Use of 2D azimuthal resistivity imaging in delineation of the fracture characteristics in Dammam aquifer within and out of Abu-Jir fault zone, central Iraq

• Published in: Arabian journal of geosciences 2016, Vol.9 (1), p.1-9, Article 22
• Main Authors: Al-Zubedi, Ahmed Srdah, Thabit, Jassim M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Original Paper
• ISSN: 1866-7511; 1866-7538
• DOI: 10.1007/s12517-015-2070-6

The 2D azimuthal resistivity imaging is a new technique used to determine the subsurface fracture characteristics in Dammam aquifer within and out of Abu-Jir fault zone, southwest of Karbala City, central Iraq. This technique was carried out by Wenner–Schlumberger array through 11 stations distributed within and out of Abu-Jir fault zone. Each 2D azimuthal station includes four 2D imaging lines in different directions (N-S, E-W, NE-SW, and NW-SE) with coverage equals to 45°. The 2D imaging line consisted of 60 electrodes at 10-m spacing. The 2D azimuthal results showed two types of fracture zones. The first is formed from cavities that developed from small fractures and fissures through a dissolution process of carbonate rocks. In some cases, this zone is found as horizontal canal near the Earth’s surface. While the second fracture zone formed by tectonic movements and that typically occurs as vertical and nearly vertical zones of fractures. These zones are characterized by increasing of resistivity values within Abu-Jir fault zone and decreasing out of it. In general, the fracture density of these zones is increased with the depth in SE, E, and NE directions within and out of Abu-Jir fault zone.