Abstract
This study uses a geophysical technique to predict the future availability of water resources in Pakistan. When combined with pumping test data, this method can be used to delineate an aquifer system to determine the aquifer parameters, which can then be used for a region where pumping test data are not obtainable. For this purpose, an analytical relationship is applied with support from interpreted aquifer parameters and pumping test data. The results are verified by vertical electrical sounding (VES) in the Mandi Bahauddin District of Pakistan. Altogether, 28 sequences were carried out using the Schlumberger configuration, with the results showing that the subsurface formation consists of an alluvium lithology up to 183 m. The pumping tests of boreholes and VESs show that the aquifer strata include clay, silt, sand, kankar, and minor gravel mixed facies. The low hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity imply the presence of silt and clay, whereas high conductivity and transmissivity confirm the existence of sand or gravel. The results from pumping test data and resistivity data were used in a regression technique to develop a relationship for an aquifer system. The findings should contribute to the rapid estimation of the hydraulic properties of an aquifer and the rapid determination of aquifer characteristics.
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Acknowledgements
We would like to give special thanks for the support received from the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources.
Funding
This work was supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA20030301) and “Belt & Road” international cooperation team for the "Light of West" program of CAS (Su Lijun).
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Ullah, F., Su, LJ., Ullah, H. et al. Estimation of hydraulic parameters of an unconfined aquifer by using geoelectrical and pumping test data: a case study of the Mandi Bahauddin District, Pakistan. Arab J Geosci 13, 484 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05488-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05488-3