Mandida Geophysical investigation for Oromia (13 TOWNS)

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUND WATER POTENTIAL ASSESMENT OF
MANDIDA TOWN WATER SUPPLY PROJECT
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUND WATER

POTENTIAL ASSESMENT OF MANDIDA TOWN WATER SUPPLY
PROJECT
FINAL REPORT
ENGINEERING CORPORATION OF OROMIA (ECO)
P.O.Box: 870/1250
Tel.: +251-11-4392469/2162
Fax: +251-11-4392008
Finfinne, Ethiopia
E-mail:owwdse@ethionet.et
JUNE, 2021
Finfinnee
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Email owwdse@ethionet.et
Executive Summary
Geophysical investigation methods of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were used to investigate
groundwater potential zones of Oromia, Mandida Town. The main objective of this study is to
determine the depth of groundwater table, to locate the groundwater potential areas and to identify
the subsurface layers.
The data acquired from 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) using dipole- dipole array
and four (4) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points using Schlumberger electrode array with
maximum half current electrode spacing (AB/2=1000m), which were interpreted both qualitatively
and quantitatively in order to understand the lithostratigraphic section at the specific locality and
identify aquifer bearing horizons. The qualitative analysis of VES data were performed by using
pseudo depth sections and geo-electric section and VES curves.
Finally, the qualitative interpretation was done by all the above results together with the geologic,
topographic maps and borehole information.
The quantitative interpretations of the VES data were conducted by modeling the VES data using
Ip2win and Win Resist modeling software and constructing geoelectric sections along selected
survey lines, using the result from individual VES point interpretations. The depth and lithologic
units from the boreholes were used to fix parameters during the modeling of VES data. The
geoelectric sections enabled to identify the overburden thickness, structural indication such as
faults, fractures and lithologic contacts and the depth to the aquifer along survey lines.
Keywords: 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Pseudo–Depth Section, Geoelectric

Section, VES curves
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GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUND WATER POTENTIAL ASSESMENT OF MANDIDA TOWN
WATER SUPPLY PROJECT
Acronyms
DC Direct Current
GPS Global Position System
S-N South- North
UTM Universal Transverse Mercator
VES Vertical Electrical Sounding
Ω-m Ohm-meter (the unit of Electrical Resistivity)
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Table of Contents
1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION............................................................................................... 1
1.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1
1.2. Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 2
1.3. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) .............................................................................................. 2
1.3.1. Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.3.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations ....................................................................................... 3
1.3.3. Instrumentation ......................................................................................................................... 3
The equipment used for the survey included ................................................................................. 3
1.4. Data Acquisition and Processing .......................................................................................................... 4
1.4.1. Survey line ................................................................................................................................ 4
1.4.2. VES Locations .......................................................................................................................... 4
2. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS ...................................................................................... 5
2.1. Data Processing for Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) ............................................................ 5
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION FOR ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY (ERT) ...... 7
3.1. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line ................................................... 8
3.2. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line ................................................... 9
3.3. Apparent Resistivity Pseudo Depth section along the line ................................................................. 11
3.4. Geo-electric section Constructed along the profile line at Mandida Town......................................... 12
4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION ................................................................................. 17
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5. REFERENCE .................................................................................................................................. 19
6. ANNEX1. INTERPRETED VES CURVES WITH POSSIBLE LITHOLOGY ............................ 20
7. RAW DATA ................................................................................................................................... 22
Table of Figures
Figure 1: Schlumberger array electrode configuration; A & B are Current electrodes and M & N
are Potential electrodes. .................................................................................................................. 3
Figure 2:VES Map location around Mandida Town...................................................................... 5
Figure 3 The 2D ERT along profile line 1, the inverse model resistivity sections for the data set. 9
Figure 4 The 2D ERT along profile line 1, the inverse model resistivity sections for the data set.
....................................................................................................................................................... 10
Figure 5:Apparent resistivity pseudo-section constructed along the line ..................................... 11
Figure 6:Geo electric section constructed along the profile line .................................................. 13
List of Tables
Table 1 : coordinates of the 2D ERT lines around the project area ................................................ 4
Table 2:VES point Locations .......................................................................................................... 4
Table 3 -: Summary of Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations for VES-3 . 14
Table 4:Summary of Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations around Finfinne
area. ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Table 5: Area for water well drilling ............................................................................................ 18
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1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION
1.1.INTRODUCTION
The application of geophysical methods in hydrogeological problems is based on the fact that
groundwater conditions at a location are mainly described through characterizing the existence
and distribution of permeable layers (like sand, gravel, fractured rock) and impermeable or low-
permeable layers (like clay, till, solid rock) in the subsurface.
To achieve a geophysical image of these underground structures, sufficient contrast of physical
properties is required. Density, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and magnetic
susceptibility (to some extent) are the most relevant petro-physical properties used as diagnostic
parameters in geophysical exploration for groundwater. The influence of porosity, water
saturation, and clay content on these petro-physical properties is the key factor.
Field observation has been carried out in the target area to identify the most possible groundwater
prospective sites. Accordingly, after systematic observation of geomorphological, drainage
system, lithological, structural and hydrogeological features of the area, the most prospective
sites are selected for geophysical resistivity surveying.
There are a number of geophysical methods suited for the exploration of groundwater, the
electrical resistivity method is the most widely used as it provides a quantitative measure of the
electrical properties of subsurface materials which largely depends on fluid content within the
interstitial spaces. Moreover, its relatively higher depth of investigation, operational speed, lower
cost and adequate resolution make the electrical resistivity sounding advantageous over the other
methods.
The Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), in particular, has long been considered as important
and standard tool for the purpose of ground water prospecting. The method is one of the most
sensitive geophysical methods to determine the presence of water saturated horizons in the
subsurface. Owing to their intrinsic correlation to the aforementioned physical properties of
subsurface rocks, the geophysical methods chosen for this particular phase of the Mandida town
water supply project were 2-D ERT and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). In the identified
prospective well field option, two 2-D ERT and four (4) VES point were surveyed.
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1.2.Objectives
The main objectives of the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) resistivity surveys are:
➢ To determine different lithological and/or hydrogeological units according to their
resistivity contrasts
➢ To determine degree of weathering and fracturing of the water bearing materials, depth
and thickness of saturated zones, and thickness of the overburden or confining layers
➢ To identify the geologic structures and weak zones that serve as a storage areas or conduits
for groundwater movement,
➢ To determine the depth to the bottom confining crystalline basement rocks/ aquiclude
whenever possible.
1.3. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
1.3.1. Methodology
Geo-electrical methods are applied to map the resistivity structure of the ground under the point
of measurements. Rock resistivity is of special interest for hydro-geological purposes. It allows
discriminating between soft-rock, sandy aquifers and clayey material; between hard rock
porous/fractured aquifers and low-permeable clay stones and marlstones; and between water-
bearing fractured rock and its solid host rock. Under favorable circumstances, the interface
between fresh water and salt water.
Vertical electrical soundings are applied to a horizontally or approximately horizontally-layered
earth. Geological targets may be, for e.g., sedimentary rocks of different lithologies, layered
aquifers of different properties, sedimentary rocks overlying igneous rocks, or the weathering
zone of igneous rocks. In the most favorable case, the number of layers, their thicknesses and
resistivities are the outcome of a VES survey.
The basic idea of resolving the vertical resistivity layering is to stepwise increase the current-
injecting electrodes spacing, which leads to an increasing penetration of the current lines and in
this way to an increasing influence of the deep-seated layers on the apparent resistivity.
The step-wise measured apparent resistivities are plotted against the current electrode spacing
on a log/log scale and interpolated to a continuous apparent resistivity measurement with
increased current electrode spacing leading to increased penetration depths of the injected
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current. Results are compiled in the sounding curve. This plot is called a sounding curve that is
the base of all data inversion to obtain the resistivity/depth structure of the ground. In general,
linear electrode configurations are used for resistivity measurements. Common configurations
are the Schlumberger, Wenner, and Dipole-Dipole spreads. Because of practical and methodical
advantages, vertical electrical soundings mostly use the symmetrical Schlumberger
configuration where the voltage electrodes are closely spaced and fixed to the center of the array
and the current electrodes move outwards.
1.3.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations

In the current undertakings, the Schlumberger array has been employed for the Vertical
Electrical Sounding (VES) survey. As described above, in this configuration, the current
electrodes spacing (AB) is systematically increased about a central point - the sounding point
for deeper penetration. The survey lines and the sounding points have been selected so as to
evenly cover the interesting portions of the plains and transect possible structural features.
Maximum half-current electrode separation (AB/2) of 1000 m was used to map the subsurface
to the depths of potential water bearing horizons.
Figure 1: Schlumberger array electrode configuration; A & B are Current electrodes and M & N
are Potential electrodes.

1.3.3. Instrumentation
The equipment used for the survey included

SYSCAL Pro Switch (Resistivity/IP measurement and Imaging unit) of the IRIS Instruments.
A latest earth resistivity measuring unit with ninety-six electrode console for 2D resistivity
imaging and also incorporating consoles for current out puts and measuring sections for
conventional resistivity sounding and profiling surveys.
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The high-resolution GARMIN 64C GPS was used for position location of important landmark
and VES points.
1.4.Data Acquisition and Processing

1.4.1. Survey line
The area was planned to be studied for detailed investigation to understand the lithologic units,
groundwater potential zones, geological structures and the physical properties of surface rocks.
The methods chosen for the survey consist of 2-D ERT and Vertical electrical sounding (VES)
The total volume of work in this area are Two 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography and four
(4) Vertical Electrical Soundings Table below, shows the location and orientation of the survey
lines and the positions of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points.
Table 1 : coordinates of the 2D ERT lines around the project area
Line Starting Ending Orientation
line1 536991 537288 W-E
1065383 1065286
2797 2795
line2 536240 536437 SW-NE
1065663 1065893
2803 2781
1.4.2. VES Locations

Table 2:VES point Locations
No project Town Local Name VESID X Y Z
1 Mandida Chalalaka VES-1 536552 1066195 2786

2 Mandida haro VES-2 537027 1065731 2785
3 Mandida Banba citu VES-3 533673 1066498 2701

4 Mandida Laga jaldesa VES-4 532784 1068155 2682
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Figure 2:VES Map location around Mandida Town
2. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS
2.1. Data Processing for Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)

The electrical resistivity tomography data were processed using inversion routine software
packages, RES 2DINV. RES2DINV is a computer program that will automatically determine a
two dimensional (2-D) resistivity model for the subsurface for the data obtained from (Griffiths
and Barker 1993). The 2-D model used by the inversion program, which consists of a electrical
imaging surveys number of rectangular blocks. The arrangement of the blocks is loosely tied to
the distribution of the data points in the pseudo-section. The distribution and size of the blocks
is automatically generated by the program using the distribution of the data points as a rough
guide. The depth of the bottom row of blocks is set to be approximately equal to the equivalent
depth of investigation (Edwards 1977) of the data points with the largest electrode spacing.
The optimization method basically tries to reduce the difference between the calculated and
measured apparent resistivity values by adjusting the resistivity of the model blocks. A measure
of this difference is given by the root-mean squared (RMS) error.
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The survey is usually carried out with a system where the electrodes are arranged along a line
with a constant spacing between adjacent electrodes. However, the program can also handle
data sets with non-uniform electrode spacing. The inversion routine used by the program is
based on the smoothness constrained least-squares method (deGroot-Hedlin and Constable
1990, Sasaki 1992). The surveyed area is dominantly flat. However, the topographic difference
was considered in all of the inverted profiles. After adjusting the input data and choosing the
optimum inversion parameters, a few iterations were enough to get the inverted resistivity
models representing the subsurface distribution until the depth of about 70 m from the ground
surface.
Figure 4: Iterative of RMS-error
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2.1.1. Data processing for VES
Initially, the acquired raw field data along the lines were used to construct the apparent
resistivity pseudo-depth sections. This representation is useful in getting an unbiased picture of
the subsurface over the area of survey and is useful in obtaining a general but valid picture of
the ground.
The way of presenting the measured apparent resistivity values is in the form of pseudo sections
along a profile. The field data obtained from each sounding is gridded and displayed as regular
contour maps or image maps, displaying areas of anomalously high resistive or low resistive
value. So, pseudo sections are basically meant for qualitative interpretation and show the lateral
and vertical variations of electrical properties within the sub-surface.
A resistivity data processing IP2win and analysis software (Win Resist) was used to obtain the
final models in terms of the layer parameters (layer resistivity and thicknesses/depths) from the
sounding data (Vander Velpen,2004). The program utilizes a ridge-regression inversion
approach to fit the field data to a suitable Subsurface model through an iterative process in a
least square sense and provides layer parameters (resistivities and thickness) beneath each
sounding point. During data analysis, a minimum root means square percentage of error (the
discrepancy between the observed data and the synthetic data), in most cases, ranging from 2
to 5% has been taken as acceptable. Finally, the layer parameters (resistivity and thickness/depth
of the different beneath each sounding point have been used to construct a geo-electric section
for each of the survey profiles. For plotting and compilation of graphic outputs, the list of
software includes: SURFER (Golden Software, 2010) and AUTOCAD2010.
3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION FOR ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY (ERT)

Imaging data stored in the instrument memory are regularly downloaded using the ProSys II
software into a laptop computer. Interpretation of data proceeds through first joining the main
sequence data points to form a single continuous data set for each profile. The joined data set
are then filtered with the Prosy II automatic filtering scheme and also by removal of erroneous
data through visual examination of the data set. The filtered data is then exported and saved in
“.dat” format to make it amenable for 2D inversion using the Res2D INV software.
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The inverse model resistivity section shown in 2-D model represents the true subsurface two-
dimensional resistivity distribution. On the foregoing section, the results of the ERT survey will
be presented using such final 2D subsurface resistivity models.
The following sections presents discussions on the 2D imaging inverse model resistivity
sections , Pseudo section ,Geo electric section and VES curves of each survey line. For the sake
of clarity, the presentation and discussions of results are made separately for the areas
designated.
3.1.Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line

The inverse resistivity models obtained from the data inversion are presented in figure below.
This line stretches in North to South direction about 320m.The general 2-D geo-electrical
picture shows that the subsurface shows strongly heterogeneous marked by sharply contrasting
electrical responses both in vertical and lateral directions. The relative low model resistivity
indicates high moisture content and unconsolidated soil with this depth range. The uniformly
low subsurface resistivity signature, beneath these ERT lines, is suggestive that the subsurface
in the region is highly saturated.
From these 2-D ERT model it is seen that the subsurface is represented by different resistivity
values ranging from 5Ω.m - 125Ω.m. In general, three zones are mapped: It is clear from the
figure that the subsurface shows regions of low resistivity zones at shallow depth followed by
regions of relatively medium and higher resistivity at depth. The section can be separated as
layers and are interpreted as the first layer of 5 Ω.m -10Ω.m resistivity representing the response
of the top soil. The low resistivity of this layer is due to the high moisture content of the soil,
this condition is justified by surface manifestations and its average thickness is determined as
10m. represents clay soil on the top layer of the section, the second layer of the medium resistive
response 20Ω.m -50Ω.m represents highly weathered and fractured scoraceous basalt. The third
layer represents moderately resistive layer with the resistivity response of 50Ω.m -125Ω.m.
reperesents slightly weathered and fractured basalt.
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Figure 3 The 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography along profile line 1, the inverse model
resistivity sections for the data set.
3.2. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line

The general 2-D geo-electrical picture shows that the subsurface shows strongly heterogeneous
marked by sharply contrasting electrical responses both in vertical and lateral directions. The
inverse resistivity models obtained from the data inversion are presented in figure below. This
line stretches in South west to North east direction about 320m.
The inverse resistivity models are generally characterized with low resistivity values in along
the lines, ranging from about 1.5 Ω.m -20 Ω.m. The relative low model resistivity indicates high
moisture content and unconsolidated soil with this depth range. The uniformly low subsurface
resistivity signature, beneath these ERT lines, is suggestive that the subsurface in the region is
highly saturated and the effective depth beneath this profile is 77.2m
The slightly to highly weathered and fractured volcanic rocks/ basalt in most cases underlie the
top soil with clay formation, and overlie the highly weathered and/or fractured layers. The
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slightly higher resistivity patched in the deep portion are shown to be truncated by narrow low
resistivity columns at a number of points especially in north eastern direction. A possible
explanation for low resistivity zones could be due to infiltration of water along a week zone,
very likely major fractures. It is clear from the figure that the subsurface shows regions of low
resistivity zones at shallow depth followed by regions of relatively medium and higher
resistivity at depth.
In general, from these 2-D ERT model it is seen that the subsurface is represented by different
resistivity values ranging from 1.5Ω.m - 543Ω.m. three zones are mapped: -the relatively very
low resistivity of (1.5Ω.m -20Ω.m), represents clay soil on the top layer of the section, the
medium resistive layer of resistivity 20Ω.m -100Ω.m represents highly weathered and fractured
basalt. The third layer represents moderately massive resistive layer with the resistivity response
of 100Ω.m -543Ω.m. reperesents slightly to moderately weathered and fractured basalt.
Figure 4 The 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography along profile line 1, the inverse model
resistivity sections for the data set.
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3.3.Apparent Resistivity Pseudo Depth section along the line

The pseudo-depth section clearly shows that the subsurface is characterized by
strong lateral electrical homogeneity with a wide range of apparent resistivity
variation. This pseudo depth section data is constructed from the three VES point data with the
average spacing between each VES point approximately 2km. This line stretches in N-S
directions are shown in figure below. The pseudo depth section shows an extensive low
resistivity subsurface over the portion of the section, and the deepest region beneath each VES.
From top, down to a pseudo-depth of about 150 m, the ground section beneath VES-4 & VES-
1 is represented by a relatively conductive horizon, which progressively increases to a moderate
range. The electrical homogeneity, both laterally and depth wise is quite evident. At depth, the
area appears moderately conductive along the survey line.
The region under the section shows extensive coverage of low resistivity zone. The resistivity
ranges (10-60.m) of this low resistivity region are indicative of potential water saturation.
Therefore, under each VES show very low resistivity that ranges averagely less than 60.m.
The maximum value of the measured apparent resistivity does not exceed 150.m. Moreover,
the symmetry between bow-shaped region of enhanced resistivity and the identical shape
depression over the bottom resistivity horizon underneath VES-1 may indicate possibility of
structural features.
Figure 5:Apparent resistivity pseudo-section constructed along the line
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3.4. Geo-electric section Constructed along the profile line at Mandida Town
On the geo-electric section given on the subsurface is well correlated with the pseudo-depth
section 2-D ERT inverse model section and, as such, gives a detailed picture of geo-electric
stratification. Referring from the Geo-electric layer the subsurface beneath this profile line is
represented by four geo-electric layers, beneath each VES which constructed from the three
interpreted VES curves and stretched from north to south direction with an average spacing
2km between each VES point.
The top sequence appears to represent slightly weathered & fractured basalt beneath VES-1 &
VES-2 with narrow thickness and the second layer followed by clay soil. The third geo-electric
horizon is marked by uniformly low formation resistivity response ranging from (19.9 ohm-m
-50 ohm-m) with an average thickness of 200m to 300m and Overlies highly weathered and
fractured basalt beneath each VES point along the line. Mostly such conductive horizons; in
this area are the likely responses of fragments of highly weathered and fractured basalt.
The resistivity response of different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their
suitability to host adequate amount of groundwater. The subsequent bottom geo-electric layer
is correlated to weathered and fractured basaltic horizon. The resistivity signature from this
substratum appears to be low indicating abundance of conductive layer and hence may represent
the likely aquifer bed. The fourth geo-electric layer is marked by high resistivity response
beneath VES-1 represents as massive basalt, but beneath VES-4 & VES-2 represents
moderately weathered & fractured basalt and beneath VES-4 followed by slightly weathered &
fractured basalt.
Based on geological situation observed during field work and from this geo electric section
result, therefore, the well depth drilled along the line up to 400m to exploit the required yields.
But the final decision shall be made by the site hydro geologist based on actual observation
while drilling.
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Figure 6:Geo electric section constructed from the three VES point along the profile line
VES-3: The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

separation (AB/2) of 1000m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent
resistivity result, layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated formation types are
tabulated below:
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Table 3 -: Summary of Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations for VES-3
No Resistivity Thickness Depth Possible lithology
(ohm-m) (m) (m)
1 20.4 0.7 0.7 Top soil
2 7.7 3.6 4.3 Clay soil
3 25.8 35 39.3 Slightly to moderately weathered & fractured
basalt
4 12.9 46.8 86.1 Highly weathered & fractured basalt
5 57.7 255 341.1 Moderately weathered & fractured basalt
6 20.5 --- --- Slightly weathered & fractured basalt
From the above table, six geo-electric layers with different resistivity values that ranges from
7.7 ohm-m to 57.7 ohm-m were encountered. The first layer is characterized with medium
resistivity response of top soil of thickness 0.7m. The second layer is characterized by resistivity
values 7.7 ohm-m and characterized with intercalated clay soil. The third, layer is characterized
as with medium resistivity response of 25.8 ohm.m interpreted as slightly to moderately
weathered and fractured basalt. The fourth layer is interpreted as highly weathered & fractured
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basalt. The fifth layer is characterized with resistivity response 57.7 ohm.m with large thickness
that might be moderately weathered and fractured saturated basalt. Mostly such conductive
layers; in this area are the likely response of fragments of moderately weathered and fractured
basalt. The last layer is interpreted as slightly weathered & fractured basalt. Hence the borehole
to be drilled at the area should fully penetrate the fifth geo electric layer and partially penetrate
the lastly investigated six layers.
Based on geological situation observed during field work and this VES data, therefore, the well
depth to be drilled to be up to 400m to exploit the required yield. But the final decision shall be
made by the site hydro geologist based on actual observation while drilling.
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Table 4:Summary of Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations around Finfinne area.
Estim
Dep ated
VES Lay Ro(oh Thickn
th Expected Lithology Target
No er m-m) ess
(m) depth
(m)
1 16.2 0.9 0.9 Top soil
2 7.9 3.2 4.1 Clay soil
179. Moderately weathered & fractured 400
MVES 3 36.4 175
1 basalt
-1
378.
4 24.6 199 Slightly weathered & fractured basalt
1
5 4314 -- -- Massive basalt
1 12.3 0.7 0.7 Top soil
2 6.8 1.2 1.9 Clay soil
3 22.5 9.3 11.2 Slightly weathered & fractured basalt
Moderately weathered & fractured
MVES 4 110 13.4 24.6
basalt 400
-2
311.
5 33.5 287 Highly weathered & fractured basalt
6
Slightly to moderately weathered &
6 89 ---- ----
fractured basalt
1 20.4 0.7 0.7 Top soil
2 7.7 3.6 4.3 Clay soil
MVES
-3 Slightly to moderately weathered & 400
3 25.8 35 39.3
fractured basalt
4 12.9 46.8 86.1 Highly weathered & fractured basalt
341. Moderately weathered & fractured
5 57.7 255
1 basalt
6 20.5 --- --- Slightly weathered & fractured basalt
1 50.2 0.9 0.9 Top soil
2 24.1 3.2 4.1 Weathered & fractured basalt
MVES
-4 3 32.6 14.3 18.4 Moderately to slightly weathered basalt 400
176.
4 19.9 158
4 Highly weathered & fractured basalt
375. Moderately weathered & fractured
5 76 199
4 basalt
6 14.9 --- --- Highly weathered & fractured basalt
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4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION

Based on the salient findings of the geophysical studies 2-D ERT and Vertical electrical
sounding (VES), at Mandida the following conclusions have been drawn.
➢ Qualitative and quantitative appraisal of the subsurface resistivity responses from this area
enables to establish the likely stratifications of the layers at depth.
➢ The apparent resistivity pseudo-depth sections and the true resistivity geoelectric sections
show the presence of shallow as well as deeper low resistivity horizons which are potential
zones of groundwater saturation.
➢ From 2-D Electrical Resistivity tomography and vertical Electrical sounding the Conductive
zones, which have been shown to extend down to a considerable depth, probably reaching
the volcanic section of the subsurface could be attributed to water saturated, aquifer zones
are recommended to be as a potential of ground water.
➢ The slightly weathered to massive rocks in most cases underlie the top clay soil formation,
and overlie the highly weathered and/or fractured layers. It comprises the upper part of the
deposited, and it is characterized by high resistivity response indicating its massive nature.
The low resistivity and large thickness of these horizons is an indicator of groundwater
potential in the study area.
➢ Inference of possible geological structures and their positions were made based on lateral
disparities in formation resistivity. In most case, these lateral variations were also
accompanied by vertical dislodgment of the layer boundaries over the line.
➢ Based on geological situation observed during field work and from geo electric section
result, therefore, the well depth to be drilled up to 400m to exploit the required yields along
the line. But the final decision shall be made by the site hydro geologist based on actual
observation while drilling.
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Table 5: Area for water well drilling

VES Project Elevation TargetMax.
Site Name UTM E UTM N
No. Name (m) Depth (m)
MVES- Haro 537027 1065731 2785
Mandida 400
2
MVES- Banba citu 533673 1066498 2701
Mandida 400
3
MVES- Laga jaldesa 532784 1068155 2682
Mandida 400
4
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5. REFERENCE
Andrew drew L. Herczeg and Leaney F. W, (2010). Environmental tracers in arid-zone
hydrology: Hydrogeology Journal.
Aubert, M., (1984). Resistivity and magnetic surveys in groundwater prospecting in volcanic
areas. Case history Maar of Beanit, puy de Dome, France, Geophysics. Prospect.32:63-554.
Baker, R.D., (1991). Depth of investigation of collinear symmetrical four-electrode arrays,

Geophysics, 54:1031-1037.
Bernard, J., (2003). Short notes on the principles of geophysical methods for groundwater
investigations.
Davidson, A., (1983). The Omo River Project Reconnaissance geology and geochemistry of
parts of Illubabor, Kefa, Gamu Gofa and Sidamo, Bulletin/ No. Ministry of Mines and Energy,
EIGS.
Dahlin, T. and Zhou, B., 2004. A numerical comparison of 2D resistivity imaging using ten
electrode arrays. Geophysical Prospecting, 52, 379398
Fetter, C.W., (2001). Applied Hydrogeology, 4th Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc. London, UK. Pp
1-20.
Gibson,I.,(1969).The structure and volcanic geology of an axial portion of the Main Ethiopian
Rift, Tectonophysics. 8:561–565.
Helland et al.,(1980b).Deep wells in the particular area for social organization and retinal. Addis
Ababa
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6. ANNEX1. INTERPRETED VES CURVES WITH POSSIBLE LITHOLOGY
The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode separation

(AB/2) of 1000m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent resistivity result,
layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated formation types are tabulated bellow.
VES Curve at Mandida
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7. RAW DATA
MVES-1 MVES-2 MVES-3 MVES-4
AB/2 r (Ohm-m) r (Ohm-m) r (Ohm-m) r (Ohm-m)
1.5 13.6 14 14.1 60
2.1 13.3 11.3 11.2 25.8
3 10.7 14.2 9.45 36
4.2 7 12.6 10 23.5
6 8 16 9.63 21.3
9 11.4 21.4 11.6 35.4
13.5 17.2 30.2 15.5 30.9
20 27.5 45.9 18 28.4
20 27.4 48 18.7 30.5
30 30.2 49 19.5 25
30 46.4 71 18.4 26.9
45 61.3 102 21 23.2
66 39.4 139 22.2 13.7
100 33.4 163 21.4 24.5
150 35.9 103.2 23.1 21.4
150 43.3 82 22.2 21.9
220 42.4 94.5 26.4 20.4
220 33.9 42 25.9 20.6
330 37.8 37 27.9 38.4
500 54.8 44 34.5 30.5
750 76.9 61.5 34.5 40.2
1000 93.5
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Mandida Geophysical investigation for Oromia (13 TOWNS)

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GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUND WATER POTENTIAL ASSESMENT OF

MANDIDA TOWN WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION FOR GROUND WATER

ENGINEERING CORPORATION OF OROMIA (ECO)

Engineering Corporation of Oromia (ECO) Page 1

Keywords: 2-D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Pseudo–Depth Section, Geoelectric

Engineering Corporation of Oromia (ECO) Page i

GPS Global Position System

S-N South- North

UTM Universal Transverse Mercator

VES Vertical Electrical Sounding

Ω-m Ohm-meter (the unit of Electrical Resistivity)

1.1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.2. Objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 2

1.3. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) .............................................................................................. 2

1.3.1. Methodology ............................................................................................................................. 2

1.3.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations ....................................................................................... 3

1.3.3. Instrumentation ......................................................................................................................... 3

The equipment used for the survey included ................................................................................. 3

1.4. Data Acquisition and Processing .......................................................................................................... 4

1.4.1. Survey line ................................................................................................................................ 4

1.4.2. VES Locations .......................................................................................................................... 4

2. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS ...................................................................................... 5

2.1. Data Processing for Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) ............................................................ 5

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION FOR ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY (ERT) ...... 7

4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION ................................................................................. 17

6. ANNEX1. INTERPRETED VES CURVES WITH POSSIBLE LITHOLOGY ............................ 20

7. RAW DATA ................................................................................................................................... 22

Engineering Corporation of Oromia (ECO) Page 1

1.3.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations

are Potential electrodes.

The equipment used for the survey included

1.4.Data Acquisition and Processing

1.4.2. VES Locations

No project Town Local Name VESID X Y Z

1 Mandida Chalalaka VES-1 536552 1066195 2786

3 Mandida Banba citu VES-3 533673 1066498 2701

Figure 2:VES Map location around Mandida Town

2. DATA ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATIONS

2.1. Data Processing for Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)

Figure 4: Iterative of RMS-error

2.1.1. Data processing for VES

3. RESULT AND DISCUSSION FOR ELECTRICAL RESISTIVITY TOMOGRAPHY (ERT)

3.1.Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line

3.2. Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) models along Profile line

3.3.Apparent Resistivity Pseudo Depth section along the line

Figure 5:Apparent resistivity pseudo-section constructed along the line

VES-3: The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

4. CONCLUSION AND RECOMENDATION

Table 5: Area for water well drilling

Baker, R.D., (1991). Depth of investigation of collinear symmetrical four-electrode arrays,

6. ANNEX1. INTERPRETED VES CURVES WITH POSSIBLE LITHOLOGY

The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode separation

VES Curve at Mandida

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