Subsurface Characterization of the Al-Hassa National Park, Eastern Saudi Arabia, Using Multi-Geophysical Methods

Abstract

Al-Hassa, located in eastern Saudi Arabia, hosts the world’s largest oasis and naturally irrigated land. Historically, 280 natural springs irrigated farms, with varying water quality suggesting a complex subsurface regime. To explore this, a multi-geophysical approach was applied in a remote part of the Al-Hassa National Park, where minimum cultural noise from agricultural and industrial activities is present. Five geophysical methods—210 gravity stations, a 3.6 km magnetic profile, 46 magnetotelluric (MT), six audio-magnetotelluric (AMT), and 35 transient electromagnetic (TEM) stations—were acquired to reconstruct a 3D subsurface model. Processing and integration of gravity and electromagnetic data revealed a complex underground structure with lateral resistivity (p_r) discontinuities, a possible salt dome structure, and fracture zones affecting groundwater flow. Key findings include low-resistivity anomalies indicating potential basins filled with low-density (p_d) sediments and high-resistivity zones suggesting basement rocks. The MT model reaches 4.5 km depth (z), while the 2D gravity model extends to 1.8 km. Low-resistivity zones in the MT data correlate with high-potential aquifers. The comparison of the gravity, TEM, and MT data showed good agreement, confirming the subsurface features. These results indicate significant hydrogeological complexity, impacting groundwater management and resource exploration. This comprehensive modeling approach provides insights into the qualitative hydrogeological characteristics and deeper subsurface conditions, potentially impacting the world’s largest conventional oilfield, Ghawar, located in the vicinity of the study area (A).