Resistivity survey investigating salinity hazard and aquifer system in the alluvial fans in central Jordan Valley

Abstract

In the course of this study geological and geophysical resistivity survey were conducted in the area extended from Deir Alla to Suleikhat (Middle Ghor Area) in Jordan valley. In order to evaluate the potential and characteristic of the groundwater quality and distribution of the aquifer in the alluvial in the area. The aquifer system in the area consists of Ajlun and Belga Group, in addition to the Plateau Gravel Group and the Alluvial Aquifers.The resistivity survey encounter an average thickness of the alluvial fans of about93 meters. The source of salinity in the alluvium aquifers was predicted to be Lisan Formation, which underlies the Whole alluvium in the area.Quantitative interpretation of VES data coupled with field and preexisted electrical conductivity reading work out the following characteristic for water bearing layer in the alluvial fan deposits: The alluvial fans exhibit recurrently lateral variation, even in the same area.The continuity of static water table may be interrupted by mud dominated area. These facts forearm to conclude that the aquifer system in the alluvial fans are lenses to micro-aquifers bodies of saturated gravel and sand dominated layers, with resistivity range between 30-60 ohm.m, with apposite thickness range of 8-42 meters.Calculated Porosity ofsuch aquifers is approximated to be in range of 20-27%. In addition to these layers there is a mud gravel layerswith resistivity ranges from 20 to 30 ohm.m, their thickness are in range of 5-23 meters, and their porosity is approximated to 33%.