Open AccessIntegrating Geological Information and Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Mapping the Main Groundwater Bearing Layers in Ancient Babylon City, Iraq
Author(s) -
Mohammed M. ALHameedawi,
Jassim M. Thabit,
Firas H. ALMenshed
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
iraqi geological journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.2
H-Index - 5
eISSN - 2663-8754
pISSN - 2414-6064
DOI - 10.46717/igj.55.1a.8ms-2022-01-27
Subject(s) - borehole , geology , electrical resistivity tomography , groundwater , bearing (navigation) , geotechnical engineering , electrical resistivity and conductivity , mining engineering , geography , cartography , engineering , electrical engineering
Electrical resistivity tomography was conducted in nine locations within ancient Babylon city, using Wenner-Schlumberger array, to map groundwater-bearing layers. The inverted models were integrated and correlated with the geological information extracted from six boreholes drilled during the 1970s. The interpreted inverse models of the Wenner-Schlumberger show identical corresponding with the lithological sequence of the boreholes. This corresponds related to the presence of one thick layer of sand deposits, with a thickness that may reach 60 m, and several thin interbedded clay layers that are locally extended. The sand layer is considered the main groundwater-bearing layer in the area. Further, the results proposed that a high discharge rate from any future boreholes which will be drilled for lowering the groundwater levels in the ancient Babylon area can easily cause a washing out of sand deposits which in turn can cause serious damages in archaeological remaining even after all measures to prevent sand washing.