Locating groundwater resources for Aboriginal Communities in remote and arid parts of South Australia

Graham Heinson, Kent Inverarity, David Pedler-Jones, Adrian Costar, Simon Wurst, Grant McLean, Craig Simmons

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)

    Abstract

    The aim of the research program, funded by the Geoscientists Without Borders?program, is to undertake geophysical surveys to locate groundwater resources for Aboriginal communities in remote and arid parts of South Australia. These communities currently rely on boreholes in deep-aquifers (> 50 m to the water table) within fractured rock for non-potable water supplies. Maintaining and developing existing groundwater supplies and identifying new resources are essential. In mid-2010 we will collect magnetotelluric (MT) data across an array of sites to image the three-dimensional (3D) electrical conductivity structure from the surface to a depth of 1 km or greater, and the anisotropy of electrical conductivity due to fracture alignment. Variability in conductivity both laterally, and with depth, will yield a better method of identifying groundwater resources to target boreholes, and hence reduce the number of dry wells. The research program will have three principal outcomes: 1. To determine optimal borehole locations for the Aboriginal communities to develop sustainable groundwater resources; 2. To better understand and make recommendations as to how MT instruments can be deployed to reduce the risk of drilling dry holes; and 3. To more fully understand how groundwater in fractured rock can be effectively imaged by electrical conductivity variability.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting 2010, SEG 2010
    PublisherSociety of Exploration Geophysicists
    Pages3844-3847
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Print)9781617389801
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2010
    EventSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting 2010, SEG 2010 - Denver, United States
    Duration: 17 Oct 201022 Oct 2010

    Publication series

    NameSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting 2010, SEG 2010

    Conference

    ConferenceSociety of Exploration Geophysicists International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting 2010, SEG 2010
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityDenver
    Period17/10/1022/10/10

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