Integrated hydrogeophysical methods for detecting and mapping the fresh-saline interface in Wadi Fatimah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract EN

Integrated geophysical and hydrogeological methods are increasingly used in solving many problems related to subsurface water systems both in the zone of aeration and the zone of saturation.

Geoelectrical methods are involved with the protection, monitoring, and redemption of these systems.

In this study direct current resistivity method, especially vertical electrical sounding (VES) has been used together with seismic refraction method and hydrochemical analyses to detect and forecast groundwater contamination in the downstream of Wadi Fatimah within the Arabian Shield of Saudi Arabia.

Variation in the electrical resistivity of the aquifer has been used to detect and map the contact and the extent of the contamination.

Chemical analyses of collected water samples were used to assist in the work.

Results of this work show that geoelectrical methods are reliable in solving problems related to the detection and mapping of groundwater contamination.