ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SURVEY

REPORT FOR GROUND WATER INVESTIGATION

AT
COM-3 SITE CLIFTON, KARACHI.

April 6, 2018
 Schlumberger Array
Electrical Resistivity Survey Report for
Ground Water Investigation

CLIENT: COM-3 SITE CLIFTON

Civil, Environment & Hydrogeological Services

114 D/2, PECHS Karachi, 75400 Tel: (021) 34552196
Mob: 0300 2702599 Email: geopro94@hotmail.com
Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................2

LOCATIONS..................................................................................................................................................3

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK..................................................................................................................3

PRINCIPLES OF METHOD APPLIED...............................................................................................................4

INSTRUMENT USED:....................................................................................................................................5

FIELD PROCEDURE.......................................................................................................................................6

COMPUTER BASED EVALUATION OF FIELD CURVES....................................................................................7

MODELING OF FIELD RESISTIVITY CURVES..................................................................................................7

RESULTS OF VERTICAL ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SOUNDING........................................................................8

Table-2: Electrical Resistivity Field Data, ERS-01.......................................................................................11

Electrical Resistivity Field Data, ERS-02.....................................................................................................12

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS....................................................................................................13

FIELD CURVES............................................................................................................................................14

REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................................15

Annexture-1...............................................................................................................................................16
Electrical Resistivity Survey

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report enlightens resistivity response of sub-surface at each proposed location for ground
water investigation. Electrical Resistivity Survey at COM-3 SITE was conducted at two locations
for identification of lithology, resistivity and ground water which may have great impact in point
out borehole location. This survey would also help in designing the tubewell effectively and
economically. In the present study resistivity survey was carried out by applying the vertical
electrical sounding (VES) technique which measures the electrical resistivity variation with
depth. These tests were performed at each proposed site locations using Schlumberger
Electrode Configuration. The resistivity tests were under taken by increasing the distance
between the electrodes for maximum depth of investigation of 160-200 m .

Resistivity values were plotted on logarithmic scale for making electrical resistivity model and
qualitative interpretation. The analysis of the survey’s data indicate considerable water
presence in the area, however the suitable location for test bore hole should be marked in the
region or nearby ERS-01. Aquifer is based on Alluvium (Sand Bar Deposits) and Gaj Formation
(Sandstone). Electrical Resistivity curves indicated the Saline water presence in the area with
TDS ranges from 25,000 ppm to 32,000 ppm approximately and Test Bore Hole of 600-700 ft. is
recommended. For detail borehole study during drilling geological and geophysical logging is
highly recommended. The Quantity and Quality of the aquifer zone are assumptions based on
the data gathered in the field. Exact values will be known after the accumulation of samples
from bore hole.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 1
Electrical Resistivity Survey

INTRODUCTION

A large quantity of water is a primary requirement of any housing or commercial project, to

meet the daily requirement of water, the administration asked the GEOPROFESSIONAL to
conduct an Electrical Resistivity Survey for groundwater investigations and recommend a
suitable location for installation of tube well for their Mall or Housing purpose.

The area was investigated at Two (02) locations (ERS-1 to ERS-2), up to a depth of 180 m. This
report presents the findings of the electrical resistivity survey for groundwater investigations at
proposed locations in the area. Schlumberger Electrode configuration was used to conduct
Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) at proposed locations (Fig.1). The Electrical Resistivity Survey
for groundwater investigation was conducted by GEOPROFESSIONAL. The area was surveyed
with maximum depth of investigation of 200 m. The result of electrical resistivity investigation
for groundwater investigation shows main aquifers are Alluvium and Upper part of Manchar
Formation.

The results of the investigations obtained by using electrical resistivity software are presented
in tabulated form (Table No.1), indicating the interpreted lithology and resistivity of the
subsurface layers. The recommendations for test drilling have made at ERS-01 location after
considerations of lithology and electrical resistivity of the aquifers. The aquifers are saline which
are not suitable for drinking, agriculture and purposes. However, the water may be used after
passing through RO (reverse osmosis) plant.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 2
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Fig: 1 Satellite Image of the Study Area Showing locations of Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES)

LOCATIONS
Latitude Longitude

ERS-01 24°49'0.5"N 67°1'9.4"E

ERS-02 24°48'58.5"N 67°1'9.8"E

PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The client aims to exploit better quality/quantity of water through installation of tube well. For
exploitation of groundwater from the area it is important to have diagnostic information
regarding the subsurface hydrological information as:
- Lithological nature of aquifer
- Thickness and lateral extent
- Estimation of groundwater quality

GEOPROFESSIONALS 3
Electrical Resistivity Survey

The present investigations may help to develop the groundwater resources. The resistivity
survey is conducted first time in the area which may be useful for extended groundwater
studied in the area.

PRINCIPLES OF METHOD APPLIED

The earth is energized with the help of controlled power pack specially designed to provide
voltage according to field requirement. The commutated D.C is passed through the outer
stainless steel electrodes and the resulting potential difference is recorded by the inner
electrodes.
The ratio of potential drop(V) to the energized current(I) multiplied by schlumberger
geometrical constant ‘K’ give the apparent resistivity, which is cumulative effect of the
resistivities of different subsurface lithological units from the surface to the depth which the
current penetrates. Apparent resistivity (a) is thus
a = K* (V)/I

Where,

a = Apparent resistivity in ohm-cm

V= Potential difference millivolts

I = Current in milliamps

K= Geoelectric constant

Schlumberger configuration was used in the field to record resistivity measurement. Geometric
factor ‘K’ for schlumberger array is calculated as:

K = π [(AB/2)2 – (MN/2)2]
MN
Where, AB= Distance between outer current electrodes.
MN = Distance between inner potential electrodes.

The depth for which resistivity measured, was controlled by varying the spacing between the
electrodes. For depth scanning, the central point was fixed and the spacing of electrodes was

GEOPROFESSIONALS 4
Electrical Resistivity Survey

gradually increased with a fixed distance interval horizontally. Thus, the depth of scanning was
increased and apparent resistivity was obtained as function of depth.

INSTRUMENT USED:
The ABEM resistivity equipment was used for field
measurements. The source of power to introduce current
into the ground consisted of dry batteries. The copper
coated steel electrodes and geo-reels with insulated
copper were used during survey.

The ABEM Terrameter is a microprocessor controlled

direct current instrument which uses a single averaging
system to obtain accurate readings without the need for high potentially dangerous power
outputs. The output current is selected by a switch from one of a number of possible values. If
the resistance between the current electrodes is too high from that current level to be
maintained, a warning is given so that the next lower current setting can be tried. Alternatively
an attempt can be made to reduce the resistance of the current circuit by, for example, driving
the electrodes deeper into the ground. For example measurements of potential difference are
made with the current direction being reversed after the first and third measurement and
results are averaged. This gives good cancellation of any other potentials which may be present
(self potential) within the ground or potentials due to electrochemical at the electrodes,
provided these are constant or varying linearly with time. The result is displayed as the ratio of
potential difference to current in ohms. Up to 64 cycles may be used. After each cycle is
completed average of the number of cycles used is usually in the range 4 to 16. The averaging
of number of cycles reduces error due to random electrical noise.

Stainless steel rods were used as electrodes. Electrodes spacing were measured by numbered
marking on the current cables to reduce risk of gross error which can easily arise when survey
tapes are used.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 5
Electrical Resistivity Survey

FIELD PROCEDURE
Electrical resistivity method is the
most common geophysical
techniques used for groundwater
investigation which is also known as
“Direct Current method”. The
purpose of the method is the
determination of the subsurface
resistivity contribution, by
conducting measurements at the Fig: 2 Schlumberger Array

surface of the earth. To achieve this, electric current is inserted into the ground via two
electrodes and the potential difference, which is caused by the inserted current, is measured in
two other electrodes. The measured potential difference gives an image for the difficulty of the
current flow through the subsurface. This is an indication of the electrical resistance of the
subsurface.
The observations were made by adopting the Schlumberger electrode configuration using
Vertical Electrical Sounding technique. (Fig: 2). The current electrode spacing was increased in
steps from 2 m to 180m.

Observations were taken using the controlled current which was sent to earth between current
electrodes, A & B, and Potential thus developed was measured between potential electrodes,
M & N (Fig:2). The apparent resistivity values were calculated for each step and plotted on 2x3
cycle bi-logarithmic graph.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 6
Electrical Resistivity Survey

COMPUTER BASED EVALUATION OF FIELD CURVES

Apparent earth resistivity values are complex function of a number of parameters, i.e.,
- specific resistance/conductance,
- compactness,
- inhomogeneity,
- moisture.

Therefore, the field resistivity curves of the area give composite resistivity of the subsurface
layers of different resistivities through which the current penetrated. In order to determine the
thicknesses and the true resistivity values of the individual sub-surface layers, the field
resistivity curves were modeled using specific software program.

MODELING OF FIELD RESISTIVITY CURVES

The resistivity field curves have been analyzed qualitatively by the empirical method in order to
determine the possible number of subsurface lithological/geoelectrical layers, their tentative
depth and the ranges of their approximate resistivity values (Wetzel & Mooney, 1956). This
data was formatted for ASCII data file to be used in the modeling program. The data which was
affected by presence of man mad structures was inserted after interpolation of data from near
by soundings.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 7
Electrical Resistivity Survey

RESULTS OF VERTICAL ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY SOUNDING

The number of subsurface lithological layers, their true resistivity values and thickness have
been computed through modeling process for field resistivity curve of the area and presented
in Table-No.1 (ERS-1 to ERS-2). The layer numbers are designated in ascending order from
surface to the depth of investigation.

The trend of the resistivity field curves plotted for each site indicates five geo-electric layers.
The subsurface layers mainly consist of Sandstone, Claystone and Limestone with little silt (Fig-
3). The resistivity result shows that saline water occurs in particular depths in the study area
(Table- 1, and Fig-3).

The results of investigation for each site are presented as follows.

Table: 1 Interpreted Geo-electric layers.

ERS # 1
Resistivity
Modeled Layers Thickness (m) Depth (m) Lithology
(ohm-m)

Layer 1 115 0.692 0.692 Sand

Layer 2 14.5 28.5 29.2 Silty Sand

Layer 3 2.95 42.4 71.6 Claystone

Layer 4 85.1 76.3 148 Sandstone

Layer 5 1159 52 200 Limestone

ERS # 2

GEOPROFESSIONALS 8
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Resistivity
Modeled Layers Thickness (m) Depth (m) Lithology
(ohm-m)

Layer 1 221 0.449 0.449 Sand

Layer 2 19.5 22.7 23.2 Silty Sand

Layer 3 1.53 33.7 56.9 Claystone

Layer 4 85.1 86 143 Sandstone

Layer 5 861 17 160 Limestone

GEOPROFESSIONALS 9
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Fig: 3. Vertical columns showing the interpreted lithological layers of ERS-1 to ERS-2

GEOPROFESSIONALS 10
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Table-2: Electrical Resistivity Field Data, ERS-01

Electrode Electrode Constant
Resistance Apparent Resistivity
spacing spacing K
Ohms Ohms-m
“AB/2” in (m) “MN/2” in (m)

1.5 0.5 6.3 4.888 30.794

2 0.5 12 1.059 12.709
3 0.5 27.5 0.332 9.128
4 0.5 49.5 0.158 7.805
4 1 24 0.379 9.102
6 1 55 0.160 8.806
8 1 99 0.094 9.289
10 1 156 0.059 9.138
10 2 75.4 0.142 10.736
15 2 174 0.068 11.806
20 2 311 0.025 7.885
20 5 118 0.069 8.099
30 5 275 0.019 5.323
40 5 495 0.010 5.094
50 5 777 0.006 4.767
50 10 376.99 0.013 4.844
60 10 549.78 0.006 3.158
80 10 989.6 0.004 4.404
100 10 1555 0.004 6.463
100 20 753.98 0.011 8.469
120 20 1100 0.008 8.806
140 20 1508 0.007 11.074
160 20 1979 0.011 21.656
180 20 2513 0.011 28.452
200 20 3110 0.015 46.998

GEOPROFESSIONALS 11
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Electrical Resistivity Field Data, ERS-02

Constant Apparent
Electrode spacing Electrode spacing Resistance
K Resistivity
“AB/2” in (m) “MN/2” in (m) Ohms
Ohms-m

1.5 0.5 6.3 5.888 37.094

2 0.5 12 2.559 30.709
3 0.5 27.5 0.432 11.878
4 0.5 49.5 0.358 17.705
4 1 24 0.579 13.902
6 1 55 0.260 14.306
8 1 99 0.100 9.883
10 1 156 0.053 8.202
10 2 75.4 0.182 13.752
15 2 174 0.053 9.196
20 2 311 0.016 5.049
20 5 118 0.042 4.913
30 5 275 0.017 4.773
40 5 495 0.005 2.556
50 5 777 0.006 4.767
50 10 376.99 0.014 5.221
60 10 549.78 0.012 6.677
80 10 989.6 0.009 8.461
100 10 1555 0.007 10.512
100 20 753.98 0.012 9.289
120 20 1100 0.010 10.619
140 20 1508 0.011 17.239
160 20 1979 0.015 30.536

GEOPROFESSIONALS 12
Electrical Resistivity Survey

CONCLUSIONS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the electrical resistivity findings and available subsurface information following
conclusions & recommendations are made:

 All the electrical resistivity values show considerable water presence in the area,
however the suitable location for test bore hole should be marked in the region or
nearby ERS-01.

 Aquifer is based on Alluvium (Sand Bar Deposits/Coastal Sand Deposits) and Manchar
Formaion (Sandstone).

 Manchar Formation is conformably overlain by Alluvium and overlies the Gaj Formation.

 Electrical Resistivity curves indicated the Saline water presence in the area with TDS
ranges from 22,000 ppm to 32,000 ppm approximately.

 Test Bore Hole of 600-700 ft. is recommended for brackish water.

 Upper portion of well deth 300 feet should be sealed by bentonite & cementing

 Well should be supervised by consulting hydrogeologist.

 Borehole should be drill by professional contractor.

 The Quantity and Quality of the aquifer zone are assumptions based on the data
gathered in the field. Exact values will be known after the accumulation of samples from
bore hole.
 All the interpretations are based on the gathered data, exact values will be known after
the accumulation and testing of data from the Bore Hole.

 Test Bore Hole must be geologically and geophysically logged (Annexture-1 for sample
log).

 Geophysical logs, at least natural gamma and resistivity logs should be run (Very
Important for delineation of aquifers of interest and tube-well installation) (Annexture-
1).

 Water samples should be collected and tested for quality of water.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 13
Electrical Resistivity Survey

FIELD CURVES

GEOPROFESSIONALS 14
Electrical Resistivity Survey

REFERENCES

Ahmed. A., Shuja, T.A., Kazmi, A.H., 1985,

"Final interpretation on groundwater resources of Thano Bula, Kalu Khuhar, Upper Malir
and Gadap Basins; Dadu, Thatta and Karachi District, Sindh, Pakistan: GSP Mem.Vol.XV-
Part-1"

Zaigham, N. A., 1985,

"Earth Resistivity measurements to explore groundwater potential in Kalu Khuhar and

Upper Malir Basin, Dadu-Karachi-Thatta Districts, Sindh, Pakistan, GSP Mem.Vol.XV-Part-
3"

Zaigham, N. A., and Naqvi, S.W.H., 1993

"Electrical Resistivity Survey for exploration of groundwater potential in Orangi Area

and Reconnasance Electric Soundings in Band Murad Khan Valley, Karachi District,
Pakistan: GSP IR No 293"

A.A.R Zohdy, G.P Eaton,

Application of Surface Geophysics to Ground Water Investigation

GEOPROFESSIONALS 15
Electrical Resistivity Survey

Annexture-1
Sample Geophysical log for understanding and must be run on drilled well for correct
installation of casing & sealing.

GEOPROFESSIONALS 16