Investigating hydraulic connectivity within crystalline basement
aquifers using electrical resistivity tomography and multiple hydraulic
tests
Abstract
Crystalline basement aquifers are characterized by complex flow pathways
controlled by varying overburden stratigraphy and thickness as well as
fracture network and connectivity within the crystalline rocks.
Understanding the hydraulic connection within the fracture network and
the overburden regolith is critical to predicting recharge/discharge and
contaminant transport pathways. In this study, we combined geophysical
imaging with multiple hydraulic testing to quantify hydraulic
connectivity within the crystalline basement aquifers at the Ibadan
Hydrogeophysical Research Site (IHRS) in Ibadan, Nigeria. The 50 m × 50
m field experimental site is first of its kind established in 2019 to
investigate hydrological dynamics within these complex crystalline
basement aquifers in sub–Saharan Africa. We acquired multiple parallel
2D electrical resistivity profiles which were also jointly inverted to
obtain multiple 2D and 3D electrical resistivity tomograms of the
subsurface. The resistivity tomograms were later constrained with
lithological profiles from 4 test wells installed down to depths of 30 m
at the site to create a conceptual model elucidating potential flow
pathways. We also performed a series of 12 hours pumping tests and a
NaCl tracer test to estimate flow and transport parameters including
hydraulic conductivity, aquifer storage, yield, and groundwater travel
time and to assess connection between the four test wells. The
resistivity tomograms show 3 major resistivity zones interpreted as a
clay-rich topsoil, a saturated weathered overburden, and a fractured
basement rock. The delineated fractured bedrock shows an undulating
topography with several primary fracture successions at 9, 14, 16 and 22
m. Hydraulic conductivities from pumping tests range from 2.6 x
10-7 to 1.2 x 10-5 m/s for the
fractures and 1.7 x 10-10 to 6.4 x
10-6 m/s for the matrix while specific storage range
from 3.5 x 10-8 to 1.8 x 10-3.
Preferential flow is also observed with stronger connection between
wells A and C. Results of this study provide a basis for detailed
numerical study which will be focused on predicting recharge and solute
transport under different flow and climate regime. This work will
provide a scalable framework for a sustainable management of groundwater
resources within the crystalline basements of Nigeria.