Application of magnetic and electrical geophysical methods in the exploration of groundwater resources of Wadi Malakan, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Magnetic and DC resistivity methods are utilized at Wadi Malakan, Makkah Al-Mukarramah region, Saudi Arabia.

Land magnetic survey is conducted to identify the main structure and the depth to the basement along the surveyed part of the wadi.

2-D Euler deconvolution technique is used and reveals the depth to magnetic sources and possible faults that may affect the groundwater flow.

Profiling using Wenner array is used to identify the minimum resistivity value along each profile to provide the optimum location for conducting sounding.

Sounding using Schlumberger array is used to delineate the saturation zones and the depth to basement at most significant selected sites.

The integration between magnetic and DC resistivity methods provides valuable information about the possible location of saturated zones at the conducted part of the wadi.

The results of the interpreted vertical electrical resisitivity soundings at VES6004 and VES6010 are confirmed by drilling.

The coefficient of anisotropy is calculated and found to be very low which reveals that there is no preferential direction for current flow in which the average transverse resistivity is almost the same as the average longitudinal resistivity which implies that the wadi deposits are not stratified.