Electromagnetic methods used for the characterisation of aquifers in Timor-Leste

Abstract

This work was done in the frame of a greater project aimed at assessing possible impacts of climate change on the groundwater resources in Timor-Leste. With the intention to contribute to the understanding of the area?s aquifer characteristics and groundwater quality, two lines of time domain EM soundings were acquired in different coastal locations. The acquired data where then inverted and interpreted with in a contextual framework. The geophysical component within the broader project was brought in to assist with coastal aquifer characterisation and to better understand the aquifers? architecture. The method employed has proven to be an effective way of sounding the ground in Timor-Leste. Some of the results we have produced have contributed to fill-in gaps between well logs and water chemistry and have helped identify the potential presence of a seawater wedge in proximity of some of the city?s pumping wells.