Contribution of vertical electric sounding, Landsat 8 and SRTM images to hydrogeological characterization: case study of Batié, West-Cameroon

Abstract

The objective of this study is to carry out a hydrogeological mapping of the study area in order to precisely identify the favorable zones to the implantation of boreholes and water wells. This is with a view to optimizing success with the realization of catchment works and thus solves the problem of water shortage in the locality. The study area is covered by trachyte to the north and biotite granite which largely dominates the site and major NE-SW direction lineaments which correspond to the hydrographic network and are considered as fractures. Geological models from 1 and 2D inversions of electrical resistivity made it possible to visualize deep fractured rocks and consequently the different levels of aquifers. The study area is characterized by three domains, namely, a domain with high hydrogeological potential, characterized by hydraulic conductivity between 9.3817 and 2.7956 m/J, porosity between 35.5 and 28%, transmissivity between 232.34 and 27.36 m²/J, longitudinal conductivity between 0.298 and 0.046 Ω⁻¹, transverse resistance varying between 324.0566 and 2469.663 Ω/m², reflection coefficient between − 0.976 and − 0.321, and geoelectric anomalies essentially of types H, KH, and HKH; a second domain with average hydrogeological potential, characterized by hydraulic conductivity between 1.054 and 2.795 m/J, porosity between 25.74 and 30%, transmissivity between 27.36 and 16.42 m²/J, longitudinal conductivity varying between 0. 046 and 0.028 Ω⁻¹, transverse resistance lower than 37,460.7 Ω/m², reflection coefficient between − 0.321 and − 0.016, and geoelectric anomalies essentially of types H, KH, HKH, KHK, Q, and K; and a third range of low hydrogeological potential, characterized by hydraulic conductivity less than 1.45 m/J, porosity less than 24%, transmissivity of less than 16.43 m²/J, longitudinal conductivity less than 0.028 Ω⁻¹, reflection coefficient greater than − 0.16, and characterized by anomalies of types Q, HK, and K. The area with high hydrogeological potential is where the lineaments most closely correspond to fractures. Its characteristics make it a favorable domain for any hydraulic engineering project.