Groundwater exploration in Kuala Nerang, Kedah, Malaysia - Application of geoelectrical tomography resistivity survey

Abstract

An investigation of groundwater potential using the electrical resistivity tomography survey was carried out over interbedded sandstone and sandstone in Kuala Nerang, Kedah. The geoelectrical resistivity tomography survey method was chosen because it can clearly differentiate between water resistivity values with other know earth materials. The field data collection was conducted using the ABEM SAS1000 set. Two lines of electrical resistivity tomography survey with 400m length using the Schlumberger protocol were performed. The data analysis results have shown the subsurface profile consisting of the bedrocks and the potential of groundwater zones. Bedrocks are characterised by high resistivity values, ranging from 500-1500 ohm m. Groundwater potential areas are characterised by low resistivity values (less than 30 ohm m) and low chargeability values (less than 2 msec). The potential depth of groundwater that can be exploited is 10-25m and 30-40m. This study has indicated the usefulness of the electrical resistivity tomography method to accurately detect the potential of groundwater and reduce the probability of failure in obtaining groundwater once the drilling work is conducted.