Gravimetric contributions to the study of the collapsed structures in northeast Tadla Plain:structural and hydrogeological implications

Abstract

This study was realized in the north-east of the plain of Tadla, in the region of Beni Mellal-khenifra, Morocco. The main aim of this research is to establish the geometry and hydrogeology characteristics of the region's aquifer system, based on the results of analysis and interpretation of deep-drilling data, and on gravimetric and electrical survey measurements. First, the regional gradient was determined, then the initial data was extracted, and based on the extracted data, we created the gravity map of the Bouguer, where the anomalies are clearer. The examination of the Bouguer anomaly's gravity map reveals the existence of a regional gradient. These anomalies are typically found in outcrop areas of the basement and differences in thickness of the sediment cover in the study area. The Electrical survey measurements, and the interpretation of the deep-drilling data, confirm the results of gravimetry survey, after applying different techniques such as horizontal gradiometer and upward extension, on the Gravimetric map. The founded results allowed us to draw up a structural map showing the system faults, which is accountable for the study area structure. The structural map is a very useful tool to guide future hydrogeological researches in the plain of Tadla.