Integrated electromagnetic survey for groundwater exploration: case study at El-Minya, western desert of Egypt

Abstract

ABSTRACT The determination of groundwater potentiality is one of the most significant challenges in hydro-geophysical research, especially in arid areas with limited water resources. A geophysical survey was carried out in the northwest of El-Minya Governorate to investigate the groundwater aquifer. A total of 20 controlled source audio-magnetotelluric (CSAMT) and 20 time domain electromagnetic soundings (TEM) were surveyed along two parallel profiles with station spacing varying between 500 and 2000 m. The CSAMT data was acquired using a hybrid source of low frequency band (0.1 Hz – 1 KHz) and standard high frequency band (10 Hz- 100 KHz). For the TEM survey, a coincident loop of side length of 50 m was used. The results of the integrated interpretation of both data sets (TEM and CSAMT) show a good consistency in the conductivity distribution. However, inspection of the results of the cross section indicates that two to three geoelectrical layers can be recognised in the subsurface medium. The area’s water potentiality is divided into two levels: the first begins immediately beneath the rock cap at depths of over 50 m and reaches nearly 200 m in some spots. The second level begins at a depth of 250 m and continues to a depth of 500 m.