Groundwater Potential Assessment Using Vertical Electrical Resistivity Method: A Case of Selam Bere Town, Gamo Gofa Zone Main Ethiopian Rift Valley

Abstract

Electrical sounding method was supported to evaluate groundwater potential in Selam Ber catchment, Gamo Gofa district in southern                 Ethiopia. Records were collected after five sounding points via Schlumberger investigation arrays per maximum half-done current electrode separation (AB/2 =220). Qualitative analyses of Electrical resistivity data were described by means of curves, apparent resistivity, and pseudo depths. The numerical explanations of the electrical resistivity data were made by the data using IPI-Res3, IRIS, surfer software, building geo-electric unit near the survey line and geologic proof from the drill. The vertical electrical resistivity results of the data shown four geo-electric stratums which differ in range of cracking, enduring, and formation. Examining the potential aquifer of Traverse Route SELATr1, the fourth layer group with resistivity value of 45.76-50.66 Ωm. & infinite depth also reveals highly moderately weathered & fractured basalt. Geoelectric section obtained along Traverse Route SELTr1, the horizons of stratum four were enhanced potential aquifers such as the highly cracked and worn ignimbrite level of potential ground water depth could be realized if the fractured zone could be penetrated up to the fresh massive rock of the third depth layer group with estimated final depth of 250 meters. And Traverse Route SELATr2 the resistivity soundings have identified five layers excluding BfVES-6; all are having similar curve types. The value of the true resistivity does not vary significantly found in the same geologic and hydro geologic pattern. Generally the possibility of striking water is undeniable starting from 45 meters (shallow aquifer) in all Vertical Electrical Resistivity