Constructing a 3D geological model from geophysical data for groundwater modelling and management in the Kribi-Campo sedimentary sub-basin, Cameroon

Groundwater resources along the coast of Cameroon (Kribi–Campo Sub-Basin) are under siege from point and non-point pollution sources, climate change, urbanization and infrastructure development. This situation is made worse by the absence of a water management and development strategy. Managing and monitoring the area’s water resources requires an understanding of the groundwater systems, and thus a thorough understanding of the geology. In this study, a 3D geological model was built from electro-seismic data and the structure of the area’s aquifer system developed. The aquifer system structure was transferred into Visual MODFLOW Flex and then used to develop a typical hydrogeological model, which will help the management and monitoring of the area’s groundwater resources. As more geological data become available, the current model can be updated easily by editing and recomputing. This work is expected to have a positive impact quite quickly on the provision of potable water and on public health.