POSTER One of the critical elements of water resource management is the dynamic exchange between groundwater and surface water. Quantifying this exchange strongly relies on an adequate characterisation of the lithological architecture of the involved aquifer system. In the past, this characterisation often relied on lithological data obtained through invasive methods. However, given the spatial heterogeneity of the subsurface, these methods do not provide the density of sampling required for an accurate ‘‘image’’ of the large‐scale architecture of the aquifer system, leading to large uncertainties in the variations and continuities of subsurface structure. These uncertainties inevitably lead to inaccuracies in the conceptual geohydrological model, thereby diminishing the prospects of an accurate assessment of the groundwater–surface water interaction. In order to limit the uncertainties, the results of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys conducted on a site near the Krugersdrift Dam in the Free State Province of South Africa were used to make inferences regarding the prevailing geohydrological conditions. The resistivity models were compared to borehole logs from existing boreholes to produce a refined model of the subsurface architecture related to groundwater–surface water interactions.
Presenter Name
Teboho
Presenter Surname
Shakhane
Area
Krugerdrift Dam, Free State
Conference year
2013