Electrical resistivity in the delineation of groundwater potential zones: a case study from Kota, Rajasthan, India

A geophysical investigation using electrical resistivity method is carried out in the eastern part of Sangod Block, Kota District, Rajasthan, India. A total of twenty-one vertical electrical sounding (VES) data were collected using Schlumberger sounding configuration with the aim of determining subsurface layer parameters (resistivities and thicknesses) and delineating the groundwater potential zones in the area. The automatic interpretation of the sounding data has been carried out, which gives layer parameters (i.e., apparent resistivities and thicknesses) of different layers. The interpreted layer parameters are used to generate the geo-electrical cross-sections representing the possible geological formation in the area. The interpretation of the results reveals that there are maximum five layers in the study area, and most of the VES curves are combination of A-type such as AA, HA, and HAA types representing a successively hard rock formation in the area. The obtained VES results have been correlated with the available litho-log data in the area, and a good agreement is found between the sounding results and lithology data. From study it is inferred that the loose pockets of sands and fractured or semi-fractured zones in the area could be the possible potential zones of groundwater in Sangod Block of Kota District, Rajasthan, India.