Vertical Electrical Sounding Investigation of Aquifer Description in the Area between Elbutana Bridge and Elsasareeb, River Atbara Valley, Sudan

ASM Sc. J., 20(2), 2025

Published on September 12, 2025

https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2025.1650

Author: Khalid E.A. Nayl, Abdalla E.M. Elsheikh, Abobaker O. Elbahari and Ibrahim A. A. Babiker

Abstract

The main objectives of the study are to obtain more detailed information about the depth of the basement rocks underlying the alluvial deposit, to find out the thicknesses and resistivity of the different layers, to identify the aquifer thickness & boundaries, and to select suitable sites for drilling successful boreholes. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique was applied using Schlumberger Array (configuration), with a maximum half separation AB/2 = 600 -700m. Sixteen borehole data were collected. The study area was covered by (35) points of vertical electrical sounding (VES) measurements. Six geo-electrical sections were constructed in the study area in E-W and N-S directions. The geophysical investigations confirmed that the study area consisted of five to seven layers: superficial deposits, sand, clay, River Atbara sediments, and the basement complex, in addition to intruded basaltic rocks. Moreover, the geophysical investigations indicated that the depth of the basement rocks varies between 45-68m. River Atbara sediments are considered the main water-bearing formation in the study area. The thickness of the aquifer varies between 10-30m and is controlled by the thickness of the clay cover, which lies directly over the aquifer zone.

Keywords: eastern Sudan, electrical resistivity, Geophysical exploration, groundwater occurrences