Geophysical prospection for sustainable groundwater management: strategies for regional water resource optimization

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Published: 2025-12-12
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-9298

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Allex Raiol Cardoso Medeiros
GeoProspecto Solutions in Geophysics Company Inc. (GEOPROSPECTO), Pará, Brazil
Franklim Roberto Lima dos Santos
GeoProspecto Solutions in Geophysics Company Inc. (GEOPROSPECTO), Pará, Brazil
Willianny Carolina Castellanos Veracierta
GeoProspecto Solutions in Geophysics Company Inc. (GEOPROSPECTO), Pará, Brazil
Herson Rocha
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Polytechnical Institute (IPOLI), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
João Andrade dos Reis Júnior
Federal Rural University of Amazônia (UFRA), Campus Capanema, Pará, Brazil

Abstract

This study employs an integrated geophysical approach, combining Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) with Dipole-Dipole, Pole-Dipole, and Pole-Pole arrays and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with a Schlumberger array, to delineate groundwater resources in the municipality of Sucupira do Norte, Maranhão, Brazil, a region with water scarcity. The survey successfully identified three aquifer
units: a shallow unconfined aquifer (<35 m depth; 10 to 100 Ω∙m) considered unsuitable for use due to the risk of contamination, and two deeper confined aquifers. Aquifer B was identified at depths of 60 to 90 m, with resistivity values of 500 to 600 Ω∙m, while the main target, Aquifer C, was found at depths of 140 to 190 m, with lower resistivity values of 50 to 100 Ω∙m, indicative of water-saturated sandstones within the Pedra de Fogo Formation. Based on these results, two specific drilling locations were defined, with recommended depths of 160 m and 270 m to ensure sustainable production. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of integrating Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) to reduce uncertainty in exploration and provide a robust
strategy for the sustainable management of groundwater in drought-prone regions.

Article Details

Issue

Vol. 68 No. 6 (2025)

Section

Near Surface Geophysics
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How to Cite

(1)
Cardoso Medeiros, A. R.; Lima dos Santos, F. R.; Castellanos Veracierta, W. C.; Rocha, H.; dos Reis Júnior, J. A. Geophysical Prospection for Sustainable Groundwater Management: Strategies for Regional Water Resource Optimization. Ann. Geophys. 2025, 68 (6), NS692. https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-9298.

References