Saldanha Bay Local Municipality appointed Skytem to conduct an airborne geophysical 3D aquifer mapping survey. As part of improving the sustainable management of the groundwater resources and exploring the options of Managed Aquifer Recharge, a better understanding of the aquifers is required. The Skytem technology unlocked a rich understanding of the subsurface geology and the groundwater contained in it.
Before the main survey commenced, a trial survey was conducted to investigate the quality of the data that may be expected from the main survey. The trial survey was conducted over the existing water supply wellfield where there were existing groundwater data including borehole lithology from drilling and ground geophysics. Consequently, the main survey commenced and consisted of the following:
1) Magnetic survey providing information regarding bedrock composition and where it changes due to faults or deposition,
2) Time Domain Electromagnetic survey providing conductivity/resistivity of the subsurface,
3) Detailed elevation along flight paths, and
4) 50Hz signal to understand where interferences can be due to power lines.
The survey interpretation showed the following important aquifer characteristics that will be useful for future management of the aquifer system:
1) Bedrock elevation and paleo topography, 2) Areas with different bedrock composition, 3) Geological faults in the bedrock, 4) Bedrock below the surface, 5) Areas with thick dry sand, 6) Clay layer extent and area without clay, 7) Areas with different water quality, and 8) Areas with very high concentrations of salt.
The survey output and interpretations are regarded as very useful for the update of the conceptual models for the area. Data can now be used to update the numerical models and improve the management of the wellfields.