Application of Resistivity Imaging in the Assessment of Groundwater in Areas of Springs

A 2D Earth Resistivity Imaging (ERI) survey was conducted in selected water springs areas in the northern region of the United Arab Emirates to assess the available groundwater resources and the possibilities of their rehabilitation for recreational activities. Drilling information of the existing monitoring wells as well as their records of water table elevations and groundwater salinity were used to measure the horizontal and vertical variations in lithology and degree of saturation. The interpretation results of the resistivity data were used to define the potentiality of the fractured limestone and ophiolites aquifer as a strategic resource and determine the location of new production wells. The ERI method was very successful in detecting water-filled fractures and cavities in both of the carbonate and ophiolites aquifers. The results indicated the feasibility of further development of Khatt spring in the carbonate aquifer and Madab spring in the ophiolite aquifer. Results confirmed that the rehabilitation of the Al Ghomur as a recreational spring is feasible.