Use of geoelectrical technique for detecting subsurface fresh and saline water: A case study of the eastern Gulf of Aqaba Coastal aquifer, Jordan

摘要

Geoelectrical measurements using the vertical electrical sounding method were conducted on the eastern Gulf of Aqaba (GOA) coast in Jordan. The objectives of the study were (i) to map the Quaternary sediments in areas where little is known about the subsurface geology and to infer shallow geological structure, and (ii) to identify formations that may present fresh aquifer waters, and subsequently to estimate the relationship between groundwater resources and geological structures. Data collected at 47 locations were interpreted first with curve-matching techniques, using theoretically calculated master curves. The initial earth models were double-checked and reinterpreted using a one-dimensional inversion program in order to obtain final earth models. Resistivity measurements show three zones with different resistivity values, corresponding to three different bearing formations: (i) a water-bearing formation in the west containing GOA saltwater; (ii) a transition zone of alternate layers of silt, sand, clay, and clayey sand; and (iii) strata saturated with fresh groundwater in the east and disturbed by the presence of clay and clayey sand horizons.