GEOPHYSICALINVESTIGATION OF FINCA’A TOWN

IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL SITE OF

FINCA’A TOWN
 GEOPHYSICALINVESTIGATION OF FINCA’A TOWN

Table of Contents
1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION .................................................................................. 3
1.1. General ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) ............................................................................. 3
1.2.1. Methodology .............................................................................................................. 3
1.3. Field procedure and Instrumentations....................................................................... 4
1.4. Objectives........................................................................................................................ 5
1.5. Data analysis and presentations.................................................................................. 6
1.5.1. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) ...................................................................... 6
2. Results, discussion and interpretations ......................................................................... 7
2.1. Stacked plan maps of sliced depth sections .............................................................. 7
2.2. Pseudo Depth section ................................................................................................. 13
2.3. Geo-electric section ..................................................................................................... 14

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Stacked plot of sliced resistivity plan maps at various depth levels,
successively Larger current electrode separations around Finca’a town. ........................... 9
Figure 2: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line .................................................... 14
Figure 3: Geo-electric-section constructed along line ........................................................... 15

LIST OF TABLES

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1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION

1.1.General

The application of geophysical methods in hydrogeological problems is based on the

fact that groundwater conditions at a location are mainly described through
characterizing the existence and distribution of permeable layers (like sand, gravel,
fractured rock) and impermeable or low-permeable layers (like clay, till, solid rock) in
the subsurface.
To achieve a geophysical image of these underground structures, sufficient contrast of
physical properties is required. Density, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and
magnetic susceptibility (to some extent) are the most relevant petro-physical properties
used as diagnostic parameters in geophysical exploration for groundwater. The
influence of porosity, water saturation, and clay content on these petro-physical
properties is the key factor.
Owing to their intrinsic correlation to the aforementioned physical properties of
subsurface rocks, the geophysical methods chosen for this particular of project were
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES).

1.2. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)

1.2.1. Methodology

Geo-electrical methods are applied to map the resistivity structure of the ground under
the point of measurements. Rock resistivity is of special interest for hydro-geological
purposes. It allows discriminating between soft-rock, sandy aquifers and clayey
material; between hard rock porous/fractured aquifers and low-permeable clay stones
and marlstones; and between water-bearing fractured rock and its solid host rock.
Under favorable circumstances, the interface between fresh water and salt water.
Vertical electrical soundings are applied to a horizontally or approximately
horizontally-layered earth. Geological targets may be, for e.g., sedimentary rocks of
different lithologies, layered aquifers of different properties, sedimentary rocks

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overlying igneous rocks, or the weathering zone of igneous rocks. In the most favorable
case, the number of layers, their thicknesses and resistivities are the outcome of a VES
survey.
The basic idea of resolving the vertical resistivity layering is to stepwise increase the
current-injecting electrodes spacing, which leads to an increasing penetration of the
current lines and in this way to an increasing influence of the deep-seated layers on the
apparent resistivity.
The step-wise measured apparent resistivities are plotted against the current electrode
spacing on a log/log scale and interpolated to a continuous apparent resistivity
measurements with increased current electrode spacing leading to increased
penetration depths of the injected current. Results are compiled in the sounding curve.
This plot is called a sounding curve that is the base of all data inversion to obtain the
resistivity/depth structure of the ground. In general, linear electrode configurations are
used for resistivity measurements. Common configurations are the Schlumberger,
Wenner, and Dipole-Dipole spreads. Because of practical and methodical advantages,
vertical electrical soundings mostly use the symmetrical Schlumberger configuration
where the voltage electrodes are closely spaced and fixed to the center of the array and
the current electrodes move outwards.

1.3. Field procedure and Instrumentations

In the current undertakings, the Schlumberger array has been employed for the Vertical
Electrical Sounding (VES) survey. As described above, in this configuration, the current
electrodes spacing (AB) is systematically increased about a central point - the sounding
point for deeper penetration. The survey lines and the sounding points have been
selected so as to evenly cover the interesting portions of the plains and transect possible
structural features.
Maximum half-current electrode separation (AB/2) of 750 m was used to map the
subsurface to the depths of potential water bearing horizons. Concurrent plotting of the

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data on the field and studying the tendency of the curves was used to decide on the
adequacy of the current electrode spacing and monitoring the data quality.
The equipment used for the survey included:
SYSCAL R1 Plus Switch 72 (Resistivity/IP measurement and Imaging unit) – of the
IRIS Instruments. A latest earth resistivity measuring unit with seventy-two electrode
console for 2D resistivity imaging and also incorporating consoles for current out puts
and measuring sections for conventional resistivity sounding and profiling surveys.
Regarding the outer (current) electrode separation, maximum effort has been
made to reach end-to-end distance of 1500m (ab/2=750m) in order to attain larger
depth of penetration and as such succeeded for most of the stations. However,
there has been few cases where the terrain condition did not allow to proceed
further than 1500m (ab/2=750m). Based on the objective of the survey, it was planned
to conduct one Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) at each proposed feverable site, and
a total of seven VES were measured in the UTM coordinates, i.e. easting and northing,
of each sounding point was obtained with the help of a GARMIN eTrex Venture GPS
receiver in Adindan datum, Zone.
The specific locations of the soundings (VES) are indicated in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Location of the VES observation points

VES No Location District Easting (M) Northing (M) Elevation (M)

VES-1 finca'a 422970 584116 1480

VES-2 finca'a surupa 421570 583952 1499
VES-3 finca'a Didiga 416565 584634 1506
VES-4 finca'a 419875 595669 1597
VES-1N finca'a 414542 595769 1555
VES-2N finca'a 414864 593670 1551
VES-3N finca'a 414657 592822 1446

1.4. Objectives

The main objectives of the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) resistivity surveys are:

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 To determine different lithological and/or hydrogeological units according to

their resistivity contrasts
 To determine degree of weathering and fracturing of the water bearing materials,
depth and thickness of saturated zones, and thickness of the overburden or
confining layers
 To identify the geologic structures and weak zones that serve as a storage
areas or conduits for groundwater movement,
 To determine the depth to the bottom confining crystalline basement rocks/
aquiclude whenever possible,
1.5. Data analysis and presentations
1.5.1. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
The measured field data have been plotted along each profile line to get pseudo sections
using the apparent resistivity (ρa) and pseudo depth (AB/2) values and depict the
overall resistivity picture on a vertical section. Moreover the plan view of resistivity
variations across the area, pseudo-depth slices, for instance, AB/2= (1.5 9, 45, 100, 220,
330 and 750 m), are presented.
The knowledge on the lateral distribution of the electrical resistivity at the subsurface
shades additional light towards a complete understanding of the geological framework
of the area under investigation. Sliced depth sections, when presented in the form of
stacked plots, provide ample visualization of the overall picture of subsurface electrical
parameters and their variation in both lateral and vertical directions. Moreover, it
greatly facilitates ones interpretations of discontinuities in terms of geological structure
which are of great interest for hydro-geophysical analysis. For some of the target areas,
additional pseudo-sections have been constructed to get a generalized electro potential picture
of the subsurface of the area and check for the consistency of the results.
A software package, IP2win and RESIX-IP, which provides the user with the tools for
interpreting DC resistivity sounding data in terms of layered earth models, is used to
analyze the VES data. The program utilizes a ridge-regression inversion approach to fit
the field data to a suitable subsurface model through an iterative process in a least

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square sense and provides layer parameters (resistivities and thickness) beneath each
sounding point. The programme allows flexibility in data interpretation and
incorporates analysis to examine the problems of equivalence and suppression.
As a final analysis of the resistivity data, the VES data have been interpreted using the
appropriate software. During interpretation, a minimum root mean square percentage
of error (the discrepancy between the observed data and the synthetic data), in most
cases, ranging from 1 to 5% has been taken as acceptable. The resulting models, their
synthetic data and the corresponding fitting error are given in Appendix 1. The layer
parameters (resistivity and thickness/depth of the different geoelectric layers) beneath
each sounding point have been used to construct a geoelectric section for each of the
survey profiles.

Finally, the layer parameters (resistivity and thickness/depth of the different geoelectric
layers) beneath each sounding point have been used to construct a geoelectric section
for each of the survey profiles.

2. Results, discussion and interpretations

Lithologic well logs obtained close to the surveyed sites, Surupha and Fincha wells,
were used as controlling point for the interpretation of apparent resistivity. The
apparent Resistivity result was interpreted using Resix IP2win and Winresist computer
software’s. The interpreted Resistivity results are pointed out below.
2.1.Stacked plan maps of sliced depth sections
The geo-electrical survey comprises of eight Vertical Electrical Sounding points with a
maximum current electrode separation 750m. The general variation in electrical
resistivity of the subsurface is presented in the form of sliced pseudo-depth section is
presented in figure below. The sounding points are almost evenly distributed so it is
believed to give a good representation of the ground overall.
The measured field data have been plotted along each profile line to get pseudo sections
using the apparent resistivity (ρa) and pseudo depth (AB/2) values and depict the

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overall resistivity picture on a vertical section. Moreover the plan view of resistivity
variations across the area, pseudo-depth slices, for instance, AB/2= (1.5, 9, 45, 100, 220,
330 and 750 m), are presented. The choice of such spacing depends on the variability
between them and to show the lateral variations of resistivity at different pseudo depth.
The knowledge on the lateral distribution of the electrical resistivity at the subsurface
shades additional light towards a complete understanding of the geological framework
of the area under investigation. Sliced depth sections, when presented in the form of
stacked plots, provide sufficient visualization of the overall picture of subsurface
electrical parameters and their variation in both lateral and vertical directions.
Moreover, it greatly facilitates ones interpretations of discontinuities in terms of
geological structure which are of great interest for hydro-geophysical analysis. From the
geological map there is also a variation horizontally as well as vertically. This stacked
depth supports the vertical and horizontal variations.
The map shows the relative variation of the apparent resistivity value of the whole area
laterally as well as vertically at different depth of the spacing of current electrodes. It
is seen that the apparent resistivity value varies considerably from 15-155 .m.
According to the Figure below the most interesting feature of this sliced plot is
the low resistivity zone, (<100Ω-m) that occupies the vast portion of the survey area.
Depth wise the low resistivity zone dominates the high resistivity zone.
The overall geo-electrical picture is highly heterogeneous, with pronounced resistivity
variations both in vertical and lateral senses. At the intermediate depth level,
AB/2=45m, the broader conductive horizon, which dominates the upper-most slice,
progressively narrows with depth while the resistive signature gets broader
successively. Further down, at AB/2=750 m, the low resistivity signature tends to
broaden in extent.

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Figure 1: Stacked plot of sliced resistivity plan maps at various depth levels,
successively Larger current electrode separations around Finca’a town.

VES 1: Kilkile
The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode
separation (AB/2) of 420m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent
resistivity result, layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated formation

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types are tabulated below:

Table 1-1: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations
Layer Resistivity (Ω-m) Thickness( Depth (m) Description
No m)
1 44 2.18 2.18 Compacted clay soil
2 11.1 16.8 18.9 highly fractured basalt
3 74.2 115 134 Fractured granitic gneiss
4 15226 ---- ----- Fresh basement

As can be seen in table 3.2, four geo-electric layers with different resistivity values that
range from 11.1ohm-m to 15226 ohm-m were encountered. The first layer represented
by low Resistivity of 44ohm–m with 2.18m thickness might attributed to compacted
clay soil. In the second layer very low apparent resistivity (11.1 ohm-m) having
thickness of 16.8m is observed that may representing the thin highly fractured basalt
that almost pinching out within very short distance at downstream of this VES
locations. The third layer shows medium apparent resistivity of 74.2ohm-m with
thickness 115m. This could be water bearing weathered and fractured granitic
formation. The last fourth layer depicts very high resistivity that attributes to very fresh
crystalline rocks. Therefore, this acts as bottom layer aquiclde and can assist to hold
water in the upper fractured and weathered formations.
VES 3: Didiga
The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode
separation (AB/2) of 420m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent
resistivity result, layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated formation
types are tabulated below:

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Table 1-1: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations

Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth Description
No (Ω-m) (m) (m)
1 180 2.35 2.35 Dry and compacted soil
2 36.8 35.1 37.4 Fractured basalt
3 825 67.2 105 Massive basalt
4 46.8 ---- --- Fractured
basalt/basement(gneiss)

At this site four geo-electric layer with different resistivity values that range from
36.8ohm-m to 825 ohm-m were observed. In the first top thin layer, 2.3m thick, a 180
ohm –m apparent Resistivity is observed which might be due to dry & compacted soil
as observed physically. A 36.8 ohm-m apparent resistivity value represented the second
layer with thickness of 35.1m. This could be attributed for the highly weathered and
fractured (aquifer) columnar basalt flows along Kilkile stream weak zone. The third are
characterized by relatively high Resistivity of 825ohm-m with thickness of 67.2m that
most probably represents massive basalt. The fourth infinity layer shows medium
resistivity value that might stands for water bearing fractured basalt/basement rocks.
Therefore, at this particular site a well with approximately 100 to 120m depth is

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recommended provided that the basalt flow along the valley terminates before reaching
this depth. However, the actual drilling depth will be decided based on the site hydro
geologists close observations.
VES 4: Fincha
The Apparent resistivity result, layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated

formation types are tabulated below:

Table 1-2: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations

No. Resistivity Thickness Depth Description
layer (Ω-m) (m) (m)
1 170 2.17 2.17 Dry and compacted Clay soil
2 34.5 29.7 31.9 Slightly weathered granitic rock
3 212 19.5 51.4 Slightly fractured granitic rock
4 476 ------ ------- Massive basement rock

As it can be seen above, the interpretation results show four apparent resistivity layers.
The first thin layer is characterized by relatively high resistivity which is 170 Ohm-m
and 2.17m thick. This could be dry sandy soil. The second shows low resistive material
which might be highly weathered granitic sand that could be saturated with shallow

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groundwater. The third layer is interpreted as slightly fractured granitic gneiss. The
apparent resistivity again increased in the fourth infinitive layers which show as depth
increase the fracturing of the basement rocks decrease and thus its water holding
capacity becoming decline. Here, a well having about 70 to 80 target depth is
recommended to obtain good quantity of groundwater potential. However, the actual
depth will be decided based on the findings and site hydro geologist close observations
during drilling progress.
2.2. Pseudo Depth section
The way of presenting the measured apparent resistivity values is in the form of pseudo
sections along a profile. The field data obtained from each sounding is gridded and
displayed as regular contour maps or image maps, displaying areas of anomalously high
resistive or low resistive value. So, pseudo sections are basically meant for qualitative
interpretation and show the lateral and vertical variations of electrical properties within
the sub-surface.
This pseudo depth section data is compromised from the three VES point data. This line
stretches in S- N directions are shown in figure below. The pseudo depth section shows an
extensive low resistivity subsurface over the vast portion of the section, and the deepest
region beneath each layer where low resistivity responses were recorded.
According to this pseudo depth section, there is a lateral variation in resistivity in the
section with the prominent low resistivity exists under the three VES and the pseudo
section shows an extensive low resistivity subsurface over the portion of the section. The
vast region under the section shows extensive coverage of low resistivity zone. The
resistivity ranges (0-280 .m) of this low resistivity region are indicative of potential water
saturation. Therefore VES-3 shows low resistivity that ranges averagely less than 280 .m.
As seen from the pseudo depth sections the high resistivity values under VES-2 when it
goes to depth it increases. The maximum value of the measured apparent resistivity does
not exceed 480.m.

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Figure 2: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line

2.3. Geo-electric section
As a final analysis of the resistivity data, the VES data have been interpreted using the
appropriate software. During interpretation, a minimum root mean square percentage
of error (the discrepancy between the observed data and the synthetic data), in most
cases, ranging from 1 to 5% has been taken as acceptable. The resulting models, their
synthetic data and the corresponding fitting error are given in Annex 1. The layer
parameters (resistivity and thickness/depth of the different geo-electric layers) beneath
each sounding point have been used to construct a geo-electric section for each of the
survey profiles.
Referring from the Geo-electric layer the subsurface under this line is represented by
three geo-electric layers, under each VES which constructed from the three VES curves.
The top layer, delineated by medium resistivity response. This top sequence appears to
represent dry and compacted soil under VES-1, VES-2 &VES-3. Overlies slightly lower
resistivity response ranging from 5.7-30.3 .m. The third geo-electric horizon is marked
by uniformly low formation resistivity response and has an average thickness of
150m.Mostly such vast conductive horizons; in this area are the likely responses of
fragments of highly weathered granitic rocks. The resistivity response of different

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subsurface layers provides a means of assess their suitability to host adequate amount
and potable groundwater. The fourth geo-electric layer is marked by high resistivity
response and interoperated as massive basement rocks. The resistivity values of the
bottom layer under VES-3 also show a possible water saturated horizon.
The resistivity response of different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their
suitability to host adequate amount and potable groundwater. The substratum which
underlies the abovementioned vast conductive layer is characterized by variable
resistivity under all VES at the deepest depth.

Figure 3: Geo-electric-section constructed along line

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Table -: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations

VES Layer Resistivit Approxim Depth Assumed Geological/Hydrogeological Condition Estimated
N0. y (ohm- ate (m) Target
mm) thickness depth (M)
(m)

1 664 0.283 0.283 Top soil/gravel 160

VES-1
2 30.3 3.86 4.14 Highly weathered & fractured granitic rock
3 127 47 51.1 Slightly weathered & fractured granitic rock
4 57.6 82.6 134 Moderately weathered & fractured volcanic
5 75576 --- --- Massive basement rock
VES-2 1 14.8 0.9 0.9 Top soil 100
2 3.55 3.17 4.07 Highly Weathered& fractured granitic rock

3 113 37.6 41.7 Moderately fractured granitic rocks

4 1245 ---- --- Massive basement rocks

VES-3 1 4687 0.267 0.267 top soil/Redish 250
2 26 1.48 1.75 highly weathered &fractured granitic rock

3 5.72 3.1 4.85 Slightly weathered & fractured granitic rock

4 124 234 239 well Fractured & weathered granite
5 1043 ----- ----- Massive basement rocks

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Appendix1
NVES-1

NVES-2

NVES-3

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VES-1

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VES-2

VES-3

VES-4

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FINCA’A VES RAW DATA

NVES-1 NVES_2 NVES_3

AB/2 RO RO RO

1.5 41.8 14.2 51.6

2.1 33.3 7.5 23.3

3 33.5 7.3 17.7

4.2 46.4 10.2 12.7

6 38.3 5.2 10.4

9 39.6 9.9 13.2

13.5 68.1 43.7 22.4

20 98.9 27.2 31.4

20 82 20.3 30.7

30 95 23.6 41.8

30 85.5 24 41

45 105.1 22.6 54.7

66 120.2 43.2 67.4

100 103.9 52.3 84.4

150 134.8 108.3 105.4

150 53.4 106.5 77.3

220 52 294.4 77

220 90.1 290 80.9

330 151.7 342 109.2

500 244 260.2 192.2

750 446 490 235

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VES1 (Kilkile) VES3 (Didiga)

RO(ohm-
RO(ohm- m)
AB/2(m) MN/2 m) AB/2(m) MN/2

1.78 0.6 116.8

1.78 0.6 150.1
2.37 0.6 182.8
2.37 0.6 108.8
3.1 0.6 36.3
3.1 0.6 154.9
4.2 0.6 12.3
4.2 0.6 119.4
7.5 0.6 7.3
7.5 0.6 88.2
10 0.6 7.8
10 0.6 69.4
13.3 0.6 8.7
13.3 0.6 55.3

13.3 2.6 55 13.3 2.6 8.8

18 2.6 49.4 18 2.6 10.3
31.5 2.6 58.4 31.5 2.6 16.4
42 2.6 19.5
42 2.6 69.6

42 6.7 62.6 42 6.7 21.6

56 6.7 71.5 56 6.7 27.7

75 6.7 87.9
75 6.7 31.7
100 6.7 40.8
100 6.7 119.2
177 6.7 285.3 177 6.7 92.3
237 6.7 218.7 237 6.7 134.7
237 27 243.1 237 27 110
420 27 772.2 420 27 169.3

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VES2 (Surupha
Ves4 (Fincha)

RO(ohm- AB/2 MN/2 RO

AB/2 MN/2 m)
1.78 0.6 64.9 1.78 0.6 152.7

2.37 0.6 85 2.37 0.6 144.1

3.1 0.6 83.3 3.1 0.6 155.6
4.2 0.6 168.1
4.2 0.6 70
7.5 0.6 68.9 7.5 0.6 103.6
10 0.6 67.6 10 0.6 60.1
13.3 0.6 62.9 13.3 0.6 38.9
13.3 2.6 53.5 13.3 2.6 40.6
18 2.6 47.8 18 2.6 30.2

31.5 2.6 62.9 31.5 2.6 39.8

42 2.6 81.3 42 2.6 48.3
42 6.7 77.7 42 6.7 51.8

56 6.7 106.4 56 6.7 60.2

75 6.7 135.4 75 6.7 66.4
100 6.7 153 100 6.7 88.1

177 6.7 279.8 177 6.7 143.5

237 6.7 283.4 237 6.7 169.7
237 27 250
420 27 319.7

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