The exploitation of Dar-Zarrouk parameters to differentiate between fresh and saline groundwater aquifers of Sinjar Plain Area

Abstract EN

This research discusses the exploitation of Dar-Zarrouk (D-Z) parameters which were deduced from the quantitative interpretation of 80 Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding VES points distributed in six profiles within the Sinjar plain area which bounded by the coordinates:Latitudes :35P o P 22P ’ P 00P ’’ P S – 36P o P 22P ’ P 00P ’’ P N ; longitudes : 41P o P 36P ’ P 00P ’’ PW – 43P o P 00P ’ P 00P ’’ P E.

The VES field data were provided by the Iraqi general commission of groundwater.

The VES field readings were interpreted manually by applying the (auxiliary point -partial resistivity curve matching) method, then the interpretation enhanced by using sophisticated computer software.

The VES field data were interpreted and analyzed with an advanced technique through the deduction of D-Z geoelectric parameters which are: Longitudinal unit conductance (S) and Transverse resistance (T), then a new geoelectric maps were constructed.

The D-Z parameters maps were used to differentiate aquifers of fresh groundwater from those of saline ones.

This technique reduced the ambiguity related to interpretation which mainly produced by principles of equivalence and suppression and cause intermixing in recognizing depth limits for the electrical zones (fresh and saline water bearing formations) during interpretation.

The drawing of (D-Z) and other geoelectric parameters maps provided a decipherable vision about the occurrence and distribution of saline and fresh groundwater aquifers within the study area.