Application of Electrical Resistivity Imaging for Groundwater Exploration in a Coastal Region

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis focuses on the application of Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) for groundwater exploration in a coastal region. Groundwater is a vital natural resource essential for human activities, agriculture, and ecosystem sustainability. However, the coastal regions face challenges due to the complex hydrogeological settings, including saltwater intrusion and limited freshwater availability. The use of geophysical methods, such as ERI, offers a non-invasive and cost-effective approach to characterizing the subsurface and locating potential groundwater resources. The study begins with an introduction (Chapter 1) that provides an overview of the research background, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. The literature review (Chapter 2) delves into ten key aspects related to groundwater exploration, geophysical techniques, ERI principles, and previous studies on coastal groundwater investigations. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, which includes a detailed description of the data collection process, ERI survey design, data processing techniques, interpretation methods, and quality control measures. Additionally, it covers aspects such as site selection criteria, equipment used, survey parameters, and modeling approaches. The findings and discussions (Chapter 4) present the results obtained from the ERI surveys conducted in the coastal region. The interpretation of subsurface resistivity distributions, identification of potential groundwater zones, delineation of saltwater intrusion, and comparison with existing hydrogeological data are discussed comprehensively. The implications of the findings on groundwater exploration and management strategies in coastal regions are also addressed. Finally, Chapter 5 provides the conclusion and summary of the thesis, highlighting the key findings, implications, limitations, and recommendations for future research. The study demonstrates the efficacy of ERI in mapping subsurface resistivity variations, identifying freshwater-saltwater interfaces, and delineating potential groundwater resources in coastal regions. The results contribute to the understanding of hydrogeological processes in such settings and offer valuable insights for sustainable groundwater management practices. In conclusion, this thesis emphasizes the importance of geophysical methods, particularly ERI, in addressing the challenges of groundwater exploration in coastal regions. The integration of geophysical surveys with hydrogeological data enhances the characterization of subsurface aquifers and informs decision-making for sustainable water resource management. The findings of this study have implications for coastal communities, water resource planners, and environmental stakeholders seeking to optimize groundwater exploration efforts in challenging coastal environments.