Groundwater Exploration using 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) at Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia

Abstract

Water demand in the study area has been increasing by time but surface water is not sufficient to fulfil the demands. 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) survey was conducted in order to looking for groundwater potential as freshwater alternative resources at Kulim, Kedah, Malaysia. The data acquisition was carried out using 5 meters multi-electrodes spacing with pole-dipole configuration array. The geophysical survey involved both resistivity and chargeability at the same time. The result of 2D Electrical Resistivity Imaging indicated that the groundwater potential area has low resistivity value with range 10 – 100 Ωm. Groundwater potential zone divided into 2 characteristics which is shallow groundwater zone (>75m in depth) and deep groundwater zone (>100m in depth). The groundwater potential zone covered by high to very high resistivity value. Those high resistivity value 200 – 1000 Ωm interpreted as dry top soil at near surface while at deep zone is interpreted as fresh bedrock. Chargeability value of groundwater potential area ranging from 0 up to 8 msec. All interpretation later confirmed by drilling data.