Evaluation of near-surface groundwater aquifers through integrated geophysical and geodetic measurements

Extensive geophysical and geodetic measurements were carried out to evaluate the groundwater aquifer, trace the basement relief, as well as detect the igneous intrusions and structural elements (mainly faults) that affect the occurrence of groundwater in the study area. The fieldwork included resistivity sounding, a geomagnetic survey, and Global Positioning System measurements. The magnetic results showed the presence of a group of main faults in East-west trend at the western part of the area and major fault at the northern part of the area of NW-SW trend. The findings also showed the presence of two igneous rock intrusions located in the middle of the eastern part of the valley. Pronounced differences in the depths of basement rocks have been identified, ranging between 0 and 900 m from the surface. Both high horizontal movements and high shear strain rates have been found to be concentrated at the southeast of the study area and it was noted that high stress was accumulated along the main observed faults and at the main groundwater aquifers. The geoelectrical results confirmed the presence of two aquifers; a shallow aquifer (Quaternary aquifer) that narrows northwards and a Nubian sandstone aquifer, which considered the main aquifer. The Nubian sandstone aquifer carries groundwater in the region, which overlies the last geoelectric unit represented by the basement complex layer and geological structures affecting the potential availability of groundwater in the study area, as proved by the geomagnetic survey and stress accumulation.

Researchers Supporting Project number (RSP-2021/351), King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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