A Hydrogeophysical Model of the Relationship between Geoelectric and Hydraulic Parameters, Central Jordan

Awni T Batayneh

doi:10.4236/jwarp.2009.16048

Abstract

Geoelectrical soundings using the Schlumberger array were carried out in the vicinity of 23 pumping test sites to determine aquifer parameters, central Jordan. On the basis of aquifer geometry, the area has been di-vided into two hydraulic units: the northern flood plain and the flood plain to its south. Field resistivity data are interpreted in terms of the true resistivity and thickness of subsurface layers. These parameters are then correlated with the available pumping test data. Significant correlations between the transmissivity and modified transverse resistance as well as between the hydraulic conductivity and formation factor were ob-tained for the two hydraulic units, in central Jordan are presented here.

Highlights

The development of groundwater resources and the regime of its activity largely depend on the porosity and permeability of water bearing formations
The porosity of rock is a measure of the amount of interstitial space that is capable of holding fluids and the permeability of a rock is a quantitative measure of the case with which it will permit the passage of fluids through it under a hydraulic gradient
This paper examines the influence of aquifer anisotropy on the relationship between hydraulic and geoelectrical parameters of aquifers that are needed to develop a hydrogeophysical model for an anisotropic aquifer in parts of central Jordan

Summary

Introduction

The development of groundwater resources and the regime of its activity largely depend on the porosity and permeability of water bearing formations. The determination of aquifer characteristics such as hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity is best made on the basis of data obtained from test pumping wells. These properties are important in determining the natural flow of water through an aquifer and its response to fluid extraction. A relation between the aquifer intrinsic permeability and formation factor was developed. The analytical relations between aquifer transmissivity and Dar-Zarrouk parameters have been developed and various data sets tested [14,15]. An inverse relationship between porosity and hydraulic conductivity were used to explain the direct correlations between formation factor and hydraulic conductivity [16,17]. We present the Schlumberger sounding results in the area of central Jordan to define the aquifer geometry of the study area

Geological Setting

Hydrogeology

Field Studies

Hydraulic Parameters Versus Geoelectric

Conclusions