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Quantitative characterization to construct hard rock lithological model using dual resistivity borehole logging

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Abstract

Borehole logging is a very robust tool to accurately locate transitions between weathered layers and fractures in hard rock settings; therefore, it can help substantially in the construction of regional and local hydrogeological models. A simple and low-cost resistivity probe, named dual resistivity logger (DRL), was experimented to map the formation resistivity at two investigation distances by means of three active electrodes. Forward response of DRL was analysed on the synthetic data generated for a conceptual hard rock hydrogeological model as well as tested at two field sites in hard rock aquifers of southern India. The DRL was proven efficient in demarcating the aquifer into successive hydrogeological zones, i.e. the laminated-fissured (L-F), the fissured-semi-fissured (F-SF), and semi-fissured-basement (SF-B) layers. The results were verified by comparison with well lithologs based on rock cuttings and temperature logging. The DRL has proven its ability to locate the hydraulically active fractures as well as contacts between weathered layers. It offers a simple but efficient way to acquire underground data for building hydrogeological models.

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Acknowledgments

This study has been carried out at the Indo-French Centre for Groundwater Research (IFCGR), a joint centre of NGRI, India and BRGM, France. The authors wish to thank the Ministry of External Affairs of both countries for their kind support and cooperation. We are thankful to the Director, NGRI, Hyderabad for his support, encouragement and according permission to publish this paper. We acknowledge SOERE H+ network for its help on the EHP Choutuppal site development. Special thanks to Sri RSK Srinivasulu, Engineer and Mr. Anil Kumar for fabricating the DRL probe at NGRI. The valuable discussions and support extended by Dr. Jerome Perrin, Dr. D.V Reddy, Dr. Surendra Atal, Dr. E. Nagaiah, W. Mohamed, Mohd Ahmeduddin, P. Raghvendra, and V. Zaphu are sincerely acknowledged. Finally, we would like to express thanks to the anonymous reviewer and editor for their critical reviews and valuable suggestions, which improved the paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute, Indo-French Centre for Groundwater Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India

    Subash Chandra & Shakeel Ahmed

  2. BRGM, D3E/NRE, Indo-French Centre for Groundwater Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, 500007, India

    Alexandre Boisson

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  1. Subash Chandra
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Correspondence to Subash Chandra.

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Chandra, S., Boisson, A. & Ahmed, S. Quantitative characterization to construct hard rock lithological model using dual resistivity borehole logging. Arab J Geosci 8, 3685–3696 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1448-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-014-1448-1

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