Water resource planning isn’t just about providing water supplies for society. It’s a key mechanism for ensuring that we do so sustainably – making sure the environment can cope with the demands we’re placing upon it and that aquifers and rivers will be able to continue to provide us with water into the future.
Land and airborne geophysical surveys provide mapping of the subsurface and surface structure. This data is then used to identify water-saturated zones, pathways for fluid migration and permeable vs impermeable interfaces.
Water resource projects are required for a number of reasons;
Geophysical datasets such as gravity, gravity gradiometry and magnetics can be used to provide an initial overview of basin architecture, sedimentary thickness, and elements such as faulting and structuration.
Modelling of the shallower permeable aquifers by identifying structural or stratigraphic control can be achieved based on the associated density contrasts across such layers.
When embarking on water resource projects, there are several geophysical techniques which can be utilised, including magnetic, electromagnetic and electrical resistivity surveying.
Magnetotelluric surveys map subsurface electrical resistivity, aiding in the identification of potential groundwater aquifers and understanding hydrogeological structures. Airborne gravity surveys utilising the eFTG instrument can help understand basin architecture and aquifer distribution. LiDAR data can provide critical topographic data in heavily vegetated areas for flood analysis.
If you require geophysical data for a water resource project, contact the Metatek team today.
