Groundwater exploration by magnetotelluric method within the birimian rocks of mankessim, Ghana

Abstract

AbstractThe Magnetotelluric (MT) geophysical method has successfully been applied in groundwater exploration within the Birimian rocks of Mankessim. The technique has provided information on the rocks and structural relationships within the investigative depth of up to 300 m for hydrogeological purposes. The method provides information on the aquiferous zone and the general depth of burial. The study revealed that the resistivity of the subsurface materials within the study area ranges from 0.1 Ωm to 4.0 Ωm. The study shows that the groundwater occurrence in the area is mainly controlled by fractured and weathered zones. It is highly possible to encounter groundwater at the saprock zone. This zone is fractured and weathered zones sandwiched by the overburden and the bedrock. The static water level of the study area is about 25 m. This shallow depth makes the groundwater resource prone to contamination through anthropogenic activities such as the application of agrochemicals and the use of pit latrine which are common practices in the study area. The MT method is effective in the exploration of groundwater within the sedimentary environment.