VES-based characterization of lithological heterogeneity for potential groundwater development in the quaternary floodplain of Jashore Sadar, Bangladesh
Subsurface geology in deltaic floodplains is highly heterogeneous, strongly influencing groundwater development. In response to growing groundwater stress and the need for potential management, this study investigates the capability of vertical electrical sounding (VES) to characterize lithological variability and infer hydrostratigraphic conditions within the active floodplain of the Quaternary deposits of Jashore, Bangladesh. A total of 18 VES surveys were conducted using the Schlumberger array with investigation depths of 90–150 m. One-dimensional inversion modeling using IX1D was validated against nearby borehole logs, showing strong agreement for layer depth and thickness (R² > 0.95) and approximately 75% agreement in lithological classification. The results show five geoelectric layers with resistivity values ranging from 6 to 60 Ωm, corresponding to topsoil, clay, silty clay, and sandy lithologies, indicating considerable lateral and vertical heterogeneity across the floodplain. Furthermore, geo-electric cross-sections indicate that shallow or thick sandy units are concentrated around VES-3–7, 9–11, and 14–17, whereas clay-rich deposits dominate VES-1, 12, 13, and 18. In particular, the sandy layers characterized by relatively high resistivity (36–60 Ωm) and substantial thickness (32.35–94 m) are interpreted as potential aquifer zones, while the overlying clay and silty clay units suggest as confining to semi-confining layers. Moreover, the absence of very low resistivity signatures suggests limited saline water intrusion within the investigated depth range. Although hydrochemical and pumping-test data are still required for confirmation, our study develops a conceptual framework of lithological heterogeneity using VES for potential groundwater management applicable for similar floodplain environments.
To address the growing challenges of water resource management in coastal karst areas, this study investigated subsurface lithological characteristics and evaluated aquifer potential in Mon Ikeun Village, Aceh Besar. The research integrated Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and grain size gradation analysis to provide a scientific basis for sustainable groundwater exploration. Resistivity data were collected along three survey lines, each 420 m long, using the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration. The 2D inversion results identified conductive zones with resistivity values below 454 Ωm, interpreted as alluvium comprising sand, silt, and gravel. These high-porosity, permeable layers extend to depths of approximately 25 m, indicating significant aquifer potential. In contrast, resistive zones above 454 Ωm were interpreted as limestone bedrock, representing impermeable layers with very low porosity. Laboratory grain size analysis using the hydrometer method revealed sand-dominated samples with high porosity (25-50%) and moderate permeability (2.5-45 m/day), while gravel-sand mixtures displayed moderate porosity (25-40%) and high permeability (150-450 m/day). The strong correlation between resistivity data and grain size distribution confirms the consistency of the lithological interpretation. This integrated approach offers an effective framework for securing freshwater resources in regions with complex geological settings and high vulnerability to water scarcity.
Muhammad Syukri, Adila Latifa, D. Sugiyanto et al.· IOP Conference Series: Earth...· 0 citations
Groundwater occurrence in hard-rock terrains is complex and spatially heterogeneous, controlled by weathered and fractured zones with limited surface expression. This research integrates Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with remote sensing, GIS and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) for groundwater potential mapping of Jeypore Block, Koraput District, Odisha. This area is underlain by Eastern Ghats Mobile Belt rocks such as khondalites, charnockites, and granite gneisses. Fifteen VES surveys using Schlumberger configuration were conducted across the study area, with electrode spreads up to 800 m. Resistivity data were interpreted using IPI2WIN software, producing one-dimensional resistivity models and Dar-Zarrouk parameters. Subsurface profiling revealed distinct lithological layers consisting of topsoil, laterite, sandstone, weathered/fractured granite, and compact bedrock. Layer thicknesses ranged from 0.6 to 20.4 m in the first layer to 99.5 m in the third layer. Iso-resistivity maps generated using Surfer-25 showed significant lateral heterogeneity. Low-resistivity zones (2.6–105.2 Ωm) indicated saturated formations, whereas high-resistivity values (> 150 Ωm) represented compact basement rocks. Curve-type analysis identified predominantly AAA-type curves, which indicate increasing resistivity with depth. HA-type curves observed at two locations suggested the presence of conductive, water-saturated layers favourable for aquifer development. VES-derived parameters were integrated with twelve geospatial thematic layers, including geology, geomorphology, soil, NDVI, lineament density, drainage density, rainfall, slope, physiography, land use, groundwater fluctuation, and hydrogeology, using the AHP framework. The consistency ratio of the model was 2.36%, indicating reliable thematic weighting. Validation via pumping tests and ROC analysis (AUC = 0.86) confirmed model reliability. This approach offers a scientifically robust framework for sustainable groundwater management in structurally complex hard-rock terrains.
Semi-arid regions are often characterized by strong spatial heterogeneity of geological formations, surface processes, and groundwater circulation, which critically control water availability and land use planning. This study investigates the subsurface structure of the Wadi Zouzfana basin (south-western Algeria) using an integrated approach combining vertical electrical sounding (VES) and lithological data from three core boreholes (21-30 m depth). Twenty-four VES measurements were conducted using the Schlumberger configuration (= 200 m) and calibrated against borehole logs to establish reliable resistivity-lithology relationships in a karstified carbonate environment. Five main geoelectrical units were identified, corresponding to recent alluvium, karstified limestone, transitional carbonates, weathered dolomite, and compact bedrock. Low resistivity values (100-600 Ω•m) dominate the wadi axis, reflecting water-saturated alluvial deposits and karstified limestone, while higher resistivities (>1200 Ω•m) characterize structurally uplifted carbonate formations along the basin margins. Spatial interpolation of resistivity data within a GIS frame-work reveals an asymmetric bedrock morphology controlled by NE-SW tectonic structures, with a central depression guiding surface runoff concentration and groundwater storage. The results highlight the strong geomorphological and structural control on groundwater distribution and infiltration potential in this semi-arid karst basin. The integrated geophysical-lithological methodology provides a cost-effective framework for site-scale subsurface characterization applicable to similar semi-arid karst environments and supports sustainable water resource management and land planning in data-scarce arid environments.
S. Samai, L. Benhenni, Leila Bouchama· Glasnik Srpskog Geografskog...· 0 citations
This study aims to identify and explore new potential sites of groundwater resources using geophysical methods, and to demarcate the depth to the saltwater-freshwater interface. Kilwa Kisiwani Island is geologically covered mostly by Neogene and Quaternary alluvial sediments, sand and gravel. The geophysical techniques employed during the research include Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Transient Electromagnetics (TEM). The Island has the potential for groundwater occurrences, but the layer with fresh water is shallow and thin. Out of the 18 VES sites, 2 (11%) points have shown non-potential, but the remaining 16 (89%) of the VES sites have shown potential, and drilling has been recommended depending on the hydrogeophysical characteristics of each potential VES point. Out of the 16 TEM points, 4 (25%) have shown non-potential, but the remaining 12 (75%) have shown potential, and drilling has been recommended depending on TEM point-specific hydrogeophysical characteristics. Generally, geophysical results show the presence of freshwater lenses with a thickness range between 10 and 30 meters. The recommended drilling depth ranges between 10 and 30 meters below ground surface. The depth to saltwater-freshwater interface varies between 1 and 39 meters below ground surface.
Simon R Melchioly· Tanzania Journal of Science· 0 citations
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