Groundwater Occurrence Research Articles

Cross Comparison of GALDIT Method Application in Three Costal Aquifers in Greece

Seawater intrusion into Greece’s coastal aquifers is a prevalent issue. The Greek coastline extends for 15,147 km. Once groundwater sources become contaminated, remediation methods are often challenging, costly, and protracted. This study focuses on three coastal aquifer systems in the Peloponnese region. Initially, the main ions and cations were determined for these aquifers. Hydrochemical analyses revealed elevated concentrations of Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, SO42−, and Cl−, indicating a significant impact from seawater intrusion. The study evaluates the vulnerability of groundwater to this intrusion. Utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS) software (ArcGISPro), maps were created to illustrate each parameter of the GALDIT method. The acronym GALDIT encapsulates the main elements influencing seawater intrusion. Each parameter is analyzed as follows: Groundwater occurrence (including the following aquifer types: unconfined, confined, and leaky confined), Aquifer hydraulic conductivity, depth to groundwater Level above the sea, Distance from the shore (inland distance perpendicular from shoreline), Impact of existing status of sea water intrusion in the area, and Thickness of the aquifer. The final map that emerged from this study shows their vulnerability to seawater intrusion in Peloponnese. Notably, Larissos exhibits lower vulnerability in contrast to the seawater incursion in the other two groundwater systems.

Controls on regional sulphate distribution in shallow groundwater in the western Canadian Interior Plains

Sulphate (SO4), predominantly derived from sulphur (S)-bearing glacial sediments distributed widely across the Canadian Interior Plains, contributes to high groundwater salinity and can be detrimental to riparian and dry-land ecosystems, agricultural production, and water use. While previous researchers investigated SO4 distribution and dynamics in shallow groundwater at local scales (<1500 km2), we examine SO4 occurrence in groundwater at larger scales, and to depths of ~150 m, considering variations in geology, glacial history, climate, and geochemical and hydrogeological settings in the Canadian province of Alberta. Sulphate concentrations in groundwater vary considerably, with 15 % of 139,130 samples above the 500 mg/L Canadian drinking water aesthetic objective. Analysis of δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 from 179 wells throughout Alberta shows SO4 is dominantly derived from oxidation of S-bearing material. At this large scale, marine shale bedrock subcrops, glacial ice flow directions, and climate control SO4 distribution. Groundwater contains less SO4 (<200 mg/L) in western Alberta compared to the east due to a lack of S-bearing bedrock, higher groundwater recharge rates, thinner glacial sediments, and increased groundwater circulation. Focusing on a region in south-central Alberta (Red Deer area), hydrogeological characteristics relating to SO4 formation, recharge, permeability, hydraulic gradient, and travel time are included in a principal component analysis to identify six groundwater groups at varying stages of evolution and SO4 concentrations depending on their hydrogeological setting. Low SO4 concentrations are associated with areas of high recharge, where SO4 has been leached from the sediments, or with more evolved bedrock groundwater where SO4 has been reduced or was recharged in pre-glacial times. High SO4 concentrations are found in areas of lower recharge and permeability, where flushing occurs more slowly. Combining the Red Deer area and province-wide analyses, we identify seven regions across Alberta with characteristic distribution and controls on SO4 occurrence in shallow groundwater.

2D nonlinear inversion of DC resistivity measurements, a case study; southeastern part of Ras El Dabaa, Northwestern coast, Egypt

The southern Mediterranean coast suffers from limited water resources as a result of exploitation of water supply, population growth, and climate change. Spatial lineaments and Seawater Intrusion (SWI) were detected at the southeast portion of Ras El Dabaa, on Egypt’s northwest coast, using the direct current resistivity (DCR) method. The Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data were acquired using Schlumberger array along four profiles and inverted both independently and jointly, aiming to obtain Two Dimensional (2D) geoelectrical images. The results of the one Dimensional (1D) inversion of VES data at each profile were stitched to form pseudo-2D sections on which the resistivity values and aquifer thickness in the southwest of the region appeared to be generally increasing, indicating a potential improvement in water quality.However, the results did not fully image the lateral variation but focused on the horizontal boundaries of the subsurface. On the contrary, the results of 2D inversion of the same data sets successfully managed to provide images that depicted resistivity distribution in both lateral and vertical directions. The detected sets of lineaments and fractured zones within the oolitic limestone and fossiliferous limestone units control the occurrence of groundwater in the region. The 2D inversion scheme revealed a low resistivity zone that indicated the presence of SWI and/or the dissolution of marine salts from the marine limestone bedrock of these aquifers in the northern portions of the studied area. Additionally, analysis of the 2D apparent porosity section shows how aquifers are connected by secondary porosity, which is defined by structures that resemble channels. The current approach offers valuable structural information for future planning and development of such complex geological coastal locations, taking into consideration the vulnerability of the groundwater system.

Groundwater Potential Zone Delineation through Analytical Hierarchy Process: Diyala River Basin, Iraq

Groundwater recharge zone identification is vital for managing water resources, particularly in semi-arid and dry climates. Accurate and quantifiable assessment is necessary for the sustainable management of groundwater resources, and it is possible to carry this method out using modern techniques and technical standards. To identify likely groundwater locations in the Diyala River Catchment, Iraq, which serves as an example study basin, the current research examines a new methodology that employs a geographic information system, and an Analytical Hierarchy Process connected with remote sensing data. The technique of ArcGIS was employed to generate spatially distributed thematic layers of rainfall, lithology, slope, drainage density, land use/land cover, relief and soil. The raster data from these layers were then converted and categorized. The weights assigned to thematic strata depended on their significance relative to groundwater occurrence. A pairwise judgement matrix for the Analytical Hierarchy Process was used, with the categorized ranking, to assess the standardized weights of the layers under consideration. The layers for the formation of groundwater zones have then been placed using the overlay-weighted summation approach. Three regions, which are classed as excellent, good and moderate, have been identified on the resulting groundwater potential zones map, representing roughly 29, 69 and 2% of the basin’s total area, respectively. The study’s conclusions indicate that, in such a climate, the adopted strategy would produce favourable results to promote the organizing of opinions and the sustainable use of groundwater resources.

Integration of geospatial techniques and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) ind demarcating groundwater potential zones in Lakhimpur district, Assam, India

Overexploitation and climate change have threatened the availability and sustenance of groundwater resources. A proper understanding of the regional distribution of groundwater is crucial to ensure long-term water security. The present study aims to identify the groundwater potential zones in the Lakhimpur district of Assam using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in combination with geospatial technologies. The occurrence of groundwater in the region was determined by several factors including geomorphology, lithology, slope, distance from the river, drainage density, lineament density, rainfall, curvature, soil, land use, land cover, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and topographic wetness index (TWI). These factors organized as thematic layers were utilized to generate a groundwater potential zones (GWPZ) map in the GIS environment. The AHP, an effective decision-making technique, was adopted to assign weights to each thematic layer corresponding to their relative importance in influencing groundwater availability. The GWPZ map prepared using the weighted overlay techniques was categorized into three classes: good, moderate, and poor. The result revealed that the good potential zone comprises 1909.41 km2 (65.12%), moderate 1018.25 km2 (34.72%) and the poor zone comprises 4.22 km2 (0.14%) of the total geographical area. The obtained results of 73.33% (Overall accuracy), 0.708 (ROC-AUC), and 0.50 mbgl (groundwater level fluctuation) between pre-monsoon and post-monsoon prove that the model has performed satisfactorily in identifying groundwater potential zones. The findings provide a framework for the effective exploration and management of groundwater resources, ensuring their future availability in the region.

Investigation of submarine groundwater discharge into the Baltic Sea through varved glacial clays

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is an important process responsible for transporting terrestrial dissolved chemical substances into the coastal ocean, thereby impacting the marine ecosystem. Despites its significance, there are few studies addressing SGD in the northern Baltic Sea. Here we investigate the potential occurrence of SGD in an area characterized by seafloor terraces formed in varved glacial clay located around Fifång Island, Southern Stockholm Archipelago. We analyzed 222Rn activity and porewater geochemistry in both marine and terrestrial sediment cores retrieved from Fifång Island and its surrounding offshore areas. Results from 222Rn mass-balance calculations, water isotopes, salinity, chloride concentration, and dating (including 14C and helium-tritium dating) indicate that modern groundwater flows through varved glacial clay layers and fractured rocks on Fifång Island and discharges into Fifång Bay. Additionally, the offshore cores reveal a saline groundwater source that, dating of the dissolved inorganic carbon, appears systematically younger than the hosting clay varves dated using the Swedish clay varve chronology. Acoustic blanking in our acquired sub-bottom profiles may be related to this fluid migration. The occurrence of this saline groundwater seems to be independent from the distance to the submarine terraces. Collectively, our study confirms the occurrence of submarine groundwater in the varved glacial clay close to Fifång Island and further offshore. Our findings help establish the significance of submarine groundwater discharge in influencing the past and present coastal environment in the Baltic Sea region.

Factors of winter moisture movement in arable soils of the Ishim steppe

Based on the materials of long-term field observations in the southern regions of the Omsk region, the influence of the main factors on the winter movement of moisture in arable soils of the Ishim steppe was traced. The penetration depth of 0 °С determines the lower boundary and vertical thickness of the moisture freezing layer. The distance between its lower edge and the penetration depth of 0 °С is 20–40 cm. The penetration depth of 0 °С is predetermined by the air temperature and the thickness of the snow cover and reaches 170–240 cm. The forms of moisture dominant in the soil are associated with the granulometric composition. Film moisture prevails in the heavy loamy, highly silty soil-ground strata of the Ishim steppe. The content of capillary-backed and free gravitational water does not exceed 6% of the soil volume at full moisture capacity, which determines the small volume of moisture freezing (up to 50 mm). Thermogradient migration of moisture is determined by field methods in highly moistened soil-ground strata. High humidity of the soils and rocks of the Ishim steppe is associated with their granulometric composition and the close occurrence of groundwater. If in the second ten days of October groundwater is recorded at a depth of less than 3 m, the layer of moisture freezing at the end of March is noted in the depth range between 40–80 and 160–200 cm, the volume of cryogenic accumulation is 30–50 mm, including in the upper meter layer – 10–25 mm. If groundwater is detected at a depth of more than 3 m in the autumn, the freezing layer is fixed at 80 to 160–200 cm, the moisture gain in it is 15–30 mm, in the 0–100 cm layer the moisture content does not change. The role of cryogenic accumulation in replenishing the post-vegetation moisture deficit in the root layer of spring grains is modest. This process is significant for the formation of conditions for anaerobiosis and the development of modern hydromorphism in the lower soil horizons and in the subsoil strata.

Geographical Information System for Groundwater Potential Zoning in a Peninsular Region of Bihar

Background: Exponential growth in population and over-exploitation has created groundwater stress situation in several regions globally. The peninsular area spread in the Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts of Bihar (India) is rich in groundwater, but decrease in groundwater level has been observed in the last decade. Methods: In this study, groundwater potential zones have been delineated using remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) based AHP. The occurrence of groundwater in the study area is mainly affected by following factors- geomorphology, lithology, lineaments, drainage, soil, annual rainfall, slope, land use land cover and fluctuations in groundwater level. Above factors were considered as themes and were prioritized over each-other using the Analytic Hierarchy Process and merged in a GIS environment to delineate the groundwater potential zones. Result: Four different zones of groundwater potential- low, moderate, high and very high have been observed in the study area. The moderate and high groundwater potential zones cover 44% and 55%, respectively. The delineated potential zones have also been validated using the groundwater levels of the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, which match well. The areas at higher elevations were in the moderate potential zones.

An Assessment of Groundwater Potential for Water Supply in Misau and Dambam Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing groundwater potential in Misau and Dambam areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey was also conducted to carry out the study. Five thematic maps were generated for weighted overlay. Descriptive statistics was used to analysed data on water supply situation, aquifer parameters were analysed using standard table where porosity and permeability were calculated. The VES data was analysed using ipi2win, thematic maps were produced through overlay analysis using extension of ArcGIS 10.4. VES result reveals the existence of about three to four geologic layers in the study area which constitute the topsoil, weathered rock, weathered/fractured rock, fractured basement, and fresh basement rock. Nine out of the thirteen soundings conducted were found to be of good in nature while the only non-promising aquifers were found in Jalam Kukadi, Hardawa PHC, Bada Koshi, Dambam A Bam. Five groundwater potential zones were determined which are very low 354 km2 (15%), low 393 km2 (15%), moderate 416 km2 (20%), high 436 km2 (25%), and very high 497 km2 (25%). Drainage is the most important factor affecting groundwater occurrence with 25% which is the highest followed by geology with 22%. It can be concluded that 50% of the study area was characterized under high, and very high groundwater potential. It is recommended that areas with poor groundwater potentials government and non-governmental organizations should provide them with an alternative source of water to aid them during periods of difficulties.

Application of machine learning and fuzzy AHP for identification of suitable groundwater potential zones using field based hydrogeophysical and soil hydraulic factors in a complex hydrogeological terrain

The eastern section of West Bengal grapples with limited surface water availability in its hard rock terrain, compounded by a semi-arid climate, variable rainfall, and a plateau topography, prompting communities to adapt groundwater water-use practices, leading to unsustainable extraction and misuse. Thus, the novel objective of the present research was to produce groundwater potential maps by comparing machine learning techniques with a Fuzzy MCDM model using specific field-based conditioning factors. In the first step, 285 wells were identified, of which 70 percent were used for training and 30 percent for the validation of the models. Secondly, field-based conditioning factors including, longitudinal conductance (SC), longitudinal resistance (ρl), transverse resistance (TR), coefficient of electrical anisotropy (λ), resistivity of formation (ρm), fracture porosity (φf), reflection coefficients (r), hydraulic conductivity (K), transmissivity(Tr), bulk density, porosity, permeability, soil moisture content and water holding capacity were used to analyze the association between these conditioning factors and groundwater occurrences. In the following steps, the XGBoost, Random Forest, and Naïve Bayes models were executed using the training dataset, and factor weights were calculated using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process of Extent analysis method. To validate and compare the performance of four models, ROC curves, AUCs, MCAs, and correlation plots were used. In general, all four models were successful in evaluating the potential of groundwater occurrences. The predictive capability of the XGBoost techniques with the highest AUC values (0.79) and the highest correlation value (0.78) is superior to those of other machine learning and MCDM models. Geophysical survey revealed that transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer of the river basin range from 1.55 to 440.11 m/day and 10.15–2253 m2/day, indicating a moderate to good hydrodynamic potential. Planners and engineers can use such groundwater potential maps to manage water resources effectively.

Deciphering Effects of Coal Fly Ash on Hydrochemistry and Heavy Metal(loid)s Occurrence in Surface and Groundwater: Implications for Environmental Impacts and Management

Deciphering Effects of Coal Fly Ash on Hydrochemistry and Heavy Metal(loid)s Occurrence in Surface and Groundwater: Implications for Environmental Impacts and Management

Delineation of Groundwater potential zone using Geospatial and AHP techniques in Ken River Basin (KRB) in Central India

Groundwater is the most salient and utilitarian water resource for living organisms. However, major parts of the Ken River Basin (KRB) in Central India are grappling with the overexploitation of groundwater resources, primarily due to extensive agricultural activities, raising problems in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 and 6. This study focused on delineating groundwater potential zones (GPZ) by employing remote sensing and GIS-based thematic datasets, complemented by the application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The thematic layers consisting of geomorphology, precipitation, geology, soil texture, lineament density, slope, LULC, and drainage density were considered and further weights were allocated with respect to their water storing capacity and characteristics to groundwater occurrences to develop GPZs. The zones were generated by classifying overlayed maps into four categories namely, very low, low, moderate, and high. The key findings indicated that 13.84%, 62.34%, 23.37%, and 45% of areas were found under high, moderate, low, and very low GPZs respectively. Furthermore, the zonation map was validated with 48 boreholes’ yield, which revealed a noteworthy 77.08% borewells in concurrence with predicted zones. Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve showcased a commendable 70.1% accuracy using the ROC curve. These results were highly beneficial in formulating sustainable groundwater management plans and policies, contributing towards the attainment of targets outlined in SDGs 2 and 6, particularly in regions resembling the KRB.

Occurrences of nitrate-contaminated groundwater in the piedmont aquifers: hydrogeochemical characteristics and health risks.

Groundwater nitrate (NO3-) contamination is a global concern. The distribution patterns, enrichment mechanisms, and human health risks of NO3- contaminated groundwater were investigated using 144 groundwater samples collected from domestic and irrigation wells in the piedmonts of the North China Plain (Beijing and Shijiazhuang areas). The results showed that the groundwater was neutral to weakly alkaline, and 47% of the groundwater samples had NO3- concentrations exceeding 50mg/L, a threshold proposed by world health organization to threaten infants up to 3months. Groundwater NO3- concentrations were generally higher in the Beijing piedmont than in the Shijiazhuang piedmont and decreased with depth in both piedmonts. High-NO3- (> 50mg/L) groundwater was distributed sporadically spatially and mainly was of Ca-Mg-HCO3 hydrochemical facies. Stable isotopes (D and 18O) compositions and NO3-/Cl- ratios indicated that NO3- accumulation in groundwater was primarily due to use of N-fertilizers under agricultural practices, and was associated with groundwater recharge sources such as septic tank leakage and re-infiltration of reclaimed irrigation water. Water quality evaluation showed that groundwater quality was highly dependent on NO3- concentration, with entropy-weighted water quality index values increasing linearly with increasing NO3- concentrations. The potential health risk of high-NO3- groundwater was the most serious for infants in both the piedmonts. Therefore, reducing NO3- input from sources and drinking water intake is recommended to minimize the human health risk.

Decisive significance of lineaments on groundwater occurrence in the Khapri watershed of Deccan Volcanic Province (DVP), district Dangs, Western India

This study investigates the influence of geological lineaments on groundwater occurrence in the Khapri watershed, Dangs district, Gujarat, where rugged terrain and less transmissible basaltic rocks limit infiltration despite high rainfall (2000 mm). Lineaments were mapped using IRS LISS-III satellite data and eight hill-shades generated at various azimuth angles (45°, 90°, 135°, 180°, 225°, 270°, 315°, and 360°) from Carto-Digital Elevation Model (DEM) in GIS environment to ensure maximum extraction. These lineaments, validated through Google Earth and ground-truthing, were categorized into positive (ridges, plateaus, dykes) and negative (joints, fractures, straight stream segments) based on their contribution to water infiltration. The comprehensive lineament map revealed dominant NNE-SSW and ENE-WSW orientations. Positive lineaments largely induce runoff, while negative lineaments support water infiltration. The study indicates a moderate correlation between lineament densities and the groundwater regime. Regions with high negative lineament density exhibit lower groundwater fluctuation, indicating better groundwater occurrences, while areas with high positive lineament density show greater fluctuation, indicating lesser groundwater occurrence. Linear regression analysis indicates that 48% and 50% of the variation in groundwater fluctuation is explained by positive and negative lineament density, respectively. This analysis emphasizes the importance of identifying and mapping negative lineaments for targeting groundwater resources in hard rock terrains.

Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Pollution in the Metro Subwatershed Area Using the GOD Method

The assessment of groundwater vulnerability to contamination in the Sub-Watershed (Sub DAS) Metro plays a crucial role in maintaining the sustainability of water resources. As an integral part of a complex river system, Sub DAS Metro faces the risk of groundwater pollution caused by human activities such as agriculture, industry, and domestic. Thus, research was conducted to determine the level of groundwater vulnerability using the GOD method (Groundwater Occurrence, Depth to Water Table, and Aquifer Media). The study identified three vulnerability classes out of the five existing classes, namely very low, low, and moderate. The GOD index indicates very low vulnerability with values ranging from 0.08 to 0.10, low vulnerability ranging from 0.11 to 0.12, and moderate vulnerability with a value of 0.48. Following the vulnerability assessment using the GOD method, mapping was conducted, assigning green for very low vulnerability areas, yellow for low vulnerability, and red for moderate vulnerability. The research findings provide strategic insights for designing effective mitigation and sustainable management of groundwater quality in Sub DAS Metro, playing a crucial role in preserving the sustainability of the groundwater ecosystem in the region

Integrated remote sensing and geographic information system overlay analysis for groundwater potential evaluation using AHP and fuzzy AHP: Southern sections of the western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor

A persistent drought commonly affects the southern sections of the western Afar rift margin and the associated rift floor, leaving the populace concerned about their access to food. A comprehensive assessment and usage of the local groundwater resource is therefore essential to overcoming the ongoing drought and meeting the area's increasing demand for sustainable water. With the aid of RS, GIS, AHP, and Fuzzy AHP methods, this study aims to assess the area's groundwater potential. Lineament density, Geology,Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Recharge, Slope, Land Use and Land Cover, Soil, and Drainage Density were created using GIS and RS techniques and are the thematic layers taken into consideration for this purpose. The weight of these themes for their relative significance to groundwater occurrence was determined using AHP and Fuzzy AHP (FAHP). Lineament density is the primary factor influencing the presence of groundwater, followed by geology, TWI, and recharge. The Very low (221.48 km2), Low (9084.46 km2), Moderate (8281.96 km2), High (1441.65 km2), and Very High (102.45 km2) groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) were delineated using the GIS-overlay analysis technique. The validation of the groundwater potential zone map was completed using the well discharge, transmissivity, and specific capacity, and the scatter plot demonstrated a strong connection with R2 values of 0.81, 0.79, and 0.80, respectively. The sensitivity index (SI) shows that lineament density and geology, which have SI values of 2.08% and 1.74%, respectively, have the greatest influence on the distributions of groundwater potentiality in the catchment, while drainage density has the least influence, with a SI value of −0.89%. By ensuring sustainable management and development, the study's findings will help with decision-making for the long-term supply of groundwater. Additionally, the approach utilized in the study can be applied to other comparable arid to semiarid regions.

Hydrogeological conceptual model of Stampriet transboundary aquifer system in Southern Africa

Stampriet Transboundary Aquifer System (STAS) is shared between Botswana, Namibia and South Africa with massive utilization especially in Namibia. However, the understanding of the comprehensive hydrogeological framework of the aquifer system is limited. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive hydrogeological conceptual model of the aquifer system which mainly entailed 3D hydrostratigraphic modelling using Rockworks 3D geological modelling software, analysis of regional groundwater occurrence and flow system, sources and sinks, hydraulic parameters and definition of STAS boundaries. Six hydrostratigraphic units composed of four aquifers, including a new one (the Dwyka), and two aquitards were identified. Analysis of the regional groundwater flow system revealed that groundwater flows in two directions, indicating presence of a regional groundwater divide. 3D hydrostratigraphic geometry revealed that groundwater flow in STAS is influenced by topography but also by faults such as the Zoetfontein Fault, which displaces the pre-Kalahari rocks vertically creating a barrier to groundwater flow. Hydrostratigraphic and 3D geometry work also led to a 42% increase of the size of STAS compared to the boundary initially delineated by UNESCO. The proposed hydrogeological conceptual model forms a basis for development of numerical integrated hydrological model to simulate surface-groundwater interactions, regional groundwater flow and aquifer development potential.

Super-resistance of PFOS in water: Is it beatable?

In this study, we present research on PFOS occurrence in surface and groundwater in Croatia. PFOS was detected and quantified at ultra-low concentrations (even ng/L) by means of LC-QTOF-MS analysis. PFOS was treated with solar photocatalysis using different reactor types, different irradiation intensities and photocatalytic formulations. Most experiments ended with only a slight change in PFOS concentrations, proving its super-resistance toward UV irradiation and oxidative species, e.g. OH radicals. In certain experiments, PFOS degradation extents were approximately 20% after 120 min of the photocatalytic process. Additionally, photocatalysis was coupled with ultrasound to increase PFOS degradation products, we discussed the tentative degradation mechanism and proposed a solution how to possibly beat its super-resistance.

Vertical electrical sounding for characterizing subsurface tectonic features and their impacts on groundwater occurrences: a case study of basaltic Jbab uplifting in southern Syria

ABSTRACT Eighteen vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out by applying the Schlumberger configuration to characterize the main subsurface tectonic features and determine their impacts on groundwater occurrences of the uplifted Jbab area in Southern Syria. Different interpretative approaches were used to interpret these VES distributed on one longitudinal profile (LP) and four transverse profiles TP1, TP2, TP3, and TP4. The originality of this work is the conjoint use of Pichgin and Habibullaev technique, the fractal concentration-number (C–N) modeling technique, and the 1D inversion technique as an integrated interpretative approach (IIA) in subsurface basalt characterization. This IIA proves its efficacy while interpreting the VES data, in delineating the main subsurface geology and the tectonic conditions and their influences on the groundwater distributions in a basaltic Jbab environment. Several optimum VES points are accordingly proposed and arranged according to their importance for drilling wells for groundwater extraction. The integrated developed geoelectrical technology described in this paper is recommended to be applied for characterizing similar basaltic areas worldwide.

Identification of Shallow Groundwater Facies and Flow Patterns in Batang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract Population growth as a result of a subsequent increase in the economic center and industrial complex construction has also proven to influence the shallow groundwater occurrence in Batang Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The region per se, had a minimum amount of observation and literature, especially regarding the issue namely groundwater flow pattern and facies distribution. This research discussed hydrogeological assessment through systematic mapping to investigate shallow groundwater occurrence, including 90 observation &amp; measurement points consisting of 89 dug well and one water spring. Based on purposive random sampling with upstream-downstream consideration, 73 of 90 samples were analyzed in the laboratory to determine groundwater hydrochemistry. The results indicated that the shallow groundwater pattern in Batang Regency generally flows from south to north with a dominant southwest-northeast pattern. Based on the trilinear piper diagram, shallow groundwater facies in the study area are characterized by calcium bicarbonate, alkaline chloride, alkaline bicarbonate, and mixed types. The distribution of calcium bicarbonate facies is widely spread in the southern part of the study area. In contrast, alkaline bicarbonate is mainly found between the coastline and hilly in the south. On the other hand, alkaline chloride is distributed evenly along the coastal area. Intermixing of different groundwater facies is expected due to its positive correlation between TDI and major ions plot in the composition diagram.