Geophysical Investigation of Groundwater Potential Zones, and Modeling of Subsurface Materials Using Seismic Refraction Surveys

Delineation of zones with the potential of bearing groundwater is important for the efficient exploration and extraction of groundwater. In this paper, the seismic refraction method was used as a primary approach for groundwater exploration. In this regard, seismic refraction surveys were conducted along two traverse lines of lengths 155 m and 140 m. Along each traverse line, forward and reverse shots were induced with 32 sampling points (geophones). The velocities of the subsurface layers were obtained and each layer thickness was computed. Subsequently, subsurface models of the investigated sites were built. The generated models clearly showed the lateral and vertical variations in various subsurface materials expected as well as the layer thicknesses. The results for traverse line one revealed three distinct layers with velocities ranging between 470.10 and 1623.50 m/s and thicknesses ranging between 0 and 51.67 m. Similarly, three different layers were observed in traverse line two with velocities ranging between 463.35 and 4050.31 m/s and thicknesses ranging from 0 to 46.67 m. Findings from this study also revealed a high groundwater potential in the study area. In addition, the results of this study correlated well with existing borehole logs in the study area. This observation further strengthens the reliability of the obtained results. This study might be useful in the efficient delineation of potential zones for groundwater occurrence through the modeling of subsurface layers (materials).