Groundwater recharge investigation using towed imaging devices

Abstract

An increase in demand for evaporation-loss-free bulk water storage solutions has led to increased interest in groundwater. Full knowledge of recharge and flow pathways is needed for best management of both groundwater and surface water. Electrical conductivity (EC) is usually the most appropriate property to use for economical imaging of recharge and flow pathways. Both galvanic and electromagnetic imaging techniques readily resolve recharge pathways due to the combined effect, on bulk electrical conductivity, of low clay content in recharge pathways and low salinity of surface water that is the source of the recharge. The key to viability of many managed recharge projects is provision of detailed information on the existing and potential recharge pathways and this can most effectively be provided using new specialized geophysical technology.