Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Application of electrical and electromagnetic data to delineate shallow aquifer zones: a case study of Vea catchment, Ghana

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Access to groundwater for use in semi-arid regions is costly due to consistent failures in borehole drilling programs attributable to either a survey not carried out before drilling or incorrectly interpreted geophysical results. Thus, this study aims at delineating the geometry of the shallow weathered crystalline basement aquifer of the Vea catchment, northern Ghana, to aid in the assessment of its groundwater storage potential. Integrated electromagnetic and electrical resistivity surveys within the study area and borehole logs were integrated to delineate the aquifer zones of the study area. The study results revealed the interface between the bedrock and the overlying weathered subsurface as the most transmissive aquifer zone, with the saturated weathered subsurface making up 90% of the total volume of aquifers in the subsurface. The aquifer material in this zone predominantly includes varying proportions of sandy clay and weathered granite, with apparent resistivity ranging from 100 to 500 Ωm in the subsurface. Also, the results indicated that the weathered bedrock interface is irregular, and the water strike zone of the shallow aquifer in the weathered zone mimics the water table and the landscape of the area. Therefore, the study findings could improve the success rate of borehole drilling within the catchment and similar geological terrains.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

Data will be made available on request.

References

  • ABEM (2012) Terrameter LS—Instruction manual. ABEM Instrument AB, Sundbyberg, Sweden, p 122

  • Adiat KAN, Olayanju GM, Omosuyi GO, Ako BD (2009) Electromagnetic profiling and electrical resistivity soundings in groundwater investigation of a typical basement complex – a case study of Oda town, southwestern Nigeria. Ozean J Social Sci 2(4):333–359

    Google Scholar 

  • Agyekum WA (2009) Application of geophysical borehole logging for hydrogeological studies in northern Ghana [Unpublished doctoral dissertation]. Univ. of Ghana, Legon

  • Ahmed K, Shahid S, Bin Harun S, Ismail T, Nawaz N, Shamsudin S (2015) Assessment of groundwater potential zones in an arid region based on catastrophe theory. Earth Sci Inform 8:539–549. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12145-014-0173-3

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alam K, Ahmad N (2014) Determination of aquifer geometry through geophysical methods: a case study from Quetta Valley, Pakistan. Acta Geophysica 62(1):142–163. https://doi.org/10.2478/s11600-013-0171-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aquaveo LLC (2022) GMS version 10.7 user manual - Modflow - generating data from solids, Retrieved from: https://s3.amazonaws.com/gmstutorials-10.7.aquaveo.com/MODFLOW-GeneratingDataFromSolids.pdf. 17/12/2022

  • Araffa SAS (2013) Delineation of groundwater aquifer and subsurface structures on North Cairo, Egypt, using integrated interpretation of magnetic, gravity, geoelectrical and geochemical data. Geophys J Int 192:94–112. https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggs008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Athanasiou EN, Tsourlos PI, Papazachos CB, Tsokas GN (2007) Combined weighted inversion of electrical resistivity data arising from different array types. J Appl Geophys 62(2):124–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barker RD (1992) A simple algorithm for electrical imaging of the subsurface. First Break 10(2):53–62

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barry B, Kortatsi B, Forkuor G, Gumma MK, Namara R, Rebelo LM, van den Berg J, Laube W (2010) Shallow groundwater in the Atankwidi catchment of the White Volta basin: current status and future sustainability. IWMI Res Rep 139:24p

    Google Scholar 

  • Bohidar RN, Sullivan JP, Hermance JF (2001) Delineating depth to bedrock beneath shallow unconfined aquifers: a gravity transects across the Palmer River Basin. Groundwater 39(5):729–736

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carrier MA, Lefebvre R, Racicot J, Asare E (2008a) Northern Ghana hydrogeological Assessment Project. In: 33rd WEDC International Conference on Access to Sanitation and Safe Water: Global partnership and local actions. Accra, Ghana, pp 353–361. http://espace.inrs.ca/id/eprint/4764/1/S2154%20.pdf. Accessed Feb 2023

  • Carrier MA, Lefebvre R, Asare EB (2008b) Groundwater recharge assessment in northern Ghana using soil moisture balance and chloride mass balance. In: Proceedings of the 61st Canadian Geotechnical Conference and 9th Joint CGS/IAH-CNC Groundwater Conference, Edmonton, AB, Canada, 21–24 Sept. 2008, pp 1437-1444. Accessed Jan 2023

  • Carrión-Mero P, Quiñonez-Barzola X, Morante-Carballo F, Javier Montalván FJ, Herrera-Franco G, Plaza-Úbeda J (2021) Geometric model of a coastal aquifer to promote the sustainable use of water. Manglaralto, Ecuador. Water 13(923):1–17. https://doi.org/10.3390/w13070923

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Courtois N, Lachassagne P, Wyns R, Blanchin R, Bougaire FD, Some S, Tapsoba A (2010) Large-scale mapping of hard-rock aquifer properties applied to Burkina Faso. Groundwater 48(2):268–283. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2009.00620.x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dapaah-Siakwan S, Gyau-Boakye P (2000) Hydrogeological framework and borehole yields in Ghana. Hydrogeol J 8:405–416

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darko PK, Krasny J (2003) Quantitative limits for groundwater exploitation under natural conditions in southwest Ghana. Proceedings of the IAH International Conference on Groundwater in fractured rocks, Czech Republic, 15-19 Sept. 2003. pp 141-142. https://iah-usa.org/wp-content/uploads/newsletter/june03.pdf. Accessed 2 Jan 2023

  • Dey A, Morrison HF (1979) Resistivity modeling for arbitrarily shaped three-dimensional structures. Geophysics 44:753–780

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dobrin MB (1976) Introduction to geophysical prospecting, 3rd edn. McGraw-Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Driscoll FG (1986) Groundwater and wells, 2nd edn. U. S. Filter/Johnson Screens, Minnesota, p 1089

    Google Scholar 

  • Edmunds WM, Smedley PL (2005) Chapter 12: fluoride in natural waters. In: Selinus O (ed) Essentials of medical geology. Elsevier Academic Press, London, pp 301–329

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Arabi HS (2007) Introduction of geophysics, Suez Canal University Faculty of Science. [Online] Available at: https://geologyscience.com/general-geology/geophysical-methods/. Accessed: 7/12/2020

  • Engineering Toolbox (2013) Soil - resistivity. [Online] Available at: https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/soil-resistivity-d_1865.html. Accessed 24/09/2019

  • Ewusi A, Seidu J (2018) Hydrogeology of the Basin Granitoid in the Sekyere South District of Ashanti Region, Ghana. J Geosci Environ Protect 6:252–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Freeze RA, Cherry JA (1979) Groundwater. Prentice-Hall Inc, Englewood Cliffs, p 604

    Google Scholar 

  • Golla V, Badapalli PK, Telkar SK (2022) Delineation of groundwater potential zones in semi-arid region(Ananatapuram) using geospatial techniques. Mater Today: Proc 50:600–606. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.02.239. Accessed 4 March 2023

  • Griffiths DH, Barker RD (1993) Two-dimensional resistivity imaging and modelling in areas of complex geology. J Appl Geophys 29:211–226

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kearey P, Brooks M (2002) An introduction to geophysical exploration, 3rd edn. Blackwell Science Ltd, UK, p 281

    Google Scholar 

  • Kesse GO (1985) The mineral and rock resources of Ghana. A. A. Balkema, Rotterdam

    Google Scholar 

  • Koffi KV, Obuobie E, Banning A, Wohnlich S (2017) Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and surface water for domestic and irrigation purposes in Vea catchment, Northern Ghana. J Environ Earth Sci 76:185. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6490-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Krasny J (1993) Classification of transmissivity, magnitude and variation. Groundwater 31(2):230–236

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krishna GM, Prasad TS, Bubacar B (2010) Delineating shallow ground water irrigated areas in the Atankwidi watershed (Northern Ghana, Burkina Faso) using Quickbird 0.61–2.44 m data. Afr J Environ Sci Technol 4(7):455–464

    Google Scholar 

  • Lachassagne P, Wyms R, Berard P, Bruel T, Chery L, Coutant T, Desprats JF, Le Srat P (2001) Exploitation of high yields in hard rock aquifers: downscaling methodology combining GIS and multicriteria analysis to delineate field prospecting zones. Groundwater 39(4):568–581

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Landon MK, Morita AY, Nawikas JM, Christensen AH, Faunt CC, Langenheim VE (2015) Aquifer geometry, lithology, and water levels in the Anza–Terwilliger Area—2013, Riverside and San Diego Counties, California. U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2015–5131, p 30. https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20155131

  • Limaye SD (2010) Sustainable groundwater development in hard rock aquifers in low-income countries and the role of UNESCO-IUGS-IGCP Project “GROWNET.” Iran J Earth Sci 2:1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH (2011) Tutorial: 2-D and 3-D electrical imaging surveys. Geotomo Publishers, Texas, p 136p

    Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH, Barker RD (1996a) Practical techniques for 3D resistivity surveys and data inversion. Geophys Prospect 44:499–523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Loke MH, Barker RD (1996b) Rapid least-squares inversion of apparent resistivity pseudosections using a quasi - Newton method. Geophys Prospect 44:131–152

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Madhnure P, Rao Peddi N, Rao Allani D (2016) An integrated hydrogeological study to support sustainable development and management of groundwater resources: a case study from the Precambrian Crystalline Province, India. Hydrogeol J 24:475–487. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-015-1342-2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maliva RG, Guo W, Missimer TM (2006) Aquifer storage and recovery: recent hydrogeological advances and system performance. Water Environ Res 78(13):2428–2435

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin N, van de Giesen N (2005) Spatial distribution of groundwater production and development potential in the Volta River Basin of Ghana and Burkina Faso. Water Int 30(2):239–249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nyarkoh CP (2009) Assessment of groundwater potential in the Ankobra River Basin [Unpublished master’s thesis]. Dept. of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

    Google Scholar 

  • Nyquist JE, Peake JS, Roth MJS (2007) Comparison of an optimized resistivity array with dipole-dipole sounding in karst terrain. Geophysics 72(4):139–144

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okrah C, Danuor SK, Dapaah-Siakwan S (2012) Groundwater exploration in the granitic rock formation of Komenda/Edina/Aguafo/Abirem District using integrated geophysical techniques. J Ghana Sci Assoc 14(2):56–72

    Google Scholar 

  • Salem HA, Gemail KS, Nosair AM (2020) A multidisciplinary approach for delineating wastewater flow paths in shallow groundwater aquifers: a case study in the southeastern part of the Nile Delta, Egypt. J Contam Hydrology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jconhyd.2020.103701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sikah JN, Aning AA, Danuor SK, Manu E, Okrah C (2016) Groundwater exploration using 1D and 2D electrical resistivity methods. J Environ Earth Sci 6(7):55–63

    Google Scholar 

  • Software G (2002) Surfer 10.0 user’s guide - contouring and 3D surface mapping for scientists and engineers, 8th edn. Golden Software Inc, Golden

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor RG, Scanlon B, Döll P, Rodell M, Van Beek R, Wada Y, Longuevergne L, Leblanc M, Famiglietti JS, Edmunds M (2013) Groundwater and climate change. Nat Clim Chang 3(4):322–329

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Telford WM, Geldart LP, Sheriff RE (1990) Applied geophysics, 2nd edn. Cambridge Univ. Press, UK, p 760p

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Tong L, Yang C (1990) Incorporation of topography into two-dimensional resistivity inversion. Geophysics 55:354–361

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Uhlemann SS, Sorensen JPR, House AR, Wilkinson PB, Roberts C, Gooddy DC, Binley AM, Chambers JE (2016) Integrated time-lapse geoelectrical imaging of wetland hydrological processes. Water Resour Res 52:1607–1625. https://doi.org/10.1002/2015WR017932

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • WRC (Water Resources Commission) (2011) Hydrogeological Assessment Project of the Northern Regions of Ghana (HAP). Final Technical Report, vol 1. SNC-Lavalin International, CIDA, p 236

    Google Scholar 

  • Zaheeruddin, Khurshid S (2004) Aquifer geometry and hydrochemical framework of the shallow alluvial aquifers in the western part of the Yamuna River Basin, India. Water Qual. Res. J. Canada 39(2):129–139

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was partly supported by the CSIR-Water Research Institute (WRI), Accra-Ghana. The authors appreciate the management of UPGro and Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) of Upper East Region of Ghana for data support. We also appreciate Dr. Sebastian Uhlemann, Mr. James Sorensen, and Dr. David M.J. Macdonald for their constructive comments as well as Mr. Samuel Guug and Prof. Rosalind Cornforth for their diverse contributions and motivation. We hereby declare that the content of this article is solely the opinion of the authors based on the field observation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geological Engineering Department, College of Engineering, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

    Collins Okrah & Emmanuel K. Appiah-Adjei

  2. Civil Engineering Department, College of Engineering, KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

    Frederick Owusu-Nimo

  3. CSIR-Water Research Institute, P. O. Box AH38, Accra, Ghana

    Collins Okrah & William A. Agyekum

Authors
  1. Collins Okrah
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Emmanuel K. Appiah-Adjei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Frederick Owusu-Nimo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. William A. Agyekum
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

CO, EKAA, WAA, and FON: idea conception/design; CO and WAA: organized the field trip; CO and WAA: fieldwork/data analysis; EKAA: verified the data; CO, EKAA, and WAA: data interpretation; CO: wrote the article; FON and WAA: proofread the write-up; EKAA: critically reviewed the article and supervised the research. All authors read and approved the final article.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Collins Okrah.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Narasimman Sundararajan

We confirm that this article has not been published elsewhere, nor currently under consideration for publication elsewhere.

Supplementary Information

Below is the link to the electronic supplementary material.

Supplementary file1 (DOCX 1276 KB)

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Okrah, C., Appiah-Adjei, E.K., Owusu-Nimo, F. et al. Application of electrical and electromagnetic data to delineate shallow aquifer zones: a case study of Vea catchment, Ghana. Arab J Geosci 17, 182 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-024-11987-4

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-024-11987-4

Keywords

Search

Navigation