Hydraulic conductivity estimation from resistivity logs: a case study in Nubian sandstone aquifer

Abstract

The present study is carried out in Nubian sandstone aquifer, western bank of River Nile, Aswan area. The data of the two wells (W-1 and W-2), which are located in the area are available. It consists of all geological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical, and geophysical well-logging information. An attempt is made in the present study to estimate hydraulic conductivity using resistivity logs in intent to compare between the estimated and the measured values. Resistivity logs are used to estimate the intrinsic formation factor. Clay effect is removed via application of Waxman–Smits model. Accordingly, total porosity is estimated from the most widely used modified form of Archie equation for clean sand formations (Humble equation). Total porosity and average grain size diameter of Nubian sandstone are applied in the Kozeny-Carman-Bear model to estimate the geometric hydraulic conductivity. The hydraulic conductivity is estimated to be 12.6 ± 1.9 m/day for the Nubian sandstone aquifer in this area, whereas the measured hydraulic conductivity via pumping test in the same well is 10.7 m/day. From the present study, the application of geophysical well logging could provide a cost-effective and efficient alternative to estimate aquifer parameters.