Integrated interpretation of IP and TEM data for salinity monitoring of aquifers and soil in the coastal area of Muravera (Sardinia, Italy)

Abstract

The problem of aquifers and soil salinity is addressed in the coastal area of Muravera (SE Sardinia, Italy) with the combined use of electrical resistivity and induced polarization measurements along three lines, and with 41 Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) soundings distributed in the study area. The resistivity and chargeability sections provide a detailed information on the hydrogeological conditions in the first 20 60 m depth, clarifying the role of both clay and salt water and eventually confirming the local near-surface hydrogeological model. The resistivity maps obtained for different depth ranges by TEM data inversion, give a clear and effective representation of the saline contamination both laterally and down to a depth of about 70 m, over the whole investigated area. The combination of the geophysical techniques (resistivity tomography with Induced Polarization measurements, integrated with TEM soundings) proves very effective as an approach for soil and water salination monitoring.