DefinePK

Abstract

For the groundwater resource management, the adequate knowledge and appraisal of aquifer parameters are essential. Different conventional methods are used to estimate these parameters, which are time-consuming and costly. The advent of geophysical techniques provides a cost- effective measure to estimate aquifer parameters and groundwater potential. This study attempts to model groundwater potential in Khrick, a part of Rawlakot area, Jammu and Kashmir. A hydrogeophysical survey using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) is adopted to outline subsurface geology and to produce a subsurface model based on the resistivity contrast of layered rocks for evaluating the groundwater accessibility. The data is acquired using Schlumberger electrode configuration, with the current electrode (AB/2) spacing 1.5 to 250 meters and potential (MN) of 1-50 meters. The VES data show that the area is composed of topsoil, shale, clayey sandstone, fractured sandstone and compact/cemented sandstone. VES at three locations (i.e. 03, 04 and 06) indicate prospects for the groundwater potential, associated with the basement complex of a sandstone bed of Siwaliks group. The true resistivity depth section maps are prepared at 40 m, 60 m, 80 m and 100 m and compared with the geoelectrical and lithological logs showing the sandstone beds as a favourable reservoir rock with true resistivity ranging between 170-400 Ωm and thickness varying from 20-100 m. The Dar-Zarrouk parameters describing the aquifer properties are also mapped, the Transverse resistance (TR) value range between 400-6200 Ωm2, with high values, 4000-6200 Ωm2 in the Northeastern direction. The Longitudinal conductance shows good porous beds having value in the range of 0.008-0.0128 mohos with higher values in the northwestern and southwestern directions. The aquifer thickness map prepared using the resistivity data of various lithological units revealed the northeast regions are a comparatively good potential reservoir for groundwater.