Contribution of geophysics to geometric characterization of freshwater–saltwater interface in the Maâmoura region (NE Tunisia)

Abstract

The Maâmoura aquifer is located on the eastern coast of the Cap Bon peninsula. During recent decades, the agricultural exploitation of water has been strongly reinforced, causing an over-pumping of the groundwater resources accompanied by an intrusion of seawater. The geophysical approach based on electrical resistivity tomography has been adopted to obtain high-resolution electrical sections imaging, which allows delineatation of the areas characterized by a high salinization and reconstructs the geometry of the saline wedge front. In fact, the presence of seawater in the aquifers reduces subsurface resistivity values. In this study, five electrical profiles were performed using the Terrameter SAS4000 Lund Imaging System with an array of 64 electrodes. The Wenner configuration was used with a unit electrodes spacing of 5 m. Finally, we use hydrogeological data, and electrical resistivity tomography data superimposed with the location of wells to provide a conceptual framework for the understanding of the freshwater-saltwater interface in the Maâmoura region.

Saltwater Intrusion Zone Mapping on Shallow Groundwater Aquifer in Selat Baru, Bengkalis Island, Indonesia

“…Intensive irrigated agriculture substantially modifies the hydrological cycle and often has major environmental impacts (Foster et al, 2018). During recent decades, the agricultural exploitation of water has been strongly reinforced, causing an over-pumping of the groundwater resources accompanied by an intrusion of seawater (Chabaane et al, 2018).…”