Geophysical Constraints to Reconstructing the Geometry of a Shallow Groundwater Body in Caronia (Sicily)

The characterization of a groundwater body involves the construction of a conceptual
model that constitutes the base knowledge for monitoring programs, hydrogeological risk assessment,
and correct management of water resources. In particular, a detailed geological and geophysical
approach was applied to define the alluvial Caronia Groundwater Body (CGWB) and to reconstruct
a hydrogeological flow model. The analysis of the CGWB, located in north-eastern Sicily, was
initially approached through a reanalysis of previous stratigraphic (boreholes) and geophysical
(vertical electrical soundings and seismic refraction profiles) data, subsequently integrated by new
seismic acquisitions, such as Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) and horizontalto-
vertical seismic ratio (HVSR). The analysis and reinterpretation of geoelectrical data allowed
the construction of a preliminary 3D resistivity model. This initial modeling was subsequently
integrated by a geophysical data campaign in order to define the depth of the bottom of the shallow
CGWB and the thickness of alluvial deposits. Finally, a preliminary mathematical model flow
was generated in order to reconstruct the dynamics of underground water. The results show that
integration of multidisciplinary data represent an indispensable tool for the characterization of
complex physical systems.