Groundwater detection using resistivity at Nubutautau village in Viti Levu in Fiji

Maharaj, Ronald and Kumar, Sushil and Rollings, Nicholas and Antoniou, Andreas (2023) Groundwater detection using resistivity at Nubutautau village in Viti Levu in Fiji. Water, 15 (23). NA. ISSN 2073-4441

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Abstract

A geophysical method, electrical resistivity tomography, was applied to identify potential groundwater-bearing zones around Nubutautau village on Viti Levu island, Fiji. Apparent resistivity data of the subsurface were collected through an electrode assembly along survey lines by injecting current into the subsurface using an ABEM Terrameter LS2. The apparent resistivity data were inverted using Res2DINVx64 software to produce the final electrical resistivity through an iterative process to compare the resistivity of layers and draw analogical hydrogeological results. Analysis revealed the presence of two potential groundwater-bearing zones as potential targets for future drilling. The two targets indicated the presence of potentially saturated vertical fractures through which infiltrating rainwater percolates through the volcanic rock towards a deeper basal aquifer. The identification of the two potential targets demonstrated great potential of this geophysical technique to effectively inform drilling operations. A scientific approach can increase the successful delivery of water security interventions in remote, drought-prone communities of the Pacific.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Divisions:	School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences (SAGEONS) School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics (STEMP)
Depositing User:	Ms Shalni Sanjana
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2023 02:52
Last Modified:	01 Dec 2023 03:16
URI:	https://repository.usp.ac.fj/id/eprint/14328

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