Geophysical signatures resolving hydrogeological complexities over hard rock terrain—a study from Southern India

Abstract

A series of geophysical parameters have been applied with geological perception to resolve the hydrogeological complexities over granitic terrain at Hyderabad, India. Frequent failure of borehole drillings and the thrust conditions of community have prompted a noninvasive suitable tool, applied at small scale for pinpointing potential well site. Geophysical scanning, viz. electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), spontaneous potential (SP), and electrical gradient profiling (GP) were employed within the restricted space of housing complex to obtain the true characteristics of the subsurface lithology, where anomalies by the underground utility structures have been nullified. Results showed, in ERT, the low order of resistivity range 123 to 200 Ωm showing a plume like weathered zone underlain by sudden slip of massive granite (>217 Ωm) was of great interest to proceed further in the process. Here, the switchover in SP value from +18 mV to −17 mV and GP from mean value 10 to 90 mV/m was recorded. The anomalies in SP and GP were precisely coincided with the ERT where upcoming of subsurface massive granite next to the inferred fracture was noted. Drilling core logs satisfies the geophysical signatures ensuring the inferred saturated fracture with the total yield 1,302 gal/h.