Groundwater resource characterization using geo-electrical survey: a case study of Rawlakot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Keywords:
Geo-electrical survey, Apparent resistivity, Statistical distribution, Pseudo section.Abstract
The present study is focused on the subsurface mapping for groundwater accumulation in an area located southwest of Rawlakot city, Azad Kashmir to model groundwater condition using geo-electrical measurements. Vertical Electrical Soundings are conducted using a Schlumberger electrode configuration with AB/2 ranging from 1.5 to 250 m. The results of Vertical Electrical Sounding data are interpreted qualitatively using iteration software IPI2win which indicates four distinct lithological units, i.e., shale, clayey shale, clay and weathered clayey sandstone. Based on the Vertical Electrical Sounding data it is inferred that the top soil is mostly composed of 15 m thick shale to clay beds of Quaternary alluvium having apparent resistivity between 18-70 Ωm. With an increase in the depth, the shale and clay beds are gradually replaced by sandstone beds (100-300 Ωm) from a depth of 40-100 m. The generated apparent resistivity section, pseudo section and spatial distribution of apparent resistivity map at 30 m, 40 m, 60 m and 80 m are in agreement with the geology and hydrological conditions of the study area. The results inferred that the favourable aquifer conditions are present in the 20-50 m thick weathered sandstone beds having intercalation of clays. The apparent resistivity sections show that the North-East and North-West regions have comparatively good reservoir potential for groundwater.
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