Two-dimensional electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and time-domain-induced polarization (TDIP) study in hard rock for groundwater investigation: a case study at Choutuppal Telangana, India

• Published in: Arabian journal of geosciences Vol. 9; no. 5; pp. 1 - 15
• Main Authors: Kumar, Dewashish, Mondal, Setbandhu, Nandan, M. J., Harini, P., Sekhar, B. M. V. Soma, Sen, Mrinal K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01-05-2016
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Original Paper; India; Granitic hard rock aquifer; Groundwater exploration; Electrical resistivity; Induced polarization; India
• ISSN: 1866-7511; 1866-7538
• DOI: 10.1007/s12517-016-2382-1

Groundwater investigation in a crystalline rock is a crucial task. A study was carried out at Choutuppal Telangana, India, under the pivotal research project of societal relevance. High-resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and time-domain-induced polarization (TDIP) dataset were collected in a granitic terrain to solve the groundwater problem as people are facing acute shortage of drinking water in the study area. The interpreted results derived from two-dimensional (2D) inverted resistivity models revealed substantial resistivity contrast between the weathered and massive granite and delineated three groundwater prospects zones, where the degree of weathering of fractured granite decreases with depth. On the other hand, the induced polarization (IP) results reflect marginal chargeability contrast, which indicates groundwater prospect zone. The basement of the hard rock aquifer system is clearly delineated showing very high resistivity with a range from 5000 to ~4 × 10
5
 Ohm.m, which is confirmed by drilling at two places. Both the wells are drilled during the month of April and June, 2013, which are productive with a yield varying from 82.14 to 105 l/min. This study may help in future planning for groundwater exploration strategy and development for groundwater resources.