Application of 2d resistivity method for dam site investigation in Mirakan area, Qushtapa district, Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan region

Abstract EN

Subsurface investigations have significant and substantial effects on the design of dams or any hydraulic structures.

The proposed dam is located to the north of Mirakan village within Qushtapa district, Erbil governorate, Iraq.

2D resistivity method was applied to determine the suitability of the Mirakan site for dam construction.

The results (Pseudosections) indicated that the top surface layer of the studied area shows medium to high resistivity which ranges from 75 to more than 360 ohm.m, and it consists mainly of coarse grain materials like gravels, pebbles and, boulders, while in some location fine grain materials like clays and silts appeared.

The thickness of this top surface, recent sediment is ranging from 8 to 18 m.

The middle part of the Pseudo-sections displays a layer of high resistivity ranges 40– 65 ohm.m, it has been detected within Bi Hassan Formation; it is mainly composed of the conglomerate.

The lower part of the pseudo-sections illustrates a layer of low resistivity which represents the fine material deposits of the Bi Hassan Formation and the resistivity ranges from 7–20 ohm.

m.

There are no faults have been detected in this location as well as there is no evidence of the existence of cavities and there are no risky sources.

So, the study area is suitable for dam construction.

To sum up, the results reveal that the studied area has the potential to withstand the weight of the dam and natural disasters