Aysha VES Interpretation Fi

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION
OF
AYSHA DAWALE INDUSTRIAL PARK
DRAFT REPORT
ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA
July , 2017
GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION OF AYSHA DAWALE INDUSTRIAL PARK
Contents
1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION ............................................................................................ 3
1.1. General......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.2. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) .......................................................................................... 3
1.2.1. Methodology........................................................................................................................... 3
1.2.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations ............................................................................... 4
1.2.3. Instrumentation ...................................................................................................................... 5
1.2.4. Objectives ................................................................................................................................ 6
2. Result Interpretation ...................................................................................................................... 7
2.1. Stacked plan maps of sliced depth sections ........................................................................... 7
2.2. Pseudo Depth section ................................................................................................................ 9
2.3. Geo-electric section .................................................................................................................. 11
2.4. Pseudo Depth along line -2 ..................................................................................................... 12
2.5. Geo-electric section .................................................................................................................. 13
4. Annex -1 interpreted VES curves with possible lithology ..................................................... 17
VES 1 .................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.4.2. VES 2 ........................................................................................................................................ 18
4.4.3. VES 3 ........................................................................................................................................ 19
4.4.4. VES 4 ........................................................................................................................................ 20
VES 5 .................................................................................................................................................. 21
Annex:2 Raw Data of Aysha ................................................................................................................ 23
Table of Figures
Figure 1 Schlumberger array electrode configuration; A & B are Current electrodes and M & N
are Potential electrodes ................................................................................................................... 5
Figure 2: VES Locations Map of Aysha Dawale............................................................................ 6
Figure 3: Stacked plot of sliced resistivity plan maps at various depth levels, successively
Larger current electrode separations around Aysha Dawale................................................ 9
Figure 4----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line ................................................ 10
Figure 5 ---: Geo-electric-section constructed along line ....................................................... 12
Figure 6----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line ................................................ 13
Figure 7--: Geo-electric-section constructed along line ......................................................... 14
Beles Engineering Page 2

1. GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION
1.1. General
The application of geophysical methods in hydrogeological problems is based on the
fact that groundwater conditions at a location are mainly described through
characterizing the existence and distribution of permeable layers (like sand, gravel,
fractured rock) and impermeable or low-permeable layers (like clay, till, solid rock) in
the subsurface.
To achieve a geophysical image of these underground structures, sufficient contrast of
physical properties is required. Density, electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, and
magnetic susceptibility (to some extent) are the most relevant petro-physical properties
used as diagnostic parameters in geophysical exploration for groundwater. The
influence of porosity, water saturation, and clay content on these petro-physical
properties is the key factor.
Owing to their intrinsic correlation to the aforementioned physical properties of
subsurface rocks, the geophysical methods chosen for this particular of project were
Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES).
1.2. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES)
1.2.1. Methodology
Geo-electrical methods are applied to map the resistivity structure of the ground under
the point of measurements. Rock resistivity is of special interest for hydro-geological
purposes. It allows discriminating between soft-rock, sandy aquifers and clayey
material; between hard rock porous/fractured aquifers and low-permeable clay stones
and marlstones; and between water-bearing fractured rock and its solid host rock.
Under favorable circumstances, the interface between fresh water and salt water.
Vertical electrical soundings are applied to a horizontally or approximately
horizontally-layered earth. Geological targets may be, for e.g., sedimentary rocks of
different lithologies, layered aquifers of different properties, sedimentary rocks

overlying igneous rocks, or the weathering zone of igneous rocks. In the most favorable
case, the number of layers, their thicknesses and resistivities are the outcome of a VES
survey.
The basic idea of resolving the vertical resistivity layering is to stepwise increase the
current-injecting electrodes spacing, which leads to an increasing penetration of the
current lines and in this way to an increasing influence of the deep-seated layers on the
apparent resistivity.
The step-wise measured apparent resistivities are plotted against the current electrode
spacing on a log/log scale and interpolated to a continuous apparent resistivity
measurements with increased current electrode spacing leading to increased
penetration depths of the injected current. Results are compiled in the sounding curve.
This plot is called a sounding curve that is the base of all data inversion to obtain the
resistivity/depth structure of the ground. In general, linear electrode configurations are
used for resistivity measurements. Common configurations are the Schlumberger,
Wenner, and Dipole-Dipole spreads. Because of practical and methodical advantages,
vertical electrical soundings mostly use the symmetrical Schlumberger configuration
where the voltage electrodes are closely spaced and fixed to the center of the array and
the current electrodes move outwards.
1.2.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations

In the current undertakings, the Schlumberger array has been employed for the Vertical
Electrical Sounding (VES) survey. As described above, in this configuration, the current
electrodes spacing (AB) is systematically increased about a central point - the sounding
point for deeper penetration. The survey lines and the sounding points have been
selected so as to evenly cover the interesting portions of the plains and transect possible
structural features.
Maximum half-current electrode separation (AB/2) of 750 m was used to map the
subsurface to the depths of potential water bearing horizons. Concurrent plotting of the

data on the field and studying the tendency of the curves was used to decide on the
adequacy of the current electrode spacing and monitoring the data quality.
A M N B
Figure 1 Schlumberger array electrode configuration; A & B are Current electrodes and M & N
are Potential electrodes
1.2.3. Instrumentation
The instrument used for the survey is state of the art German-made Lippmann 4 Point Light
10W earth resistivity meter. The high resolution GARMIN 60C GPS was used for position
location of important landmark and VES points.
The current survey was conducted along the selected lines at an average interval of 850m
between each sounding points in the study area.
Table 1 VES Locations
Name Easting Northing Elevation
VES 1 234069 1183591 741

VES 2 233715 1182406 752
VES 3 232953 1182892 746
VES 4 234385 1182088 741
VES 5 233367 1181784 755

Figure 2: VES Locations Map of Aysha Dawale
1.2.4. Objectives
The objective of the groundwater investigation project is to evaluate and quantify

the groundwater resource potential of the project area with emphasis on the
quaternary unconsolidated sediments, volcanic and Mesozoic sedimentary aquifers of
the area. The geophysical survey is, therefore, aimed at providing information that
supplements the overall objective of the groundwater investigation. In particular,
the geophysical investigation was conducted with the following specific objectives
sand & gravel)

The main objectives of the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) resistivity surveys are:
 To determine different lithological and/or hydrogeological units according to
their resistivity contrasts
 To determine degree of weathering and fracturing of the water bearing materials,
depth and thickness of saturated zones, and thickness of the overburden or
confining layers
 To identify the geologic structures and weak zones that serve as a storage
areas or conduits for groundwater movement,
 To determine the depth to the bottom confining crystalline basement rocks/
aquiclude whenever possible
2. Result Interpretation
2.1. Stacked plan maps of sliced depth sections
The geo-electrical survey comprises of five Vertical Electrical Sounding points with a
maximum current electrode separation 750m. The general variation in electrical
resistivity of the subsurface is presented in the form of sliced pseudo-depth section is
presented in figure below. The sounding points are almost evenly distributed so it is
believed to give a good representation of the ground overall.
The measured field data have been plotted along each profile line to get pseudo sections
using the apparent resistivity (ρa) and pseudo depth (AB/2) values and depict the
overall resistivity picture on a vertical section. Moreover the plan view of resistivity
variations across the area, pseudo-depth slices, for instance, AB/2= (1.5, 9, 45, 100,330
and 500 m), are presented. The choice of such spacing depends on the variability
between them and to show the lateral variations of resistivity at different pseudo depth.
The knowledge on the lateral distribution of the electrical resistivity at the subsurface
shades additional light towards a complete understanding of the geological framework
of the area under investigation. Sliced depth sections, when presented in the form of
stacked plots, provide sufficient visualization of the overall picture of subsurface
electrical parameters and their variation in both lateral and vertical directions.

Moreover, it greatly facilitates ones interpretations of discontinuities in terms of

geological structure which are of great interest for hydro-geophysical analysis. From the
geological map there is also a variation horizontally as well as vertically. This stacked
depth supports the vertical and horizontal variations.
The map shows the relative variation of the apparent resistivity value of the whole area
laterally as well as vertically at different depth of the spacing of current electrodes. It
is seen that the apparent resistivity value varies considerably from 7.5-18.5 .m.
According to the Figure below the most interesting feature of this sliced plot is
the low resistivity zone, (<13.5Ω-m) that occupies the portion of the survey area.
Depth wise the low resistivity zone dominates the high resistivity zone.
The overall geo-electrical picture is heterogeneous, with pronounced resistivity
variations both in vertical and lateral senses. At the intermediate depth level,
AB/2=45m, the broader conductive horizon, which dominates the upper-most slice,
progressively narrows with depth while the resistive signature gets broader
successively. Further down, at AB/2=500 m, the low resistivity signature tends to
broaden in extent.

Figure 3: Stacked plot of sliced resistivity plan maps at various depth levels, successively Larger
current electrode separations around Aysha Dawale
2.2. Pseudo Depth section

The way of presenting the measured apparent resistivity values is in the form of pseudo
sections along a profile. The field data obtained from each sounding is gridded and
displayed as regular contour maps or image maps, displaying areas of anomalously high
resistive or low resistive value. So, pseudo sections are basically meant for qualitative
interpretation and show the lateral and vertical variations of electrical properties within
the sub-surface.

This pseudo depth section data is compromised from the three VES point data. The
pseudo depth section shows an extensive low resistivity subsurface over the vast portion
of the section, and the deepest region beneath each layer where low resistivity responses
were recorded.
According to this pseudo depth section, there is a lateral variation in resistivity in the
section with the prominent low resistivity exists under the five VES and the pseudo
section shows an extensive low resistivity subsurface over the portion of the section. The
vast region under all the section shows extensive coverage of low resistivity zone. The
resistivity ranges (0-100 .m) of this low resistivity region are indicative of potential water
saturation. Therefore VES-4, VES-5, and VES-3 show low resistivity that ranges averagely
less than 100 .m. The maximum value of the measured apparent resistivity does not
exceed 180 .m.
Figure 4----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line

2.3. Geo-electric section

As a final analysis of the resistivity data, the VES data have been interpreted using the
appropriate software. During interpretation, a minimum root mean square percentage
of error (the discrepancy between the observed data and the synthetic data), in most
cases, ranging from 1 to 5% has been taken as acceptable. The resulting models, their
synthetic data and the corresponding fitting error are given in Annex 1. The layer
parameters (resistivity and thickness/depth of the different geo-electric layers) beneath
each sounding point have been used to construct a geo-electric section for each of the
survey profiles.
Referring from the Geo-electric layer the subsurface under this line is represented by
three geo-electric layers, under each VES which constructed from the three VES curves.
The top layer, delineated by medium resistivity response. This top sequence appears to
represent silty clay soil with rock fragements under VES-4 &VES-5.The second layer
Overlies slightly lower resistivity response ranging from 2.3 -10.4 .m and it appears as
highly weathered and fractured basalt. This geo-electric horizon is marked by
uniformly low formation resistivity response .Mostly such vast conductive horizons; in
this area are the likely responses of fragments of highly weathered basaltic rocks. The
resistivity response of different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their
suitability to host adequate amount and potable groundwater.
The resistivity response of different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their
suitability to host adequate amount and potable groundwater. The substratum which
underlies the abovementioned vast conductive layer is characterized by variable
resistivity under all VES at the deepest depth.
The third geo-electric layer underlying the basalt layer is interpreted as a massive
basement complex of granitic and metamorphic unit. The resistivity value of this
unit is found ranging from 1287 ohm-meter to 2501- ohm-meter. The top contact
elevation of this unit with the overlying one is undulating which is relatively shallow to
the surface at VES-4 and VES-5 and deep at VES-3. In the same fashion, thickness of the
overlying basaltic unit increases in the area where the contact of the underlying

resistive unit is deep which is seen as a channel fill flow. From these phenomena, it is
inferred that there was a tectonic disturbance of faulting during the East African
Rifting with strike perpendicular to the survey line and formed Graben and Horst on
the pre-existing geologic formation
Figure 5 ---: Geo-electric-section constructed along line
2.4. Pseudo Depth along line -2

According to this pseudo depth section, there is a lateral variation in resistivity in the
section with the prominent low resistivity exists under the three VES and the pseudo
section shows an extensive low resistivity subsurface over the portion of the section and
also under VES-5 very low resistivity structure is shown. The vast region under the
section shows extensive coverage of low resistivity zone. The resistivity ranges (0-150
.m) of this low resistivity region are indicative of potential water saturation. Therefore

VES-1, VES-5, and VES-2 show low resistivity that ranges averagely less than 150 .m. The
maximum value of the measured apparent resistivity does not exceed 240 .m.
Figure 6----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line
2.5. Geo-electric section

Referring from the Geo-electric layer the subsurface under this line is represented by
three geo-electric layers, under each VES which constructed from the three VES curves.
The top layer, delineated relatively by medium resistivity response. This top sequence
appears to represent silty clay soil with rock fragements under VES-1, VES-5 &VES-2.
The second layer Overlies slightly lower resistivity response ranging from 1.7 -13.4 .m
and it appears as highly weathered and fractured basalt. These geo-electric horizon is
marked by uniformly low formation resistivity response . The resistivity response of
different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their suitability to host adequate
amount and potable groundwater.

The third geo-electric layer is marked by high resistivity response under VES-5 and
interoperated as massive rocks. The resistivity values of the bottom layer under each
VES also show a possible water saturated horizon.
The resistivity response of different subsurface layers provides a means of assess their
suitability to host adequate amount and potable groundwater. The substratum which
underlies the abovementioned vast conductive layer is characterized by variable
resistivity under all VES at the deepest depth.
Figure 7--: Geo-electric-section constructed along line

Table 2 -: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations

Layer (Ohm-m) Thickness Depth (m) Expected Lithology Estimate
d Target
depth
(M)
1 25.5 0.9 0.9 Top soil
2 6.4 4.1 5 clay soil
3 1.3 5.4 10.4 Silty clay soil and rock fragments with
possible water
VES-1 4 79.4 11.9 22.3 moderately fractured and weathered basalt 250
with possible water (probable aquifer)
5 13.4 177.9 200.2 Weathered and fractured basalt
6 11.4 --- --- fractured basalt rock
1 518.5 0.8 0.8 Top soil

2 9.8 2.3 3.2 Moist silty clay soil with rock fragments
3 2.3 30.9 34..1 Highly weathered and fractured rock (
VES-2 250
4 12.6 197.8 231 Slightly weathered and fractured rock
5 560 --- --- Massive rock
1 7.2 1.1 1.1 Top silty clay soil

VES-3
2 8.4 32.2 33 Moist silty clay soil with rock fragments
3 10.4 332.3 365.6 Fractured and weathered basalt, that might
bee the lowest aquifer 370
4 2501.1 --- --- Massive rock
1 280.2 1 1 Top silty clay soil
VES-4 2 5.6 1.9 2.9 Silty clay soil with rock fragments (with
water)
3 2.3 53.4 56.2 Weathered and fracture rock
250
4 4.4 132.8 189 Highly weathered and fractured basalt
(probable aquifer)
5 1930.8 ---- ---- Massive basaltic rocks
1 57.4 1 1 top silty clay soil
2 8.4 2 3 Slightly weathered and fractured basalt
3 4.1 11 14 Highly weathered and fractured basalt
4 1.7 26.8 40.8 Highly weathered and fractured basalt
5 7.3 196.3 237.1 Moderately fractured and weathered

VES-5 basalt 250
6 1287.2 ---- ---- Massive rocks

3. Conclusion and Recommendation
The apparent resistivity pseudo-depth sections and the true resistivity geo-electric
sections show the presence of shallow as well as deeper low resistivity horizons which
are potential zones of groundwater saturation. The low resistivity and large thickness of
these horizons is an indicator of high groundwater potential in the study area.
From the result of the electrical resistivity surveys, it is also seen that the area is highly
affected by tectonic forces that have resulted in major fracturing and faulting of the rock
units at varying depths. These faults and fractures are believed to control the flow
of groundwater. The fractures and weak zones are the major controls for the flow of
ground water over the area.
The geological structures (fractures, faults and contacts) play a great role in
the movement and occurrence of the groundwater in the study area. The highly to
moderately weathered and fractured rocks contribute more for the recharge and
movement of the groundwater through the fault s and wake zones.
Based on geological situation observed during field work and this VES data, therefore,
the well depth to be drilled at this specific site should be up to a maximum depth of
250m to exploit the required yields but under VES -3 the maximum depth is 370m to get
the required yield. Therefore, the final decision shall be made by the site hydro
geologist based on actual observation while drilling. Therefore from the interoperated
geo-electric result and from its VES curves all the VES shows portable groundwater
under each profiles.

4. Annex -1 interpreted VES curves with possible lithology
VES 1
The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

separation (AB/2) of750m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent
resistivity result, layer thickness and investigated depth and anticipated formation
types are tabulated below:
Figure --. Smoothed curve of VES-1

Table 3. Interpretation result of VES-1
AYSHA VES-1
Layer (Ohm-m) Thickness Depth (m) Expected Lithology
1 25.5 0.9 0.9 Top soil
2 6.4 4.1 5 clay soil

3 1.3 5.4 10.4 Silty clay soil and rock fragments
with possible water
4 79.4 11.9 22.3 moderately fractured and
weathered basalt with possible
water (probable aquifer)
5 13.4 177.4 200.2 Weathered and fractured basalt
6 11.4 --- --- fractured basalt rock
VES 2

separation (AB/2) of 500m was used for this electrical sounding survey. The Apparent
Figure 12. Smoothed curve of VES-2

AYSHA VES-2
1 518.5 0.8 0.8 Top soil
2 9.8 2.3 3.2 Moist silty clay soil with rock

fragments
3 2.3 30.9 34.1 Highly weathered and fractured
rock
4 12.6 197.8 231.9 Slightly weathered and fractured
rock
5 560 --- --- Massive rock
VES 3


VES-3
1 7.2 1.1 1.1 Top silty clay soil
2 2.9 32.2 33 Moist silty clay soil with rock

fragments
3 10.4 332.3 365.6 Fractured and weathered basalt
4 2501.1 --- --- Massive rock
VES 4


DB VES-4
1 280.2 1 1 Top silty clay soil
2 5.6 1.9 2.9 Silty clay soil with rock fragments

(with water)
3 2.3 53.4 56.2 Weathered and fracture rock
4 4.4 132.8 189 Highly weathered and fractured

basalt (probable aquifer)
5 1930 ---- ---- Massive basaltic rocks
VES 5

types are tabulated below

VES-5
1 57.4 1 1 top silty clay soil
2 8.4 2 3 Slightly weathered and fractured

basalt
3 4.1 11 14 Highly weathered and fractured
basalt
4 1.7 26.8 40.8 Highly weathered and fractured
basalt
5 7.3 196.3 237.1 Moderately fractured and
weathered basalt
6 1287.2 ---- ---- Massive rocks

Annex:2 Raw Data of Aysha
VES 1 VES 2 VES 3 VES 4 VES 5

(Ohm-
AB/2 (m) MN (Ohm-m) (Ohm-m) (Ohm-m) (Ohm-m)
m)
1.5 1 18.72 248.40 6.01 176.70 42.14
2.1 1 14.46 154.80 5.19 114.30 27.43
3 1 10.15 48.91 4.45 42.46 18.60
4.2 1 7.23 13.85 3.45 13.57 10.00
6 1 5.77 6.68 3.22 4.96 7.07
9 1 4.91 3.38 3.15 2.48 4.79
13.5 1 3.54 2.66 3.07 2.44 3.82
20 1 3.48 2.59 2.92 2.52 3.64
20 12 4.46 2.55 3.06 2.23 4.11
30 1 4.62 2.76 2.86 2.61 2.73
30 12 5.84 2.70 2.99 2.34 2.99
45 12 9.36 2.65 3.20 2.33 2.50
66 12 10.69 4.37 4.19 2.37 2.74
100 12 11.66 4.71 5.45 2.72 3.73
150 12 14.05 9.27 7.32 3.29 4.29
150 90 14.07 5.76 7.08 3.60 4.59
220 12 14.58 10.77 9.03 4.18 5.92
220 90 14.64 7.08 8.71 4.45 5.81
330 90 14.27 9.90 9.83 5.91 7.57
500 90 13.63 18.50 11.35 9.97 9.87
750 90 12.39 17.74

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GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Beles Engineering Page 2

Beles Engineering Page 3

1.2.2. Field procedure and Instrumentations

Beles Engineering Page 4

Name Easting Northing Elevation

VES 1 234069 1183591 741

Beles Engineering Page 5

Figure 2: VES Locations Map of Aysha Dawale

The objective of the groundwater investigation project is to evaluate and quantify

Beles Engineering Page 6

Beles Engineering Page 7

Moreover, it greatly facilitates ones interpretations of discontinuities in terms of

Beles Engineering Page 8

2.2. Pseudo Depth section

Beles Engineering Page 9

Figure 4----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line

Beles Engineering Page 10

2.3. Geo-electric section

Beles Engineering Page 11

Figure 5 ---: Geo-electric-section constructed along line

2.4. Pseudo Depth along line -2

Beles Engineering Page 12

Figure 6----: Apparent resistivity pseudo-section along line

2.5. Geo-electric section

Beles Engineering Page 13

Figure 7--: Geo-electric-section constructed along line

Beles Engineering Page 14

Table 2 -: Apparent resistivity, thickness, and anticipated formations

1 518.5 0.8 0.8 Top soil

1 7.2 1.1 1.1 Top silty clay soil

5 7.3 196.3 237.1 Moderately fractured and weathered

Beles Engineering Page 15

3. Conclusion and Recommendation

Beles Engineering Page 16

4. Annex -1 interpreted VES curves with possible lithology

The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

Figure --. Smoothed curve of VES-1

Beles Engineering Page 17

Table 3. Interpretation result of VES-1

2 6.4 4.1 5 clay soil

6 11.4 --- --- fractured basalt rock

The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

Figure 12. Smoothed curve of VES-2

Beles Engineering Page 18

Table 4. Interpretation result of VES-2

2 9.8 2.3 3.2 Moist silty clay soil with rock

The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

Beles Engineering Page 19

Figure 13. Smoothed curve of VES-3

Table 5. Interpretation result of VES-3

2 2.9 32.2 33 Moist silty clay soil with rock

4 2501.1 --- --- Massive rock

The Schlumberger electrode configuration with maximum half-current electrode

Figure 14. Smoothed curve of VES-4

Beles Engineering Page 20

Table 6. Interpretation result of VES-4

2 5.6 1.9 2.9 Silty clay soil with rock fragments