Geo-electrical sounding for subsurface lithological investigation and modeling for groundwater exploration in Sheikhmanda Kili region, Northern Quetta, Pakistan

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) technique is used for lithological and hydrological properties interpretation, targeting depth range of 450 to 600 m in the Sheikhmanda Kili, Northern Quetta, Pakistan. Five profiles are carried out to obtain the resistivity values for interpreting the subsurface lithology and statistical distribution of the resistivity and for computing the hydrogeological parameters. The true resistivity signatures are inferred in term of lithologies, which consist of mainly shale, shaly clay, clay, clayey sand, gravely sand and compact sand units. The apparent resistivity ranged in 05 to 200 Omega m while the true resistivity in 05 to 1000 Omega m. The Standard Deviation (SD) varies from 0 to 9 which indicates well-uniform lithologies except for shaly clay and clayey units at some locations with higher SD. We identified two potential aquifers one at shallow depth of 10 to 30 m and the other at depth of 100 to 200 m. The aquifer horizon consists of compact sand, clayey sand, gravely sand and shaley clay. The south-east trend of the Hydraulic parameters also supports the same lithology and potential aquifer horizons. The results suggest that aquifer potential is concentrated along the profile of VES-01 and VES-05 are best drilling sites for future ground water exploration.