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Joint application of satellite remote sensing, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and resistivity techniques for targeting ground water in fractured Ophiolites of South Andaman Island, India

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Abstract

The Ophiolitic complex of the study area oriented in N–S direction, having moderate to steep slopes of the topography and characterized by strong heterogeneity, repetitive deformations and multiple intrusions. Ophiolites of the study area encompass the major groundwater-bearing zones. Generally, these formations have shallower fractured aquifers of a thickness 30–45 m and sometimes due to deep tensile fractures the thickness of aquifer exceeds more than 60 m with a considerable groundwater yield. A joint venture of satellite remote sensing, geoelectrical resistivity and ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques has been used to assess the groundwater potential of the fractured Ophiolites. The interpreted resistivity inversion model and GPR results were incorporated with borehole lithologs for their subsurface properties and structural variations. The integration of using multiple techniques has increased the accuracy of interpretation, and thus conflated results significantly rendered the existence of weathered and fractured zone having hydrogeological importance. Based on the parameters, viz., geoelectrical properties of layers, reflection configuration, thickness of weathered and fractured aquifer zone, a typical aquifer model for the study area that contains various layers and subtle structural variation has been developed. Further, the derived integrated geophysical data also detail on various lithological characteristics and advances the understanding about aquifer systems of fractured Ophiolites and the distribution of groundwater in fractures.

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Acknowledgments

This work was accomplished under the Ph.D. research grant (PU/CE/E9/PHD/2009-10) funded by Pondicherry University to the first author. The first author is thankful to Geo Foundation and Structures (P) Ltd, Port Blair, Military Engineering Service, Port Blair, for providing him a great opportunity to work on some pivotal projects and experience with these organizations immensely improved this research work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Disaster Management, Pondicherry University, Port Blair, 744103, India

    Shrikant Maury & S. Balaji

  2. National Geophysical Research Institute (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research), Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India

    R. K. Tiwari

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  1. Shrikant Maury
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Correspondence to Shrikant Maury.

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Maury, S., Tiwari, R.K. & Balaji, S. Joint application of satellite remote sensing, ground penetrating radar (GPR) and resistivity techniques for targeting ground water in fractured Ophiolites of South Andaman Island, India. Environ Earth Sci 75, 237 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-015-5007-1

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