Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The increasing demand for groundwater resources in urban areas has necessitated the development and application of advanced geophysical techniques for efficient exploration and management. This thesis focuses on the application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for groundwater exploration in urban areas. The study aims to investigate the potential of ERT in mapping subsurface structures and delineating groundwater resources within urban environments. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, highlighting the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, and the structure of the thesis. The chapter also includes a definition of key terms related to the research. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key areas related to ERT, groundwater exploration, urban hydrogeology, geophysical techniques, data interpretation methods, and case studies. This section provides a solid foundation for understanding the principles and applications of ERT in groundwater exploration. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology employed in this study, including data collection procedures, survey design, equipment used, data processing techniques, and interpretation methods. The chapter also discusses the challenges encountered during the fieldwork and the strategies adopted to overcome them. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings obtained from the ERT surveys conducted in urban areas. The results are analyzed and interpreted to map subsurface structures, identify potential groundwater zones, and assess the hydrogeological characteristics of the study area. The chapter also compares the ERT results with existing hydrogeological data to validate the findings. In Chapter Five, the conclusions drawn from the study are summarized, and the implications of the research findings are discussed. Recommendations for future research and practical applications of ERT in urban groundwater exploration are provided. The thesis concludes with a summary of the key findings and contributions of this research. Overall, this thesis contributes to the advancement of geophysical techniques for groundwater exploration in urban areas. By demonstrating the effectiveness of ERT in mapping subsurface structures and identifying groundwater resources, this study provides valuable insights for sustainable water resource management in urban environments. The findings of this research are relevant to geophysicists, hydrogeologists, urban planners, and policymakers involved in groundwater resource management and urban development.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Groundwater Exploration in Urban Areas" aims to investigate the effectiveness of using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) as a geophysical tool for groundwater exploration in urban areas. Groundwater is a vital resource for sustaining urban populations, and its exploration and management are crucial for ensuring water security. However, the complex hydrogeological conditions in urban areas, such as anthropogenic activities, infrastructure development, and contamination risks, pose challenges to traditional groundwater exploration methods. Electrical Resistivity Tomography is a non-invasive geophysical technique that can provide valuable insights into subsurface conditions by measuring the electrical resistivity of various geological materials. By applying ERT in urban areas, this research seeks to assess its capabilities in mapping subsurface groundwater distribution, delineating aquifer structures, and identifying potential contamination sources. The project will begin with a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the principles of ERT, its applications in hydrogeology, and previous studies that have utilized ERT for groundwater exploration in different settings. This literature review will provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the capabilities and limitations of ERT in urban groundwater exploration. The research methodology will involve field surveys using ERT equipment at selected urban sites with known groundwater challenges. Data collected from ERT surveys will be processed and interpreted to create 2D or 3D models of the subsurface, highlighting potential groundwater zones, aquifer characteristics, and any anomalies that may indicate contamination sources. The findings of this study will be discussed in detail, focusing on the effectiveness of ERT in mapping groundwater resources in urban areas, the challenges encountered during data collection and interpretation, and the implications for sustainable groundwater management practices. The discussion will also address the integration of ERT results with other hydrogeological data sources to enhance the accuracy and reliability of the findings. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute to the advancement of geophysical techniques for urban groundwater exploration by evaluating the applicability of Electrical Resistivity Tomography in complex urban environments. The insights gained from this study are expected to provide valuable information for urban planners, water resource managers, and policymakers involved in groundwater resource assessment and management in urban areas.