International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015

Groundwater Exploration using Integration of Electrical Resistivity Data with

Remote Sensing and GIS Data, Northern State Sudan
Dafalla Siddig Dafalla
Department of Geology
Al Neelain University
Khartoum, Sudan
Email: wadiadam@gmail.com

Khalid Mustafa Kheiralla

Department of Geophysics
Al Neelain University
Khartoum, Sudan
Email: khalidkheiralla@gmail.com

Abstract
Remote sensing and GIS studies have been utilized and
aimed to reveal the geological, topographical aspects, as
well as to decipher the main lineaments, structural and
paleo-drainage
patterns.
Electrical
Resistivity
measurements have been carried out in form of Vertical
Electrical Sounding (VES) to show water bearing
formations and the aquifer thickness. Remote sensing
data revealed general elevation range between 154588
m (a.m.s.l.), general slope is from North to the south and
several primary paleo-drainage systems are clear
depicted, the drainage system runs from the south-east to
north-west. Resistivity data showed that aquifers are of
good permeability and of regional recharge. The
recommended depths of the boreholes to be drilled are
ranging from 180 m to 240 m.

Muhammed Ali Hassan Dahab

Department of Hydrogeology
Al Neelain University
Khartoum, Sudan
Email: dahabmohammed@gmail.com

zero degree in some nights. The prevailing wind

direction is a northern and northeastern cold winds that
reach up to 7.5 mile/hour in the winter and very high
speed hot winds in summer between April and July.
The overall objective of this study is to investigate the
groundwater potentiality in the area under consideration.
Whereby, the specific objectives are:
To conduct geological and topographical studies.
To determine the extent, lithological and
geological structures of the water-bearing
formations.
To assess the groundwater occurrences.
To locate favorable sites for high productive
well drilling.

Keywords Resistivity, Remote sensing, GIS, Aquifer,

Borehole.

I. INTRODUCTION
This study has been carried out in area lies in southern
part of Northern State -Sudan. It is a part of the Nubian
(Cretaceous) sedimentary basin, which is engulfed by
the second big loop of the River Nile and represents by
latitudes 1999000-1987000 Northing and longitudes
345600-355200 Easting (Fig. 1).
The area characterized by undulating topographic
surface that formed of moderate and low elevation
sandstone ridges. Numerous sandy peneplains are
extended in which paleo- wadies and Khors took their
courses. The surface land is covered by unconsolidated
sandy soil of two types; the fine-grained aeolian while
the second type is the weathering product of the Nubian
Sandstone Formations, which composed of silty sand
and clayey sandy soil. However, a few transported
longitudinal.
The study area is characterized by a typical desert
climate, where the rainfall could be zero in the northern
parts of Atmour desert and increase gradually to the
south to reach about 25mm annually. The area is
distinguished by two dominant seasons; a very hot
summer with 40 C and a dry cold winter with almost

Fig. 1. The location of the study area where located at

about 7 kilometers south of Korti town, Northern state.

II. MATERIALS AND METHODS

To achieve the objectives of this work; general
geological information have been obtained from the
regional geological maps of Sudan, Remote sensing
studies have been utilized, whereby the optical satellite
imageries of Landsat ETM+7 in addition to the Shuttle
Radar Topographic Mission (SRTM) data have been
used, compilation of sub-subsurface geological and

www.ijsret.org

736

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015

hydro-geological information from borehole data within

the surrounding were collected, the available information
of reconnaissance trips within the area was confirmed to
locate borehole sites, geographic features and geologic
outcrops using GPS, vertical electrical sounding (VES)
measurements along predetermined traverses (or sites)
were carried out to investigate the sedimentary
sequences and the related groundwater condition. VES
data were analyzed to produce geo-electrical sections
that can further be interpreted into (hydro) geological
sections, aquifer and water- bearing geological units
based on well inventory data and VES results was
evaluated.

III. RESULTS
1. Geology
The Cretaceous Sandstone (Nubian) rocks are the main
lithological units that crop out in the study area. These
sedimentary rocks are a part of the sedimentary Nubian
Saharan Basins (NSB) that extends in northern Sudan
(Fig. 2).
The NSB formed in Palaeozoic and Mesozoic era as a
result of the reactivation of the old Central Shear Zone
by extensional deformation. The subsidence led to
formation of the interior rift basins in central and
northern Sudan in which these sedimentary rocks are
preserved. The NSB formed of various lithologies of the
Nubian Sandstone Supergroup (Formations) and exposed
on the surface in most southern Atmour desert and
overlain the Basement Complex rocks. The nearest
crystalline rocks in the area crop out at Merowe Dam,
which is located at 60Km east of the study area.
The Nubian Sandstone rocks are product of fluvial and
lake deposits (fluviatile and lacustrine environments) of
Upper Cretaceous age. The Nubian Sandstone
Formations represent the most potential groundwater
aquifers in central and northern Sudan.
2. Remote Sensing and GIS Investigation
Remote sensing studies have been utilized in this study,
whereby the optical satellite imageries of Landsat
ETM+7 in addition to the Shuttle Radar Topographic
Mission (SRTM) data have been used that represented
by:
Landsat ETM+7, path 174, row 47, acq. Date:
31/10/2001.
Landsat ETM+7, path 175, row 47, acq. Date:
20/10/2000.
SRTM DATA (Shuttle Radar Topography Mission
Data).
Remote sensing studies aimed to reveal the geological,
topographical aspects of the area, as well as to decipher
the main lineaments, structural and paleo-drainage
patterns.

Fig. 2. General geological map of the project area

(source GRAS 2005)
The digitally processed data of Landsat imageries paved
the way for the geological studies in area. The processes
data exemplified by the color composite of
Deccorrelation Stretched bands 7, 4 and 1 (as R, G and
B) revealed that ferruginous Sandstone rocks exposed in
most the study area and shown with blue to cyan hues in
the image due to the high content of ferrous and ferric
oxides. The argillaceous sandstone exposed in fine
texture and dark blue color as in the central area of the
scheme. The high content of quartz in the gravels of the
pebbly conglomeratic sandstone led to depiction of these
rocks with unique dark brown and reddish hues as in the
east northern and eastern parts inside and outside the
scheme area, respectively. However, the alluvial wadi
deposits display faint pinkish tone but in a finer texture
than that of the pebbly conglomeratic sandstone. The
aeolian sandy deposits represented by yellowish green
hues around the scheme area, indicating that most of the
soils are not transported one.
The digitally processes and analyzed satellite imageries
have been used in GIS framework. GIS analysis permits
the production of various products such as lineaments
and drainage maps.

www.ijsret.org

737

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015

The produced lineament map depicts the linear features

on the surface. The linear feature could be natural
fracture and fault systems or man-made feature as roads
and canals. The produced lineaments have been spatially
and structurally analyzed. The results show that the
dominant lineaments are extensional fractures trending
NW-SE trend. A subdominant two fracture systems are
classified as tensional fractures trending E-W and NNESSW (Fig. 2).
The Digital Elevation Model derived from the Radar
Interferometer SRTM data shows the general topography
of the area. The model illustrate that the undulating
topography of general elevation range between 154588
m (a.m.s.l.) with average value of 371 m (a.m.s.l.). The
DEM image also demonstrates that the general slope of
the area is from North to the south, as well as it represent
the inconsiderable variation in elevation with the
adjacent surrounding areas (Fig. 3).
The analyzed remotely sensed data also revealed the
general paleo- drainage pattern in the area of
consideration. Several primary paleo- drainage systems
are clear depicted, the drainage system runs from the
south-east to north-west dissecting the eastern and
western parts of the scheme area (Fig. 3).

Fig. 3. Digital Elevation Model and drainage pattern in

the project area

3. Geophysical Investigation
3.1 Vertical Electrical Sounding Measurements
Geo-electrical survey had been applied in this study
using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with
Schlumberger, amount of 18 VES's were carried out in
the project area, along 6 profiles lines perpendicular to
the main fractures system in NW-SE direction to be in
NE-SW trend, (Fig. 1). 90 % of the conducted VESs
give real-able data while 10% of the VESs data were
disturbed due to the present of un conducted
conglomeratic sandstone and due the existence of Iron
bands at the surface that effect the vertical current
transmission. The geophysical readings using SAS 1000
were analyzed using computer software ResixPLUS.
3.2 Vertical Sounding Curves
All VES curves observed reveal relatively thick multilayered earth. The range of resistivity for the area is
generally moderate ranging between 34 and 301 .m.
The dominant types of curves are QKH-type, KHKHtype and HKH-type indicating 5 geo-electric layers
reflecting thick and low resistivity ground. No Basement
trends are revealed within the surveyed area however,
most of the curves tend to indicate relatively high
resistivity range (60 -117 .m) at the maximum
separation attained at 800-1000m (Fig 4). The work was
conducted in the form of Vertical Electrical Sounding
Measurements (table 1).
The VES data generally reflect the resistivity layering of
the subsurface. The area is known to be a basin in which
relatively thick Nubian sediments of varying grain size
occur below the static water level (SWL) in the area. The
SWL in the area as observed in the nearest wells to the
area amounts to 25-35 m. The relation between the
groundwater occurrence and the resistivity of the waterbearing sediments is well established in the literature
however, the main task of the sounding method in this
study is to identify resistivity zones which are related to
the occurrence groundwater of good quality and
quantity.
3.3 Interpretation of VES Data
The VES curves are interpreted with aid of a IP2WIN.
The program provides an option of inverse modeling for
the field curve as well as other options for direct
interpretation. In this work, a model for each field curve
is proposed based on the type of the curve and its
resistivity variation. The program on iteration computes
a theoretical curve based on an input model and
continues to adjust it until a good fit with the field curve
is obtained. The validity of the resulting model is
checked against the prevailing lithological and
hydrological conditions in the vicinity of the VES point.
This is commonly realized through a process of

www.ijsret.org

738

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882

739

Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015

Postan

8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

1.2
49.2
22.2
1.1
13.3
48.2
13.1
334.3
5.1

0.1
33.5
11.8
13.1
9.8
9.9
76.2

0.1
33.7
45.4
58.5
68.4
78.3
154.6

Based on previous results of calibration analyses in the

region, the following resistivity ranges and the
corresponding lithologies are adopted for the area:
Lithology
Resistivity (.m)
Upper gravels
100-500
Surface clays
12-26
Subsurface sandstones (saturated)
30-500
Subsurface
fine
sandstones 40-50
(saturated)
1-5
Deep mudstones
The depth correcting factor (CF) is calculated from C6
VES one carried out near new borehole and another D6
VES in the project area using the formula:
C.F = Ht / Happ
Where:
Ht is the depth and Happ is the apparent depth. The
values of correction factor are given in Table (2).
Table 2: Correction Factor
Location Correction
Factor
Pivot 30
0.41
Pivot 26
0.40

VES
1No.
2

Correction
Factor
0.37
0.41
U nregistered Version

Pivot 24 VES1
0.1

100

D epth (m)

Apparent R esistivity (ohm-m)

calibration in which a known lithological model is fit to

the observed field curve at the same locality so that the
resulting resistivities of the layers of the model are
adopted for further interpretation of the neighboring
VES data.
Table 1: Results of quantitative interpretation of VES
data
Pivot VES Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth
No.
No.
[.m]
[m]
[m]
24
1
1
58.3
0.8
0.8
2
17.5
2
2.8
3
6
17.8
20.6
4
67.7
23.7
44.3
5
4.2
78.1
122.5
6
92.4
24
2
1
185.2
0.6
0.6
2
24.3
3.7
4.3
3
5.8
33.8
38.1
4
510.6
84.6
122.7
5
26.5
14.1
136.8
6
43.1
25
1
1
142.4
0.4
0.4
2
20.4
2.4
2.8
3
6.5
6.5
9.3
4
1.5
10.7
20
5
39.4
20.5
40.4
6
3.6
52
92.5
7
43.1
133.7
226.2
8
1.1
25
2
1
1327.8
0.9
0.9
2
172.6
1
1.9
3
38.6
8.7
10.5
4
2
13.8
24.4
5
57
10.6
35
6
4.6
71.9
106.8
7
48.9
107.5
214.3
8
1
26
1
1
523.1
0.1
0.1
2
26.1
3.9
4
3
6.4
5.8
9.9
4
3.9
44.4
54.3
5
46
11.2
65.5
6
8.3
51.6
117.1
7
44.4
111.3
228.4
8
1.3
26
2
1
487.5
0.4
0.4
2
12.3
3.9
4.3
3
7.5
12.2
16.5
4
95.8
11.9
28.4
5
71
10.4
38.8
6
2.5
54.4
93.2
7
54.8
135.8
228.9

10

www.ijsret.org

10

100

1000

10

100
Spacing (m)

1000

10
R esistivity (ohm-m)

100

International Journal of Scientific Research Engineering & Technology (IJSRET), ISSN 2278 0882
Volume 4, Issue 7, July 2015
U nregistered Version

Pivot 26 VES 1

pumping rates range from 45,000 to 82,000 gallon per

hour.
In this study the water tables measurements the values
are range from 25 to 35 meters from the surface. The
water flow regime map in the study area are grading
from 235m at the eastern part to 228m (a.m.s.l.) at the
western side of the study area, with a hydraulic gradient
of 0.00014.

0.1

100

D epth (m)

Apparent R esistivity (ohm-m)

10

10

100

IV. CONCLUSION
1

1000

10

100
Spacing (m)

1000

10
100
R esistivity (ohm-m)

1000

Fig. 4. Typical Measured Resistivity Curves

3.4 Geo-electric Sections
The above ranges of resistivity are used to construct geoelectrical sections for the project area. The surface layer
in the area is reflected as widely very high resistivity
zone of ranging from 100 .m to more than 500 .m.
This layer is generally thin (1-2 m thick) and generally
reflects conglomerate of the ground surface.
The main intermediate layer is a relatively thick low
resistivity zone having a range of (30500 .m). It is
practically dominant in all sections with minor
interruptions by higher resistivity lenses of sediments.
This layer generally occurs below the static water level
in the area. Obviously such a layer is a sandstone
member of the Nubian formation which is water bearing.
The third layer is an apparently thick, resistive and
continuous zone dominating the whole area. It marks the
maximum penetration of the sounding beneath the VES
points. It has a low resistivity (4050 .m) and generally
reflects fine sandstone, which is saline water-bearing
formation.
The final layer is an apparently thick, resistive and
continuous zone dominating the whole area. It marks the
maximum penetration of the sounding beneath the VES
points. It has a resistivity less than 5 m. which is
attributed to non saturated deep mudstone of the Nubian
Formation of different cementing materials.
3.5 Hydrogeological investigations
The project area is lies within the Nubian sedimentary
basins of the regional extension through Sudan, Egypt,
Libya and Chad. The basins are consisting of
sedimentary rocks of wide aquifers extensions. Due to
displacement of many people to Amri villages (2, 3, 4 &
5) many boreholes were drilled in the surrounding
project area.
The wells depths are dominantly range from 500 to 830
ft deep and main aquifer (screen emplacement) lies
between (300- 570) from surface with recommended

This study combined with the previous studies done in

the Nubian basin aquifers evident that the aquifers are of
good permeability and of regional recharge. For the
sustainable groundwater production for the large
agricultural schemes the dating using the isotopes to
study the recharge sources is important.
The drilling shall start with the following recommended
sites in table (3).
Table 3: proposed sites for boreholes drilling.
VES Drilling
Pivot No. No.
depth [m] Remarks
High
Productive
24
1
240
well
High
Productive
25
2
240
well
High
Productive
26
1
260
well
Low
Productive
Postan
2
180
well

REFERENCES
[1] Andrew, F. M. (1948): Geology of the Sudan, In
Tothill, J. D. (Ed). Agriculture in the Sudan, Oxford
Univ. Press, London pp. 84-128.
[2] Dobrin, M. B. (1981): Introduction to geophysical
prospecting Me Graw-Hill, Singapore, Third edition, pp.
752.
[3] Geological map of sudan, done by Geological
Research Authority of Sudan, (2005).
[4] Klitzsch, E. H. and Squyres, C. H. (1990): Palaeozoic
and Mesozoic Geological History of Northeastern Africa
based upon new interpretation of Nubian Strata, AAPG
Bulletin, V.74, No. 8, pp. 1203-1211.
[5] Mallet, J. L., 2002. Geomodeling. Oxford University
Press, 2002.
[6] Mallet, J. L.,1992. Discrete Smooth Interpolation in
Geometrics Modelling, Computer Aided Journal, Vol.24,
pp. 178-191.
[7] Vail, J. R. (1978): Outline of the geology and mineral
deposits of the Democratic Republic of the Sudan and
adjacent areas. Overseas Geol. Miner Resources,London,
49.

www.ijsret.org

740