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Groundwater Mapping

Understanding groundwater mapping

Groundwater mapping is the process of using geophysical methods to locate and study underground water systems. This includes identifying:

  • Aquifers: Subsurface layers that store and transmit water.
  • Water-bearing formations: Rock or soil layers that hold groundwater.
  • Flow pathways: Routes that groundwater takes below the surface.

This process involves:

  • Measuring variations in ground properties like resistivity, which change with water presence and saturation.
  • Using advanced tools like tTEM to create high-resolution subsurface maps, enabling the identification of potential groundwater aquifers.

With tools like tTEM, groundwater mapping and MAR projects become more efficient and effective, ensuring sustainable water management.

Geophysics in groundwater maping

Discover how geophysical methods improve efficiency in groundwater mapping

Map Aquifers and Groundwater Pathways

Identify groundwater reserves, understand aquifer properties, and track water movement underground.

Monitor Water Quality

Detect contaminants or areas at risk of contamination, helping protect water resources.

Support Sustainable Water Management

Ensure efficient use of groundwater by understanding its flow and distribution, reducing the risk of over-extraction.

Facilitate Groundwater Recharge

Identify the best areas for recharge and ensure effective water injection.

Detect Water Table Fluctuations

Track changes in the water table over time, crucial for long-term water conservation.

TEMcompany's role in groundwater maping

See how our instruments enhance precision and efficiency in exploring raw material deposits

Shallow Groundwater Exploration

tTEM is designed to detect shallow groundwater and aquifers, identifying water-saturated zones and distinguishing them from dry areas.

Non-Invasive & Fast

Unlike drilling, tTEM is non-invasive and covers large areas quickly, making it a cost-effective and efficient tool for initial groundwater mapping.

High Resolution Mapping

It creates detailed maps of groundwater features like fractures, porous zones, and aquifers, essential for exploration and management.

Adaptive to various Terrain

tTEM can be used across many terrains, from flat land to rugged areas, with minimal environmental impact.

Principle of Operation

sTEM uses time-domain electromagnetic (TEM) signals, sending out a current pulse and measuring how long it takes for the signal to return after interacting with subsurface materials. The resistivity varies based on water content—water-rich zones have lower resistivity, helping identify aquifers and water-bearing fractures.

Deep Penetration

sTEM provides deep subsurface penetration, ideal for investigating groundwater systems or aquifers located hundreds of meters below the surface.

Targeting Deep Aquifers & Water Zones

Stationary sTEM surveys allow for detailed analysis of specific groundwater layers and deep aquifers, where tTEM may be less effective.

Realtime Data Collection

Data is processed in real time, mapping the resistivity profile of the subsurface and identifying groundwater boundaries, flow characteristics, and water quality. This is useful for assessing resources, planning well installation, or detecting saltwater intrusion.

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Well siting with a tTEM in Tanzania

Case Study - Searching for groundwater in Western Tanzania

Well siting in Tanzania

The HydroGeophysics Group, at Aarhus University carried out well siting campaign western Tanzania, where a two day tTEM survey in the village Makere ended up with recommendation of two sites well locations. The first target was a location with a potential for a thick unconfined aquifer to be present, while the second target was a confined aquifer system at greater depth, present in boreholes from nearby villages. The tTEM survey confirmed the extension of the system.

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Insight from research papers

Innovative Research in Applied Geophysics

Characterizing the diverse hydrogeology underlying rivers and estuaries using new floating transient electromagnetic methodology (2020)

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Technical note: Efficient imaging of hydrological units below lakes and fjords with a floating, transient electromagnetic (FloaTEM) system (2022)

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High resolution 3D subsurface mapping using a towed transient electromagnetic system - tTEM: case studies (2020)

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FROM GROUNDWATER TO PERMAFROST: INNOVATIVE INSIGHTS

Explore Applications

Managed Aquifer Recharge

Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is a way of replenishing underground water supplies by intentionally storing water in aquifers. This is done by directing surface water, stormwater, or treated wastewater into the ground.

Fractured Hard Rock

Fractured hard rock refers to rock types like granite or basalt that have cracked or broken due to natural processes such as tectonic movements, weathering, or even drilling.

Borehole Siting - Togo

Saltwater Intrusion

Saltwater intrusion happens when seawater enters freshwater aquifers or coastal groundwater systems. This is caused by over-extraction of groundwater, rising sea levels, and natural changes.

Weathered Bedrock

Weathered bedrock is the layer of rock beneath the soil that has undergone various weathering processes, including chemical, physical, and biological breakdown.

Permafrost Mapping

Permafrost is ground that remains frozen for at least two consecutive years, consisting of soil, rock, and organic material bound by ice. Found in polar and high-altitude regions.