Application of Integrated Geophysical Methods to Map Geological Structure and Characterize Groundwater Aquifers in Meki Area East Shewa Zone
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Date
2023-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Groundwater is the water found beneath the Earth's surface at depths where the soil, sediments, or rock are totally filled with water. This study focuses on mapping geologic structure and characterization of the groundwater aquifers of Meki to Alemtena area. The magnetic and electrical resistivity methods of prospecting give an effective presentation of the subsurface structures and delineation of groundwater aquifers. Aquifer characterization is essential for managing water resources. The interpretation of VES gives five to seven layers across all the three profiles with the average aquifer thickness of approximately 30 to 70 m. Fractured ignimbrite, sand, and alluvial deposit make up the lithologic unit of the aquifer layer, which is severely weathered and fractured. Protective capacity of aquifers with in the area is in the range of moderate to good. In terms of aquifers water potential, the areas of high longitudinal conductance, high transmissivity, low transverse resistance, low longitudinal resistivity shows the areas of high groundwater aquifers. Based on these, the study area has the highest groundwater potential in the northwestern part. Similarly, magnetic result shows that the lithological trend running from NE – SW along the research area's sides to the north and south as well as deep structures that follow the E-W trend. The groundwater flow direction to the south and north of the survey region may be determined by this structure. Most anomaly sources in the research region related to deep structures, as determined by 3D Euler deconvolution and a 2D magnetic model. The results are combined to produce a comprehensive representation of the subsurface groundwater, structures and hydrogeology. Integration of method's offers more detailed information on the aquifer characteristics, groundwater potential and identification of various lithologic structures in the area.
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Aquifer, Dar Zarrouk Parameter, Euler Deconvolution, Flow Path, Groundwater, Trend, VES