Application of Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Groundwater Exploration in Urban Areas

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.