Comparative Analysis of Electrical Resistivity and Ground Penetrating Radar For Subsurface Parameters in a Basaltic Terrain, Nagpur

Abstract:

Hard rock crystalline terrains pose difficulty in groundwater modeling as they present anisotropic conditions for groundwater storage. It is most important to estimate accurate parameters for better visualization and analysis of subsurface conditions for groundwater. Western Nagpur in central India is on Basalt formation which has low storing capacity. There are several Basaltic Flows in Nagpur area which have varying hydrogeological characteristics. Unconfined aquifer system and deep seated confined systems, both are present in the Nagpur Urban area. The half of the water demand in these areas mainly depends on groundwater. Water supply for domestic use, apart from the irrigation and Gardening etc in majority cases are fulfilled by groundwater sources. Electrical Resistivity Meter and Ground Penetrating Radar has been used to detect the subsurface parameters qualitatively. Using Electrical Resistivity Meter, apparent resistivity (ρ) is calculated for various depths. GPR is used for the same area to determine the characteristics of subsurface parameters. Data collected by both the instrument is analyzed and compared its accuracy. The results obtained through comparison from two geophysical methods are further seen with respect to the Land Use / Land Cover and surface morphology of the study area, generated from the high resolution satellite data.

Key Words: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Meter, Apparent resistivity, Land Use/ Land Cover etc.