsurface geological model. Interpretation of results showed three to four geoelectrical layers. Layer thickness values were generally less than 2 m for collapsed zone, and ranged from 5 to 30 m for weathered bedrock (saprolite). Two major aquifer units, namely weathered bedrock (saprolite) aquifer and fractured bedrock (saprock) aquifer, have been delineated with the latter usually occurring beneath the former in most areas. Aquifer potentials in the area were estimated using simple schemes that involved the use of three geoelectrical parameters, namely: depth to fresh bedrock, weathered bedrock (saprolite) resistivity and fractured bedrock (saprock) resistivity. The assessment delineated the area into prospective high, medium and low groundwater potential zones.     

渤海油田渤中A构造太古宙潜山裂缝储层预测

钻井揭示渤海油田渤中A构造太古宙潜山拥有巨大的天然气勘探潜力,而目标区太古宙变质岩潜山裂缝储层面临埋深大、非均质性强、横向变化快等问题,制约了该区勘探评价的顺利实施.本次研究从潜山裂缝储层的成因机理出发,分别对风化裂缝带和内幕裂缝带储层特征进行综合分析,开展了针对性的潜山裂缝储层预测技术研究.对于风化带裂缝储层,创新采...     

Geophysical characterization of the complex dynamics of groundwater and seawater exchange in a highly stressed aquifer system linked to a coastal lagoon (SE Spain)

Anthropogenic pressure influences the two-way interactions between shallow aquifers and coastal lagoons. Aquifer overexploitation may lead to seawater intrusion, and aquifer recharge from rainfall plus irrigation may, in turn, increase the groundwater discharge into the lagoon. We analyse the evolution, since the 1950s up to the present, of the interactions between the Campo de Cartagena Quaternary aquifer and the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain). This is a very heterogeneous and anisotropic detrital aquifer, where aquifer–lagoon interface has a very irregular geometry. Using electrical resistivity tomography, we clearly identified the freshwater–saltwater transition zone and detected areas affected by seawater intrusion. Severity of the intrusion was spatially variable and significantly related to the density of irrigation wells in 1950s–1960s, suggesting the role of groundwater overexploitation. We distinguish two different mechanisms by which water from the sea invades the land: (a) horizontal advance of the interface due to a wide exploitation area and (b) vertical rise (upconing) caused by local intensive pumping. In general, shallow parts of the geophysical profiles show higher electrical resistivity associated with freshwater mainly coming from irrigation return flows, with water resources mostly from deep confined aquifers and imported from Tagus river, 400 km north. This indicates a likely reversal of the former seawater intrusion process.     

川西岷江河谷典型大型—巨型古滑坡特征物探解译分析

在遥感解译、野外调查的基础上,采用高密度电法和电阻率测深法,并结合钻探对川西岷江河谷发育的尕米寺滑坡、俄寨村滑坡、格机寨滑坡等典型大型—巨型古滑坡的空间结构进行了勘探分析,有效确定了古滑坡的空间结构和滑带特征,并认为古滑坡的滑动面多具有高低阻相间的不稳定电性层,且滑坡前缘多位于不稳定电性层变薄收敛的地方。其中,俄寨村滑坡高低阻相间的不稳定电性层厚约0~45 m,为滑坡堆积层,古滑动面紧贴基岩面,滑动面平均埋深约30 m,弱风化基岩面埋深约5.6~61 m,强风化层厚约为3~12 m;尕米寺滑坡高低阻相间的不稳定电性层厚约2.5~43 m,为滑坡堆积层,沿剖面古滑动面平均埋深约35 m,在滑坡中部存在一圈闭的低阻异常体,推测为古河道,并与钻探结果相吻合,其埋深约56~96 m,弱风化基岩面埋深13.3~100 m,强风化及岩溶综合层厚一般约为5~20 m。基于古滑坡的地球物理勘探数据和解译结果,统计分析了川西岷江河谷地区大型—巨型古滑坡空间岩土体的地球物理物性参数,对指导该区滑坡调查分析具有重要的指导意义。     

Hydrogeophysical investigation for groundwater potential of Ishara/Ode-Remo geological transition zone,southwestern Nigeria

Geological transition zones are noted to be problematic in groundwater potential and development, due to their erratic and complex nature as well as characteristic of the subsurface lithologies. There were several occurrences of reported borehole failures and dry wells in these zones in Nigeria as a result of very scanty information that could serve as database for studying its groundwater potential. This study was therefore designed to generate hydrogeophysical data that could serve as baseline information on the groundwater potential in the study. In addition, to also delineate various subsurface lithologies present. Electrical resistivity survey for geophysical investigation was carried out using vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique. A total of 150 VES stations were purposively probed using Schlumberger electrode array. The interpreted data were used to produce geoelectric subsurface lithologies and to draw the geological section across the entire area. Various subsurface lithologies with their resistivities (Ωm) were delineated for basement complex (BC), transition zone (TZ), and sedimentary terrain (ST). In BC were topsoil, weathered zone, and fresh bedrock and in TZ were topsoil, sandy, laterite/clay, dry sand, sandstone, and fresh bedrock delineated while in the ST, topsoil, lateritic and sandy clay, dry sand, and the sandstone were delineated. In conclusion, the groundwater potential of the study area is largely been affected by the topography and the nature/composition of the Abeokuta Group that underlie the sedimentary part of the study area and the presence of thick laterite/clay unit of the basement complex portion of the study area.     

Geoelectrical surveys of the Nanjido waste landfill in Seoul,Korea

Electrical surveys have routinely been taken to map and monitor groundwater contamination. In 1994-1996, various electrical surveys were applied to investigate contaminant distributions in the ground at the Nanjido landfill. The geophysical survey data were compared with other available information, particularly boring data. Interpretations of electrical survey data show low resistivity zones below 10 ohm-m which appear to be zones fully saturated with leachate. Annual variations of resistivity anomalies clearly indicate that resistivities and thicknesses of layers contaminated by leachate become lower and thicker in and around the Nanjido landfill during one year. In particular, mean thickness of saturated layers with leachate increased by about 3-6 m/year and the resistivity of bedrock decreased. It seems obvious that ground contamination by leachate is in progress. In the area northeast of the landfill, no evidence of bedrock contamination is indicated. Soundings made at one year intervals in this area do not show any evidence of further ground contamination by leachate. From these results, it appears that contamination of the weathered zone and bedrock is in progress mainly southwest of the Nanjido landfill.     

Saline fresh water interface structure in Mahanadi delta region, Orissa, India

 Saline/fresh water interface structure is one of the most important and basic hydrogeological parameter that needs to be estimated for studies related to coastal zone management, well-field design and understanding saline water intrusion mechanism/processes. The success and stability of a groundwater structure in a coastal region depend upon an accurate estimate of interface structure between saline and fresh water zones, aquifer-aquiclude boundaries and their lateral continuities and the interstitial water qualities of aquifers. Self-potential and resistivity logs provide a reasonably good basis for such estimates and for sustainable development of fresh groundwater resources. The interface depth structure for the Mahanadi delta region, as obtained and interpreted through self-potential and resistivity logs, provides a fairly clear picture of the regional extensions and boundaries of aquifers, aquicludes and interstitial water quality patterns. Aquifers in the northern sector of the basin and within the framework of Birupa and Mahanadi are characterized by an interface depth range that varies between 40 and 280 m below ground level (bgl) with brackish water on the top underlain by freshwater aquifers. The aquifers in the southern sector within the framework of Khatjori/Devi and Koyakhai/Daya/Kushbhadra/Bhargavi are characterized by an interface depth range that varies from 10 to 120 m with freshwater aquifers near the surface underlain by saline, brackish water aquifers. The inversion of these major fluid systems appears to have taken place over a narrow zone between Mahanadi and Khatjori tributaries, possibly over a wide subsurface ridge with separate basin characteristics. Received: 29 November 1999 · Accepted: 2 May 2000     

Groundwater targeting in a hard-rock terrain using fracture-pattern modeling, Niva River basin, Andhra Pradesh, India

In hard-rock terrain, due to the lack of primary porosity in the bedrock, joints, fault zones, and weathered zones are the sources for groundwater occurrence and movement. To study the groundwater potential in the hard-rock terrain and drought-prone area in the Niva River basin, southern Andhra Pradesh state, India, Landsat 5 photographic data were used to prepare an integrated hydrogeomorphology map. Larsson's integrated deformation model was applied to identify the various fracture systems, to pinpoint those younger tensile fracture sets that are the main groundwater reservoirs, and to understand the importance of fracture density in groundwater prospecting. N35°–55°E fractures were identified as tensile and N35°–55°W fractures as both tensile and shear in the study area. Apparently, these fractures are the youngest open fractures. Wherever N35°–55°E and N35°–55°W fracture densities are high, weathered-zone thickness is greater, water-table fluctuations are small, and well yields are high. Groundwater-potential zones were delineated and classified as very good, good to very good, moderate to good, and poor. Electronic Publication