Journal of Environmental Hydrology
ISSN 1058-3912


Electronic Journal of the International Association for Environmental Hydrology

JEH Volume 19 (2011), Paper 16    Posted June 30, 2011
MAGNETOTELLURIC METHOD FOR GROUNDWATER EXPLORATION IN CRYSTALLINE BASEMENT COMPLEX, CAMEROON

Jorelle Larissa Meli'i1,2
Philippe Nouck Njandjock1,3
Daniel Herve Gouet1

1Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
2Department of Physics; Advanced Teachers Training College, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon
3National Institute of Cartography, Cameroon

ABSTRACT
Magnetotelluric (MT) stations were set up to locate potential groundwater resources in the crystalline basement complex in southern Cameroon. The results have revealed the presence of two aquifers units. The first unit is the shallow or phreatic aquifer located in the sandy weathered layer. It has a mean resistivity value of 100 ohm.m and a mean thickness of 8 m. It is not present in all stations and its thickness and depth of occurrence vary within the site under the lateritic crust layer. The second unit is a deep aquifer, located in the fractured bedrock and has a mean resistivity value of 900 ohm.m and a mean thickness of 30 m. Correlation with data of existing water points (boreholes and hand-dug wells) demonstrates that, in the study area, the first unit is erratic and can be easily contaminated by human activities. So, at some sites, it is not possible to improve traditional hand-dug wells. Generally, only drilling is suitable.


Reference: Meli'i, J.L., P.N. Njandjock, and D.H. Gouet. 2011. Magnetotelluric method for groundwater exploration in crystalline basement complex, Cameroon. Journal of Environmental Hydrology, Vol. 19, Paper 16.
CONTACT:
Philippe N. Njandjock Department of Physics
Faculty of Science
University of Yaounde I
Cameroon

E-mail: pnnouck@yahoo.com



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