Integrated geoelectrical survey for groundwater and shallow subsurface evaluation: case study at Siliyin spring, El-Fayoum, Egypt

Siliyin spring is one of the many natural fresh water springs in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is located at the central part of El-Fayoum Delta, which is a potential place for urban developments and touristic activities. Integrated geoelectrical survey was conducted to facilitate mapping the groundwater resources and the shallow subsurface structures in the area. Twenty-eight transient electromagnetic (TEM) soundings, three vertical electrical soundings (VES) and three electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profiles were carried out around the Siliyin spring location. The dense cultivation, the rugged topography and the existence of infra structure in the area hindered acquiring more data. The TEM data were inverted jointly with the VES and ERT, and constrained by available geological information. Based on the inversion results, a set of geoelectrical cross-sections have been constructed. The shallow sand to sandy clay layer that forms the shallow aquifer has been completely mapped underneath and around the spring area. Flowing of water from the Siliyin spring is interconnected with the lateral lithological changes from clay to sand soil. Exploration of the extension of Siliyin spring zone is recommended. The interpretation emphasizes the importance of integrating the geoelectrical survey with the available geological information to obtain useful, cheap and fast lithological and structural subsurface information.     

Monitoring of wastewater percolation in unsaturated sandy soil using geoelectrical measurements at Gabal el Asfar farm,northeast Cairo,Egypt

The use of wastewater for irrigation in sandy soil increases the pollution risk of the soil and may infiltrate to the shallow groundwater aquifer. In such environment, some important parameters need to be obtained for monitoring the wastewater in the unsaturated zone over the aquifer. These parameters include clay content, heterogeneities of the upper soils, depth to the aquifer and the variations of groundwater quality. In the present work, the efficiency of DC resistivity method in forms of 1-D and 2-D measurements was studied for wastewater monitoring in the Gabal el Asfar farm, northeast of Cairo, Egypt. Forty-one Schlumberger soundings (VES) were performed then followed by three pole-dipole 2-D profiles along some considered regions within the area. The resistivity measurements were integrated with the boreholes, hydrogeological and hydrochemical (surface and groundwater samples) information to draw a clear picture for the subsurface conditions. The obtained results were presented as cross sections and 3-D visualization to trace the clay intercalations within the unsaturated zone. In addition, a vulnerability map was created using the obtained results from 1-D Schlumberger survey and confirmed with the 2-D resistivity profiling. The obtained results have shown that the 2-D resistivity imaging technique is a powerful tool for mapping the small-scale variability within the unsaturated zone and the wastewater infiltration. However, limitations of resistivity techniques were observed in the area with limited resistivity contrast such as thin clay layers with brackish water background. Under that condition, the measured pattern of resistivity distributions depends on the applied electrode array, electrode spacing and using the available geological information during the inversion process.     

Influence of shallow infiltration on time-lapse ERT: Experience of advanced interpretation

Previous time-lapse Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) studies have experienced difficulties in reconstructing reliable calculated resistivity changes in the subsurface. Increases or decreases of resistivity appear in the calculated ERT image where no changes were noted in the subsurface, leading to erroneous hydrological interpretations of the geophysical results. In this article, we investigate how a variation of actual resistivity with time and at shallow depth can influence time-lapse ERT results and produce resistivity artefacts at depth. We use 1 and 2-D numerical modelling to simulate infiltration scenarios. Using a standard time-lapse inversion, we demonstrate the resistivity artefact production according to the electrode spacing parameter. We used an advanced inversion methodology with a decoupling line at shallow depth to attenuate or remove resistivity artefacts. We also applied this methodology to a field data set obtained in a semi-arid environment in Burkina Faso, West Africa. Here, time-lapse ERT shows several resistivity artefacts of calculated resistivity if a standard inversion is used. We demonstrate the importance of a dense sampling of shallow resistivity variations at shallow depth. Advanced interpretation allows us to significantly attenuate or remove the resistivity artefact production at intermediate depth and produce reliable interpretation of hydrological processes.     

Application of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique to detect underground cavities in a karst area of South Korea

Recently, the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique has been increasingly applied to underground cavity detection filled with groundwater and/or clay. In this study, an ERT survey was conducted to examine the spatial distribution and shape of underground cavities in a karst area in Korea. Numerical ERT modeling and inversion were carried out to select appropriate field survey parameters. Two geological structures, similar to those that exist in the field survey area, were modeled: a sinkhole model and a vein-type structure. Electrode configurations using pole–pole, pole–dipole, dipole–pole, and dipole–dipole arrays were tested with the two geologic models and compared. The numerical modeling showed that the resistivity distribution of the ERT tomogram using the pole–dipole array produced the best representation of the two models. The pole–dipole and pole–pole array configurations were applied in an ERT field survey using six boreholes. The field ERT results show that cavity areas filled with clay or groundwater appeared as low-resistivity anomalies in the limestone formation. This was particularly evident in the inclined vein-type structures attributed to fracture zones, where the field data were similar to the modeling results. Therefore, the ERT technique could be effectively used for detecting underground limestone cavities under similar geological conditions as those at our study area.     

Delineation of contamination plume around oxidation sewage-ponds in Southwestern Nigeria

Integrated surface electrical resistivity and electromagnetic (EM) surveys were conducted in a hard-rock terrain of Southwestern Nigeria in the vicinity of active oxidation sewage treatment ponds. The aim was to detect soil contamination due to the spread of sewage effluent, locate possible leachate plumes and conductive lithologic layers, and access the risk of groundwater pollution in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. Dipole–dipole resistivity profiling and very low frequency (VLF) data were acquired at 10-m intervals along five 200-m long east-west geophysical traverses. Resistivity sections obtained revealed four subsurface geologic layers comprised of lateritic clay, clayey sand/sand, weathered/fractured bedrock, and competent bedrock. A distinct low resistivity zone corresponding to the contamination plume (labeled B) was delineated from all the resistivity sections. This low zone extends into the weathered bedrock and possibly suggests contamination of this layer. The filtered real component of the processed VLF data detected three distinct anomaly zones that are representative of fractured zones filled with conductive fluids and/or lithologic boundaries that possibly serve as conduits for the movement of contaminated effluents. The results obtained from the two methods suggest possible contamination of the subsurface soil layers and groundwater in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds. The existence of this contaminated plume poses a serious threat to the ecosystem and health of the people living in the vicinity of the sewage-ponds.     

Diesel transport monitoring in simulated unconfined aquifers using miniature resistivity arrays

The principal aim of this study is to assess the scope of monitoring diesel plume migration in a scaled aquifer model with a miniaturised electrical resistivity array. Respectively 1000 and 500 ml of diesel were injected in both the unsaturated and water-saturated zones of a sand body overlying a clay aquitard, and diesel migration was monitored with a miniature electrode array and an off-the-shelf resistivity meter. Inverted time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data reflect downward and lateral spreading of the diesel plume away from the injection point in the unsaturated zone. Diesel was also imaged to spread upwards and laterally away from the injection point in the saturated zone, as controlled by capillary rise. In both cases later-time ERT images reflected preferential pooling of diesel on the water table, as well as vertical smearing of pooled diesel in response to simulated water-table fluctuations. Repeat fluid electrical conductivity (EC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) measurements validate the observed changes in bulk resistivity caused by both diesel injections. Artefacts introduced by 2D inversion of 3D contaminant transport were abound. Time-lapse ERT imaging of diesel transport is therefore inferred to be feasible and well-suited to complementing conventional techniques of intrusive site investigation, although time-lapse 3D or 4D ERT imaging is strongly advocated.     

Geotechnical investigation of sewage wastewater disposal sites and use of GIS land use maps to assess environmental hazards: Sohag, upper Egypt

Land application is the only currently available technique for sewage wastewater disposal along the Nile Valley in Upper Egypt. Wastewater disposal projects have been established in the lowland desert zone extending between the cultivated floodplain and the Eocene Limestone plateau. The plan is to use the treated wastewater in irrigating woody farmlands. Some wastewater disposal sites are already operating, and several others will be established in the near future. The proposed wastewater disposal sites are located in a sensitive desert zone that is extremely narrow and situated very close to vital resources including the cultivated floodplain, reclaimed lands, residential areas, and surface water resources. In addition, the subsurface sediments of this zone (Pleistocene sand–gravel succession) constitute a significant part of the Quaternary aquifer of the valley. The objective of this study is to characterize and investigate the wastewater disposal sites and assess their probable environmental hazards. The study showed that the available lands are insufficient to accommodate the projected quantities of wastewater. At the currently operating sites, excess raw wastewater is accumulating on the ground surface forming large uncontrolled ponds. Such wastewater ponds represent a potential environmental hazard and might cause disastrous health effects, where chemical and bacteriological pollution of soil, crops and water resources may occur.     

Investigation of groundwater contamination using electric and electromagnetic methods at an open waste-disposal site: a case study from Isparta, Turkey

 Geophysical methods, when integrated with soil chemical and hydrogeological methods, can be used to investigate groundwater contamination. Direct current (DC) resistivity geo-electrical sounding and very-low-frequency electromagnetic (VLF-EM) data were collected at an open waste site used by the municipality of the city of Isparta, Turkey. The groundwater at shallow depths in alluvium, which is composed of gravel, sand and clay, were expected to be hazardously contaminated under and around the open waste-disposal site, in which both household and industrial wastes are known to be disposed of improperly. In this study, we mapped the spread of groundwater contamination using a VLF-EM method, which allows fast and inexpensive data collection. The method complements the results of geo-electrical sounding. There is a good correlation between the results of the VLF-EM and the DC-resistivity methods employed for the investigation of subsurface structure of the site, where soil chemical and previous hydrogeological surveys have indicated high levels of chemical concentrations. Received: 17 January 2000 · Accepted: 12 August 2000     

考虑激发极化效应的瞬变电磁一维Occam反演

大地的感应激发极化效应有时会在瞬变电磁晚期响应上产生负值变号现象。常规实电阻率瞬变电磁反演由于没有考虑激发极化效应,对于观测数据负值部分的解释一直存在问题,这影响了反演解释的真实性和可信度。对此,本文首先将Cole-Cole复电阻率模型加入正演计算,并验证了计算的准确性。然后在阻尼最小二乘法的基础上加入Occam平滑约束来构建反演方程,能够同时反演出零频电阻率、充电率、时间常数以及频率相关系数,实现了一维瞬变电磁复电阻率反演算法。最后,建立具有不同程度激发极化效应的典型层状理论模型进行反演试算与结果分析,结果表明,在激发极化效果明显的低阻高极化地层中,复电阻率反演效果更好。与实电阻率反演结果的对比说明,瞬变电磁复电阻率反演既可以达到实电阻率的常规反演效果,也能解决实电阻率无法实现的负值拟合问题。     

生活源污染质干湿循环下土体性质演化特征及机理

以生活源污染质降解终端产物Na2 CO3和Na3 PO4的混合溶液为污染质溶液对中国徐州地区粉质黏土进行渗流,完成了10次干湿循环试验,分析了在生活源污染质干湿循环下粉质黏土性质的演化特征,并揭示了其演化机理.研究结果表明:粉质黏土在经过生活源污染质10次干湿循环的过程中,土体渗透性增强1～2个数量级,电阻率降低20～...     

Reservoir assessment using non-invasive geophysical techniques

This paper describes the use of three geophysical techniques to detect potential seepage that could jeopardise the integrity of reservoir embankments, could induce partial or total collapse and pose a risk to the population nearby. A fast-scanning geophysical technique using two dipole electromagnetic (EM) profile apparatus GEM2 provided the first step to detect the weakest points on the selected dams in order to proceed to a more detailed analysis and visualisation of the soil erosion (fissuring or piping) using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). Finally, self-potential surveys were carried out to relate to the EM and ERT anomalies that could be pathways for seepage and changes of the water displacement inside the embankment. The three geophysical techniques used were evaluated in one case study of reservoir in a location relevant to flooding issues in Czech Republic. A risk approach based on the geophysical results was undertaken for the reservoir embankment. The three techniques together were compared for the same problematic section and confirmed seepage by showing similar results. Conclusions were also drawn on the efficiency of using these three techniques as a package to give a comprehensive non-invasive assessment to be used as common practice by local authorities and environment agencies whereby remedial action could be recommended to protect assets and civilians.     

基于高密度电阻率成像技术的土体干缩开裂过程监测研究

为了探究土体干缩开裂问题,文章采用ERT技术,对黏性土开展了一维干缩开裂动态监测试验。配制初始状态饱和 的泥浆试样,在自然条件下干燥,采用ERT技术获得试样干燥过程中的电阻值变化。结合试样的电阻值图像和裂隙图像, 对土体干缩开裂规律进行了分析。研究结果表明：在干燥蒸发初期,土体电阻值随时间增加缓慢减小,其原因在于土体干 燥收缩导致土颗粒间接触面积增大,颗粒水化膜变薄,进而使得土颗粒表面双电层导电性增强。随着干燥继续进行,气体 进入土体内部,土体由初始饱和状态转变为非饱和状态,电阻值转为缓慢增加。当土体产生裂隙时,裂隙周围土体电阻值 急剧增大,而未发育裂隙的土体电阻依然保持缓慢增加的趋势。通过对比试样电阻值变化曲线和裂隙图像,发现两者所呈 现的裂隙发育位置和状态存在良好的一致性。因此,ERT技术能对干燥过程中土体裂隙发育进行有效的动态监测,准确掌 握裂隙发育的时空动态信息,并且能提前预测裂隙发育的可能位置,为研究极端干旱气候作用下土体的工程性质响应提供 了理想手段。     

Electrical and electromagnetic surveys to locate possible causes of water seepage to ground surface at a quarry open pit near Helwan city,Egypt

Water seepage to ground surface at a limestone quarry located at Wadi Garawy about 20 km south-east of Helwan city in Egypt posed a real threat to the mining activity at the quarry. The quarry area is known to be very dry for decades and away from water utilities and infrastructures that may cause water leaks to the quarry. Geophysical investigation including 1D Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and 1D Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) surveys were conducted to characterize the rock sequence and locate what could be a possible source of water seepage to the quarry. The resistivity profiles generated from the VES and TEM surveys mapped the rock units in the area down to depths exceeded 100 m. The ERT profiles acquired from the quarrying zone close to the water seepage spot have imaged the top of groundwater level at few meters below the ground surface at the quarry open pit. The spot of groundwater seepage seemed to occur at an area of limestone dissolution that were filled by finer sediments. The finer sediments acted as a hydrological conduit that allowed an upward seepage of groundwater to ground surface under the capillary action effect.     

高密度电法评价岩溶地下水分布

本文利用高密度电法对第四系土层进行了勘查,利用所得到的高密度电阻率反演剖面资料,进行了分析,切片,形成等深度的高密度电阻率勘查反演电阻率平面分布,推断地下水的空间活动规律。对利用高密度电阻率勘查推断地下水的空间活动规律进行了一次有益的尝试,为进一步认识地面塌陷和预防治理提供科学依据。     

Delineation of saltwater intrusion into the freshwater aquifer of Lekki Peninsula,Lagos, Nigeria

Recently, the deterioration of water quality in the coastal zones of Lekki Peninsula area of Lagos due to saltwater infiltration into the freshwater aquifer has become a major concern. With the aim of providing valuable information on the hydrogeologic system of the aquifers, the subsurface lithology and delineating the groundwater salinity, vertical electrical resistivity (VES) sounding survey was carried out utilizing surface Schlumberger electrode arrays, and electrode spacing varying between 1 and 150 m. The DC resistivity surveys revealed significant variations in subsurface resistivity. Also, the VES resistivity curves showed a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity with depth (thus increasing salinity). In general, the presence of four distinct resistivity zones were delineated viz.: the unconsolidated dry sand (A) having resistivity values ranging between 125 and 1,028 Ωm represent the first layer; the fresh water-saturated soil (zone B) having resistivity values which correspond to 32–256 Ωm is the second layer; the third layer (zone C) is interpreted as the mixing (transition) zone of fresh with brackish groundwater. The resistivity of this layer ranges from 4 to 32 Ωm; while layer four (zone D) is characterized with resistivities values generally below 4 Ωm reflecting an aquifer possibly containing brine. The rock matrix, salinity and water saturation are the major factors controlling the resistivity of the formation. Moreover, this investigation shows that saline water intrusion into the aquifers can be accurately mapped using surface DC resistivity method.     

Hydrogeophysical investigations for assessing the groundwater potential in part of the Peshawar basin,Pakistan

A large number of valleys and basin systems are present in the northwestern part of the Himalayas in Pakistan which form significant aquifers in the region. Hydrogeophysical investigations in the western part of Nowshera District, a part of the intermontane Peshawar basin, were undertaken to help to determine the availability of groundwater resources in the region. Thirty vertical electrical resistivity soundings (VES) were acquired using a Schlumberger expanding array configuration with a maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 150 m in delineating the groundwater potential in the study area. The results of the interpreted VES data using a combination of curve matching technique and computer iterative modeling methods suggest that the area is underlain by 3 to 5 geo-electric layers. The interpretation results showed that the geo-electrical succession consists of alluvium comprising of alternating layers of clay, silty clay, fine to coarse sands, sand with gravels and gravels of variable thickness. High subsurface resistivity values are correlated with gravel–sand units and low resistivity values with the presence of clays and silts. The modeled VES results were correlated with the pumping tests results and lithological logs of the existing wells. The pumping test suggests the transmissivity of the aquifer sediments is variable corresponding to different sediments within the area. The gravel–sand intervals having high resistivity value show high transmissivity values, whereas clay–silt sediments show low transmissivities. It is concluded that majority of the high resistive gravel–sand sediments belong to an alluvial fan environment. These gravel–sand zones are promising zones for groundwater abstraction which are concentrated in the central part of the study area.     

Geology of the Murcia Valley and Flood Plain Modifications in the Construction of the Circus Maximus,Rome, Italy

This paper presents a morphological and hydrogeological reconstruction of the Murcia Valley at the location of the great Roman stadium Circus Maximus in Rome. We reconstruct a valley segment using ERT (electrical resistivity tomography) and geoarchaeological drilling data that identified three main layers. The basal layer, with high resistivity values and convex shapes, is correlated to alluvial gravel and lithified silt‐clay sediments. The middle layer shows low‐to‐medium resistivity values extending to concavities between the basal convex shapes. The very low resistivity values of this middle layer characterize elliptical to circular morphologies and have been ascribed to the presence of water‐saturated clay‐silt and peaty sediments. The surface layer is characterized by widespread lateral inhomogeneity interpreted as anthropogenic fill. The data indicate a pre‐Roman anastomosed alluvial plain subsequently modified by human intervention. In an effort to reclaim the valley for construction of the Circus, the Romans utilized the natural topography and created a central embankment, later becoming the Spina, by filling depressions with sand taken from adjacent bars. Our study contributes to (1) knowledge of the pre‐Roman landscape, (2) understanding anthropogenic modification of the Murcia Valley flood plain, and (3) archaeological interpretation of the monument.     

二维高密度电阻率法数值模拟与应用

高密度电阻率法作为工程勘察领域广泛使用的勘察方法之一,与传统电阻率法相比,具有效率高、信息丰富等优点。本文首先从高密度电法原理出发,介绍了两种常见的装置（温施装置和温纳装置）的特点。然后依据实测资料建立了地电理论模型,并通过理论正反演数值模拟,分析了两种装置下模型的电性响应特征,并与实际资料与进行了比较,进而进行地层分层和地质解释。结果表明,温施装置进行地质分层效果更佳,通过高密度电法正演模拟指导反演可提高地层分层和地质解释的精度。     

苏通大桥地基中深厚软土电阻率试验研究

通过室内电阻率试验和土工试验,对长江下游苏州-南通长江公路大桥地基中深厚软土电阻率特征及其与物理力学参数的相关关系问题进行了研究。发现,（1）在同一钻孔（即CZK30）中,从粉质黏土→粉砂→细砂→中粗砂,土样的电阻率逐渐增大。电阻率随含水率、孔隙比、饱和度的增加而减小,而随垂直渗透系数、水平渗透系数、压缩模量、标贯等的增加而增大。（2）CZK30孔中粉质黏土电阻率随含水率、孔隙比、饱和度、压缩系数、液限系数增加而减小,而随压缩模量、黏聚力等的增加而增大。（3）通过拟合,提供了软土电阻率与物理力学参数相关关系的量化表达式,拟合曲线与试验数据点的相关程度较高,相关系数绝大部分在0.88以上。结果表明,土电阻率与其它物理力学参数间存在密切的联系。     

Assessment of integrated electrical resistivity data on complex aquifer structures in NE Nuba Mountains – Sudan

Two geophysical techniques were integrated to map the groundwater aquifers on complex geological settings, in the crystalline basement terrain in northeast Nuba Mountains. The water flow is structurally controlled by the northwest–southeast extensional faults as one of several in-situ deformational patterns that are attributed to the collision of the Pan-African oceanic assemblage of the Nubian shield against the pre-Pan African continental crust to the west. The structural lineaments and drainage systems have been enhanced by the remote sensing technique. The geophysical techniques used are: vertical electrical soundings (VES) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), in addition to hydraulic conductivity measurements. These measurements were designed to overlap in order to improve the producibility of the geophysical data and to provide a better interpretation of the hydrogeological setting of the aquifer complex structure. Smooth and Block inversion schemes were attempted for the observed ERT data to study their reliability in mapping the different geometries in the complex subsurface. The VES data was conducted where ERT survey was not accessible, and inverted smoothly and merged with the ERT in the 3D resistivity grid. The hydraulic conductivity was measured for 42 water samples collected from the distributed dug wells in the study area; where extremely high saline zones were recorded and have been compared to the resistivity values in the 3D model.