Two-dimensional electrical resistivity study of the basement aquifers of the Moshupa Wellfield area, Botswana

Journal article

Authors/Editors

Shemang, Elisha

Research Areas

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Frascati classification)

Publication Details

Subtitle: Two-dimensional electrical resistivity study of the basement aquifers of the Moshupa Wellfield area, Botswana

Author list: Shemang, Elisha

Publisher: Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Publication year: 2003

Volume number: 8

Issue number: 3

Start page: 179

End page: 186

Number of pages: 8

ISSN: 1083-1363

URL: https://library.seg.org/doi/abs/10.4133/JEEG8.3.179

Languages: English-United States (EN-US)

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Abstract

In the Moshupa Wellfield area of Botswana, fractured and weathered parts of the basement granitic rocks constitute the dominant local aquifers. Investigation of these aquifers was achieved using 2-D electrical resistivity imaging. The 2-D continuous vertical electrical sounding (CVES) techniques proved a significant advantage over the conventional vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique in that mapping of the subsurface was continuous along a profile. Three 2-D CVES profiles were undertaken in the area of study and the interpretations were used to identify areas with good prospects of finding groundwater in sufficient quantities for small-scale water supply development. Boreholes drilled in the area yielded groundwater in sufficient quantities (∼8 m3/h) to support small-scale domestic water supply and/or livestock and vegetable farming in the area. The results of this study indicate that the 2-D CVES is very useful in selecting borehole sites and if properly employed could greatly assist in choosing productive borehole locations, thus reducing financial losses associated with a poorer choice of boreholes location outside fractured regions.

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