geophysical prospecting by geoelectric method in the ras ... · i. introduction in order to obtain...

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International Journal of Engineering Inventions e-ISSN: 2278-7461, p-ISSN: 2319-6491 Volume 6, Issue 12 [December. 2017] PP: 01-18 www.ijeijournal.com Page | 1 Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco) Hmad Bouikbane 1 , Hassane Sahbi 1 , Omar El Fassi Fehri 2 . (1) Laboratory of Geoengineering and Environment, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Meknes. (2) Direction of Equipment Meknes. Abstract: The study area is located at the western boundary of the Sais basin, where groundwater resources are limited, the substratum is close to the ground and sometimes it is flush with the absence of the ground water, with high productivity. In this study, the deep aquifer corresponds to liasic limestones and dolomites are absent, due to geological complexity. The main source of this area is most often limited in surface formations of the Plio-Quaternary, and sometimes quartzite intercalations in Paleozoic schists, sandstones, sand and conglomerates forming low-productivity aquifers water. The purpose of this work and geophysics by geoelectric method (52 VES and 03 electrics train) is to identify certain characteristics of aquifers and aquicludes in the Ras Jerry region of the Meknes plateau, all the levels likely to be hydraulic reservoirs. The direction of flow is generally SE-NW in the direction of the faults or fractures. Key words: substratum, groundwater, liasic limestones, geoelectric, underground flow. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date of Submission: 06-11-2017 Date of acceptance: 23-12-2017 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view, a geophysical prospecting study using the geoelectric method was initiated. Its main objective is to monitor in depth the continuity of the various aquifers existing in the study area. Thus, and in order to achieve this objective, we have set ourselves the following important points: The geometry and depth of the superficial aquifers corresponds to the Plio-Quaternary and deep of the lias if there is or Paleozoic ; The geometry and depth of the aquitard which corresponds to marls of Miocene or Triassic red clays ; Areas favorable to the implantation of reconnaissance boreholes. II. General Data Of The Study Area II-1- GEOGRAPHICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY AREA The center of Ras Jerry is located in the north-central area of the country, about 23 km southeast of the city of Meknes. It is crossed by the regional road n ° 701 which connects the city of Meknès with the municipality of Ras Jerry. The average Lambert coordinates are as follows: X = 470.000m; Y = 353.700m; Z = 605m. The study area shown on the map (Figure 1) is located in the western end of the basin of Saiss. Figure 1: Location of the study area in the geological map of Morocco (National Hydrocarbons Office of Morocco).

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Page 1: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

International Journal of Engineering Inventions

e-ISSN: 2278-7461, p-ISSN: 2319-6491

Volume 6, Issue 12 [December. 2017] PP: 01-18

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 1

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry

Meknes Region (Morocco)

Hmad Bouikbane 1, Hassane Sahbi

1, Omar El Fassi Fehri

2.

(1) Laboratory of Geoengineering and Environment, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Meknes.

(2) Direction of Equipment Meknes.

Abstract: The study area is located at the western boundary of the Sais basin, where groundwater resources

are limited, the substratum is close to the ground and sometimes it is flush with the absence of the ground water,

with high productivity. In this study, the deep aquifer corresponds to liasic limestones and dolomites are absent,

due to geological complexity. The main source of this area is most often limited in surface formations of the

Plio-Quaternary, and sometimes quartzite intercalations in Paleozoic schists, sandstones, sand and

conglomerates forming low-productivity aquifers water. The purpose of this work and geophysics by geoelectric

method (52 VES and 03 electrics train) is to identify certain characteristics of aquifers and aquicludes in the

Ras Jerry region of the Meknes plateau, all the levels likely to be hydraulic reservoirs.

The direction of flow is generally SE-NW in the direction of the faults or fractures.

Key words: substratum, groundwater, liasic limestones, geoelectric, underground flow.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

Date of Submission: 06-11-2017 Date of acceptance: 23-12-2017

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------

I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view, a

geophysical prospecting study using the geoelectric method was initiated. Its main objective is to monitor in

depth the continuity of the various aquifers existing in the study area.

Thus, and in order to achieve this objective, we have set ourselves the following important points:

The geometry and depth of the superficial aquifers corresponds to the Plio-Quaternary and deep of the lias

if there is or Paleozoic ;

The geometry and depth of the aquitard which corresponds to marls of Miocene or Triassic red clays ;

Areas favorable to the implantation of reconnaissance boreholes.

II. General Data Of The Study Area II-1- GEOGRAPHICAL FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY AREA

The center of Ras Jerry is located in the north-central area of the country, about 23 km southeast of the city of

Meknes. It is crossed by the regional road n ° 701 which connects the city of Meknès with the municipality of

Ras Jerry. The average Lambert coordinates are as follows: X = 470.000m; Y = 353.700m; Z = 605m.

The study area shown on the map (Figure 1) is located in the western end of the basin of Saiss.

Figure 1: Location of the study area in the geological map of Morocco (National Hydrocarbons Office of

Morocco).

Page 2: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 2

II-2- CONTEXTE GEOLOGIQUE ET HYDROGEOLOGIQUE

Geologically, the study area is part of the western basin of Sais; which belongs to a transition zone between the

central Meseta and the Pre Rif. It is characterized by the absence of outcrops, with the exception of the borders:

Outcrops of schistose formations, in the banks of the valley of oued ouchket. Outcrops of marly and calcareous formations, respectively in the valleys of Larbaa Wadi and Wadi

Jerry.

According to the geological map of Morocco at 1 / 100,000 (North Meknes) supported by the

observations of the cuttings facies of the boreholes made in the region, the geological formations present in the

study area are generally from bottom to top as following :

a- Primary schists, which are omnipresent throughout the region, are encountered in the form of gray or

black schists with zones of alteration of 10 to 20 m and fracturing little developed. These formations can be

aquifer in the case of alteration or intense fracturing. They then give rise to very localized aquifers. The

mobilized flows are generally low with points up to 3 l / s. The quality of the water is generally good.

b- The Moi-pliocene formations consist mainly of sandstones, consolidated sands with inlays of yellow

marls and often sandy clays. These formations constitute a large part of the post-primary recovery of the

province of Khemisset and in particular in the region of Ait Mimoun. Their thickness can sometimes reach one

hundred and seventy meters.

The sandstone levels contain a relatively interesting aquifer, but its extent is very limited. Boreholes

that have captured these levels can generate drilling flows of up to 20 l/s. These sandy formations are well developed in the study area. According to the SW-NE geological

section, these sandstones plunge north with a dip of 2.5%. To the south-west, they are close to the surface and

are surmounted by a sandy formation, relatively permeable. Taking into account the topography of the terrain, it

can be concluded that the supply of the groundwater from the stormwater is mainly south of the regional road

leading to souk Had in Mimoun. In the study area, the sandstone levels are not very developed and are rather marly. They are not always

productive. Drill holes F6 and F13 in this zone are dry.

On the other hand, in drilling F7, the sandstones are not very productive. They overcome the lacustrine

limestones at the coast 180m. The set rests on red clays of the trias. This formation was found nowhere in the

parcel of the two domains, which shows that we are in the presence of an abnormal contact between the

formations of the Causse d'Agourai and that of the central meseta (Ait Mimoun's aquifer).

On the hydrological level this area would be very complicated. The identification of the aquifer zones can only

be done by a careful electrical geophysical study.

c- The Quaternary formations consist mainly of slightly marly yellowish sands. With an average thickness of 25

m, they constitute an aquifer of low potential.

III. Geoelectric Prospecting III-1- INTRODUCTION

The geophysical study by the geoelectric method involved several measurements, in particular: 52

vertical electric survey and 03 electric trails.

The electrical survey carried out with the aim of making an overall reconnaissance of the prospected site

(Picture 1). This recognition would make it possible to locate potential aquifers likely to be potentially rich in

water reserves. The electric trails were performed in order to locate the deep electrical discontinuities

materialized essentially by the presence in the site of faults, fractures or cracks. The measurements were placed

according to a mesh (Figure 3). The position of the geo-electric measurements was taken by the GPS Meridian

in Longitudes / Latitudes coordinates.

Picture 1: Implementation of geophysical prospecting in the study area

Page 3: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

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III-2- EQUIPMENT

The geoelectric prospecting equipment used includes the following accessories (photo 2)

- A resistivity ;

- a current converter;

- two coils of electric wire of a length each of 750m ;

- two coils of electric wire of a length each of 100m ;

- two steel electrodes for the injection of the electric current ;

- two copper electrodes for measuring the potential difference ΔV.

-

Photo 2 : Electrical equipment used

III-3- SITUATION OF MEASURES

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!A

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!

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!

!

!

!

!

!!

Oued Larbaa

Ras Jerry

Route 701

Vers Had ait Mimoum

Via Oulmès

F7

F3

F6

F13

TE3

TE2

TE1

TE5 TE4 TE3' TE2'TE1'

S3 S2

S1

4C

3C

2C

1C9A

8A7A

6A

5A

4A

3A

2A

1A

9B8B

7B6B

5B4B

3B

2B1B

17A

16A

15A

14A

13A

12A

11A

10A

17B

16B

15B14B

13B

12B

11B10B SEF7

SEF6

464800

464800

465600

465600

466400

466400

467200

467200

3500

00

3500

00

3510

00

3510

00

3520

00

3520

00

3530

00

3530

00

±

430 4300

Mètres

Légende

! Trainés électriques

! Sondages électriques UN2

Trainé électrique réalisés

!A Forages_de_la_zone

Oued Larbaa

Route

! Sondages électriques UN1

Figure 2: Map showing the location of electric survey, boreholes and electric trains

Page 4: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 4

III-4- RESULTS OF ELECTRIC TRAINS

In the prospected field, three electric trains were executed. It is: - Electric train ET1 in the central part of the domain along the road. Its length is 1650m (Figure 3) ;

- Electric train ET2 in the north of the domain it’s lenght is 1650m (figure 4)

- Electric train ET3 in the south of study’s area, it’s lenght is 2100m (figure 5).

The profiles obtained by all these trails show that the area studied is very heterogeneous electrically.

This testifies to the geological complexity in this region. However, these profiles have made it possible to

locate, on approximately 60% of the domain, highly fractured areas very interesting in water resources.

In order to study well the area, and to know the structure of the ground in depth, we will complete our

study by the realization of a set of vertical electric survey; their results will be presented later in this work.

0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 0 0

-5 0

0

5 0

1 0 0

1 5 0

2 0 0

2 5 0

D is ta n c e e n m è tre s

sis

tiv

ité

ap

pa

re

nte

en

oh

m.m

E WT ra în é é le c tr iq u e T E 1

Figure 3: Profile of Electric Train ET 1

0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 0 0

-5 0

0

5 0

1 0 0

1 5 0

2 0 0

2 5 0

WET ra în é é le c tr iq u e T E 2

sis

tiv

ité

ap

pa

re

nte

en

oh

m.m

D is ta n c e e n m è tre s

Figure 4: Profil of electrical train ET 2

Page 5: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 5

0 2 0 0 4 0 0 6 0 0 8 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 6 0 0 1 8 0 0

-5 0

0

5 0

1 0 0

1 5 0

2 0 0

2 5 0

WE T ra in é é le c tr iq u e T E 3

sis

tiv

ité

ap

pa

re

nte

en

oh

m.m

D is ta n c e e n m è tre s

Figure 5: Profil of electrical train ET 3

III-5- MECHANICAL DRILLING

The mechanical boreholes that have been carried out in this zone are three-fold, rated F6, F7 and F13,

are very useful to complement our geophysical study by calibrating the results obtained by those drillings the

results of these drilling make it possible to determine the thicknesses of different formations encountered during

drilling, the calibration can provide important information on the variation of the resistivities of the various

formations and thus to locate the roof and the substratum of those likely to be water reservoirs. It should be

noted that the mechanical drilling used is described in the annex to drilling.

III-6- GEOELECTRIC CORRELATION

III-6-1- Electric survey of calibration

The electrical surveys of calibrations are carried out in the vicinities of drillings F6; F7 and F13. These

soundings has an important role in the interpretation of all survey did in this area.

For a calibration survey, the thicknesses of the formations are known, it is sufficient to fix their values for the

theoretical model and to vary the resistivities until the theoretical curve coincides with the experimental curve.

The true resistivity is then obtained for each layer. Lithological layers are compared by drilling with the electric

horizons detected on the electric sounding patterns and attempts are made to establish geoelectric correlations.

Page 6: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

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III-6-1- 1- ELECTRIC SURVEY OF CALIBRATION ESF6

Figure 6: Electrical survey of calibration F6

III-6-1- 2- ELECTRICAL SURVEY OF CALIBRATION ESF7

Figure 8: Sondage électrique d’étalonnage F7

Page 7: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 7

III-6-1- 3- ELECTRICAL SURVEY OF CALIBRATION ESF13

Figure 9: Electrical survey of calibration ESF13

III-7- QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS OF ELECTRICAL SURVEYS

The analysis of all the electrical survey carried out in the Ras Jerry region makes it possible to distinguish

roughly three electrical levels.

Level I: Superficial resistant

Level II: Intermediate conductor

Level III: Deep resisant

III-7-1- Superficial resistant level

The surface resistant level corresponds to the first level encountered on the surface and is constituted by

an alternation of conductive levels and resistant levels of power ranging from a few meters to a depth of 60 m,

their electrical resistivities varying from 5Ω.m to 40Ω.m for the conductor levels, and from 60Ω.m to 220Ω.m

for the resistant levels From a geological point of view this level may correspond to Plio-Quaternary formations

(topsoil, fawn sands, lake limestones, sandstones, clays, etc.).

III-7-2- Intermediate conductor level

This level corresponds to a conductive assembly, with a rather wide thickness, it exceeds hardly 120 m

and in some places the boundary wall has not been delimited, it comes just after the resistor seen previously, this

level can attribute to Miocen Marls, but it should be noted here that in some measurement points and with the

aid of mechanical drilling, we noticed the absence of conductor and one falls directly on the Triassic clays after

the formations of the Plio-Quaternaire.

Page 8: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 8

III-7-3- Deep resistant level

The deep resistant level corresponds to the substratum of the Saïs basin, its resistivity is variable, it is generally

greater than 100Ω.m.

From a geological point of view, the lias is absent in this region, so the substratum corresponds to Paleozoic

schists.

III-8- FAMILIES OF ELECTRICAL SURVEYS According to the shape of the electric survey curves, three types of families can be distinguished, based on the

shape of the curve of the electric survey, and the succession of the various conductive and resistant levels.

III-8-1- Type I family

The curves of the electric survey of this family show a succession of resistant and conductive level, going from

the bottom up (Figure 10). In the table below we give the lithology that corresponds to each level.

Figure 10: Example of electrical survey of a Type I family

Level met Lithology

SCL Sandy clay

SRL Limestone

DCL Marls

DRL Shales

Table 1: Characteristics of the type I family

III-8-2- Type II Family

Represented by electric surveys with bell-shaped curves, the surface conductor level can be attributed

to either topsoil or sandy clays. On the other hand, the resistant level corresponds to lacustrine limestones and

the deep conductor level corresponds to of triassic red clays, this family is represented by the electric survey

SE04A (figure 11).

Page 9: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 9

Figure 11: Example of electrical survey of type II family

III-8-3- Type III family

For this family always the curves of electrical survey are bell-shaped (Figure 12), and again the

presence of three levels as the family II present but for the superficial resistant level this time corresponds to

sandy sandstones, and the first conductive level always corresponds to topsoil or to sandy clays. The only thing

that differentiates it from the family II is that the conductive level here corresponds to marls of the Miocene

instead of the triasic clays of the family II.

Page 10: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 10

Figure 12: Example of electrical survey of type III family

III-9- QUALITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS

The results obtained from the electrical survey, it is possible to establish maps of apparent resistivities. These

maps present a significant idea about the variations of the apparent resistivity on a given slice of land.

II-9-1- Map of apparent resistivities for AB / 2 = 50m

The map obtained for AB / 2 = 50m (FIG. 13) corresponds to the superficial Plio-Quaternary age

formations, according to the observation of the map, there are mainly two areas: Conductive areas (ρa <50m): These are the most extensive zones that correspond to surface formations

most often clayey, or sandy clays;

Resistive areas (ρa> 100 Ω.m): These are areas of small extent that are generally correlated with

lacustrine limestones, sandstones and sands of the Plio-Quaternaire. In the F7 borehole, lacustrine limestones

have been encountered, which means that the resistant zone can be attributed to lacustrine limestones.

Page 11: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 11

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

30.21

40.52

30.99

61.2

31

30

21

30.12

27.2535

51.641

33

4850.14

4070.25

13.54

198.46

200.08

140.26

100.48

130.49

100.67

20

20.76

30.12

18.07

17

15.74

20.14

21.48

22.94

17.49

14.54

17.2419.25

15.91

F7

F13

F6

10 ohm.m

30 ohm.m

50 ohm.m

70 ohm.m

90 ohm.m

110 ohm.m

130 ohm.m

150 ohm.m

170 ohm.m

190 ohm.m

0 m 500 m

Forage

Figure 13: Map of apparent resistivities for AB/2 = 50m

III-9-2- Map of apparent resisitivities for AB/2 = 500 m

The map of the apparent resistivities for AB / 2 = 500 m gives information rather more deeply, because the more

the AB electrodes are moved away towards the depth and the effect of the superficial lands becomes a little

negligible, according to the map presented below we can be seen:

Conductive areas (ρa <40Ω.m): it is found that the conductive zones are reduced compared to those of the

map seen previously this time the conductive zones eventually correspond to marls formations because we

are a bit deep;

Resistive areas (ρa> 60Ω.m): These are more extensive zones that can always be attributed to resistant

formations that may probably correspond to Paleozoic shales.

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

40.32

41.2

40.05

145.26

91.47

86

46.8

30.1

10.49.8

40.1438

39

4240

50.2471.45

62.89

62

72.8

39.46

26.18

15.72

28.24

8.56

8.49

9.08

8

8.56

5

5.19

6.71

23.06

6

65.54

60.2478.25

90.91

F6

F6

F13

0 ohm.m

25 ohm.m

45 ohm.m

65 ohm.m

80 ohm.m

100 ohm.m

120 ohm.m

140 ohm.m

0 m 500 m

Figure 14: map of apparent resistivities for AB/2 = 500 m

III-9-3- Map of apparent resistivities for AB/2 = 1000 m

From the examination of the map shown in the figure below (Figure 15), we can distinguish: Resistive areas (ρa> 50Ω.m): These zones are distributed in the southern part and also in the northwest end

of the study area, the maximum value can reach about 140Ω.m. These strong resistivity values may possibly

correspond to shale formations ;

Conductive areas (ρa <30Ω.m): These areas are of low distribution and are mainly located in the eastern

and northeastern part of the study area, as is also a small area of low resistivity located south of F13. These

low resistivity formations may probably correspond either to miocene marls or to fractured schists or

siltites.

Page 12: Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras ... · I. Introduction In order to obtain a general knowledge about Ras Jerry region from a hydrogeological point of view,

Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

www.ijeijournal.com Page | 12

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

40.32

41.2

40.05

145.26

91.47

86

46.8

30.1

10.49.8

40.1438

39

4240

50.2471.45

62.89

62

72.8

39.46

26.18

15.72

28.24

8.56

8.49

9.08

8

8.56

5

5.19

6.71

23.06

6

65.54

60.2478.25

90.91

F6

F6

F13

0 ohm.m

10 ohm.m

20 ohm.m

30 ohm.m

40 ohm.m

50 ohm.m

60 ohm.m

70 ohm.m

80 ohm.m

90 ohm.m

100 ohm.m

110 ohm.m

120 ohm.m

130 ohm.m

140 ohm.m

0 m 500 m

Figure 15: Map of apparent resistivities for AB/2 = 1000 m

III-10- QUANTITATIVE INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULTS

II-10-1- Map of the transverse resistance (RT) of plio-quaternary formations

The Knowledge of this electrical parameter for a resistant level is very important, by definition TR is

the product of the electrical resistivity and the thickness of the formation.

eRTV

V : True resistivity of training

e : Thickness of the formation.

In general, a good aquifer is characterized by a high transverse strength but the resistivity must not be too high

but a high thickness. In addition, a spatial continuity of the aquifer level must be taken into account.

We chose the Plio-Quaternary level because it is the level that forms the surface aquifer in the Saïs basin, so it

sometimes contains permeable and semi-permeable levels.

The transverse resistance map shown below (Figure 16) shows that the areas with high RT values are somewhat

smaller and are located west of the F7, and also to the north-west of the F7. drilling F7. On the other hand, the

minimum values are more nearly covering the entire study area.

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

0 ohm.m²

4000 ohm.m²

8000 ohm.m²

12000 ohm.m²

16000 ohm.m²

20000 ohm.m²

24000 ohm.m²

28000 ohm.m²

32000 ohm.m²

F7

F13

F6

0 m 500 m3205.2

3566.5

2764

6230

2822

3568.9

4570

4188.6

2857.22905.38

20292827.44

6647

45874610

39185584

2172

26171

37628

26048

18347

22880

14070

3114

4245

4500

1129

2338.4

1262

3075.4

3326

4655

1967

2349

2039.4858

2326

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

Figure 16: Map of the transverse resistance (RT) of plio-quaternary formations

III-10-2- Map of the isopachs of the Plio-Quaternary lands

The maps of the isopachs are based on the results of the quantitative interpretation of the electric soundings, for

which the thicknesses of the lands for which these maps are to be estimated

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Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry Meknes Region (Morocco)

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The determination of the thickness of the Plio-Quaternary terrains, based on electrical survey, is based

essentially on possible correlations between the calibration survey carried out in the vicinity of the mechanical

drilling, the lithological logs of these drilling and the analysis of the electrical horizons.

The examination of the isopach map of the Plio-Quaternary lands presented in Figure 13-III shows that the

maximum values are of the order of 130m, are observed in the central part, in the North and in the North West

of the zone as well as minimum values can reach up to 20 m thick.

Generally, we note the decrease in the power of the Plio-Quaternary formations going south of the

study area. The combination of this map with those of the apparent resistivity for AB / 2 = 50m, and the

transverse resistance of the previous Plio-Quaternary terrains (Figure 17), allows us to determine probably

aquifer levels.

F6

F6

F13

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

38

32

36

41

37

38

39

37

3131

5353

39

4040

3938

16

121

128

104

119

121

118

79

75

68

34

47

37

61

58

67

49

107

9894

86

20 m

30 m

40 m

50 m

60 m

70 m

80 m

90 m

100 m

110 m

120 m

130 m

0 m 500 m

Figure 17: Map of the isopachs of the Plio-Quaternary lands

III-10-3- Map of deep conductor roof isohypses

The map of the isohypses of the roof of the deep conductor gives an idea of its structure, which could attribute

either to miocene marls or triassic clays. From the map of the isohypses (Figure 18), a gradual deepening can be detected from the central part near the

F7 to the entire of the study area. This graduation of the depth is probably did to a set of faults.

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

578

588

585

564

572

568

572

574

581580

547537

566

564562

553555

577

585

581

486

472

471

474

513

517

536

570

563

565

535

540

525

534

572

585579

588

470 m

500 m

530 m

565 m

580 m

0 m 500 m

F7

F13

F6

Figure 18: Map of deep conductor roof isohypses

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III-10-4- Deep conductor roof isobaths map

The isobath map shown below (Figure 19) corresponds to the difference between the coast of the electric survey

and the coast of the deep conductor roof, and corresponds mostly to Miocene marls. The analysis of this map shows that the conductive formations become deeper from north to south.

467500 468000 468500 469000 469500

354500

355000

355500

3832

3639

3731

26

53

5437

4648

394040

3938

16

15

16

17

18

22

17

19

20

11

9

17

11

21

18

21

20

1715

2118

8 m

16 m

24 m

32 m

40 m

48 m

56 m

0 m 500 m

Figure 19: Map isobath of deep conductor roof

III-11- GEO-ELECTRIC CUTTING Geo-electric cuts are very important in a geoelectric study because they can give a general view of the

geological structure of the prospected area, in order to arrive at a palaeogeographic structure and to fully

understand the tectonic affected land. To this goal, we have made two longitudinal geo-electric cuts along the

East-West of study area (Figure 20: GCA, Figure 21: GCB), and four geo-electric cuts cross-sections oriented

North-South, (GC1, GC2, GC3, GC4)

III-11-1-Longitudinal geo-electric cut LGCA (E-W)

The longitudinal geoelectric cut LGC (FIG. 20) is obtained from the analysis and interpretation of the

electric survey, carried out according to the profile A and C.

From this geoelectric cut there is a variation of the thickness of the soil from SE17A; up to SE10A, this

variation in thickness is clearly accentuated by the evidence of an abnormal contact (electrical discontinuity)

between the survey SE10a and SE7A, which shows that one is on a raised compartment, towards the West we

also find ourselves in front of another electrical discontinuity which can eventually materialize through a fault,

based on data from the soundings and the lithological log of drilling F7, we note that the marls are absent only

in this compartment and they exist elsewhere, indicating that there is probably an abnormal contact.

Towards the west the structure of the land is almost tabular; the thicknesses of the Plio-Quaternary soils

are more or less variable, whereas the thickness of the conductive layer corresponds most often to the Miocene

marls, and the shallow paleozoic substratum becomes shallower.

Figure 20: Longitudinal geo-electric cut LGC

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III-11-2- Longitudinal geoelectric cut LGCB (E-W)

The longitudinal geoelectric cut (LGCB) shown in Figure 21 shows the same variations in ground

thickness as the LGCA cut, going from the west, there is a smaller variation in the thickness of the existing land,

thickness of the marly conductor is important, thus unlike the LGCA cut, here the schistous substratum has been

reached. The presence of two electrical discontinuities which are visualized at the level of the LGCB cut, these

electrical discontinuities always show the presence of a raised compartment,

To the west of the geoelectric cut, the variation of the land is almost the same as that of the LGCA cut,

the thickness of the Plio-Quaternary soils is more or less variable along the section, especially towards the

western end, for the marly conductor its thickness diminishes towards the west, the presence of schistous

substratum is noted which becomes shallower.

Figure 21: Longitudinal geoelectric cut LGCB (E-W)

III-11-3- Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC1) (N-S)

The geologic cut CGC1 (Figure 22) shows the variation of the lithology of the formations from north to

south, this variation being materialized by the presence of an electrical discontinuity between the sounding

ES2A and ES1A, this electrical discontinuity is the as well as that detected at the longitudinal geoelectric

sections, since it brings into contact different lithology formations as seen previously in the longitudinal

geoelectric sections. The description of this transverse geoelectric section allows us to deduce that there is an

abnormal contact in the study area, for example, the absence of the marls in the compartment to the left of the

discontinuity and their presence on the right. The schistous bedrock reached in drill hole F13 is affected by the

electrical drillings that were carried out in the study area.

Figure 22: Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC1) (N-S)

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III-11-4- Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC2) (N-S)

The description of this section (fig. 23) is almost the same as CGC1, it always shows the presence of an

electrical discontinuity, a small variation in the thickness of the grounds, towards the South of the zone at the

level of the sounding SE9B.

Figure 23: Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC2) (N-S)

III-11-5- Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC3) (N-S)

The geoelectric cut CGC3 (fig. 24) shows the same variations of the terrain as CGT2 and CGT1, going

from north to south, the presence of two electrical discontinuities which are visualized around the electrical

survey SE7A, these two electrical discontinuities make the raising of a compartment, and the lowering of the

other. To the north, the electric survey have not reached the roof of the schistous substratum, which can be

translated by the thickening of the marly conductor, whereas in the compartment situated towards the south, the

schists, even the fractured schists or contain silt elements which are translated by low resistivities. Taking into

account the set of these faults which correspond to electrical discontinuities; the thickness of the formations

along the section are more or less variable.

Figure 24: Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC3) (N-S)

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III-11-6- Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC4) (N-S) The appearance of the cut CGC4 (Figure 25) is the same as the previous ones, it shows the abnormal contact

between the different geological formations, the presence of the marly conductor in the left compartment and the

absence of the schistous substratum at the level of the compartment on the right, their thickness is reduced,

Figure 25: Cross-sectional geoelectric cut (CGC4) (N-S)

IV. Conclusion The geoelectric method used in this area has revealed the existence of a superficial aquifer in the Plio-

quaternary formations. The geoelectric correlation made from drilling F7, F6 and F13, whose lithostratigraphic

logs are known, and also taking into account all the physical parameters measured (electrical resistivity), of

various resistivity maps of the transverse resistance of the Plio-Quaternary, the depth (isobaths) of the roof of

the marly conductor, and that of the isohypses of the roof of the marly conductor allowed us to deduce:

The absence of the liasic resistant;

The aquifer is superficial, it is situated in the Plio-quaternary formations;

The substrate is shale ;

The existence of a set of tectonic structures, most often they are faults which have brought into contact land

of different lithological nature;

The thickness of the marly conductor is more developed in the eastern part, and is thinner towards the west,

which confirms that it is towards the borders of the basin of the Sais, because from the geological point of

view the shaly substratum becomes shallower east to west of the basin ;

The favorable location from the water point of view is located in the vicinity of electric survey A01 and

A02, and in the vicinity of drilling F7.

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Hmad Bouikbane "Geophysical Prospecting By Geoelectric Method In The Ras Jerry

Meknes Region (Morocco).” International Journal of Engineering Inventions (IJEI),

vol. 6, no. 11, 2017, pp. 64-81.