Characterization of subsurface fault in Barreiras Aquifer Formation from geoelectrical and hydrogeological data - area of River Catu basin, NE Brazil

Abstract

This work refers to the studies developed in the area of River Catu basin, located in northeastern Brazil. The main objective was to characterize subsurface fault throw within the basin of the River Catu, southern coast of Rio Grande do Norte. The general methodology is the use of electric geophysical methods, particularly electrical resistivity, besides well lithologic profiles. In our research, the vertical electric sounding-SEV technique has been used to determinate and quantify fault throw. Using data from structural geology and tubular wells added to information geoelectrical data could create lithological profiles. The implementation and quantification of fault throw in the subsurface has obtained satisfactory results in the order of 10 to 30 meters. The hydrogeophysical profiles showed a tectonic-structural subdivision consistent with previous studies where it was possible to turn structural lineaments undefined into fault defined and quantified.