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The growth of the geothermal industry demands the constant search of techniques with the aim of reducing exploration efforts whilst minimizing subsurface uncertainty. The exploration of geothermal resources is fundamental from the exploitation point of view, especially in those regions where this energy is not as widespread as the rest of renewable sources. This research shows how geoelectrical methods can contribute to the investigation and characterization of medium–low enthalpy geothermal resources until about 800 m of depth. A 2000 m long electrical-resistivity tomography profile was performed in a region of Southern Spain with previous evidence of moderate geothermal potential. Results of this geophysical campaign (together with a preliminary geological characterization) allowed for the obtainment of a 2D profile and a pseudo-3D model with extensive information about the subsoil in terms of geological composition and formations. The interpretation of geophysical results denotes the existence of a potential formation constituted by carbonate materials with thickness greater than 300 m, crossing different fractures. Once the ideal location for the geothermal exploitation is defined, the research evaluates the contribution of the possible energy source, deducing that the energy extraction in the potential fracturing area would be double that of the one in the vicinity of the site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aquifers of the Spanish Mediterranean coast are generally subjected to intense exploitation to meet the growing water supply demands. The result of the exploitation is salinization due to the marine saltwater intrusion, causing a deterioration in the quality of the water pumped, limiting its use for community needs, and not always being well delimited. To prevent deterioration, a groundwater control network usually allows precise knowledge of the areas affected by saltwater intrusion but not the extent of the saline plumes. Moreover, the characterization of aquifer systems requires a model that defines the geometry of aquifer formations. For this objective, we integrated hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, and electrical resistivity subsoil data to establish a hydrogeological model of the coastal aquifer of Torredembarra (Tarragona, NE Spain). In this research, we have carried out a regional and local-scale study of the aquifer system to define the areas prone to being affected by saline intrusion (electrical resistivity values below 10 Ω·m). The obtained results could be used as a support tool for the assessment of the most favorable areas for groundwater withdrawal, as well as enabling the control and protection of the most susceptible areas to be affected by saltwater intrusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Operational and safety issues associated with subsiding sinkholes in karst areas start with the definition of fractures and joints, causing ground weakness. Conventional geotechnical boreholes and geological mapping must be complemented with indirect subsurface exploration techniques to detail those structures. This work aims to use electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) near-surface geophysical techniques to infer the 2D and 3D geometry of sediment-infilled sinkholes formed by the conjunction of fractures and joints in karst areas. Geophysical surveys were performed in a sediment-infilled sinkhole area with two sectors of different subsiding and infilling degrees formed by the conjunction of two fault systems in an experimental research area in the Sierra de Gádor Mountains in southeastern Spain. The ERT survey delimited the geometry of the sinkhole area, including the main fault-boun4ded limits, other minor faults, buried epikarst forms, and the distribution of coarse and clay-rich infilling. The SRT survey corroborated the structure and disambiguated clay-rich and high-moisture-content structures giving similar velocity fields. The integration of the ERT and SRT techniques provides indirect 2D and 3D visualizations of the ground of interest in predicting weakness-triggering mechanisms associated with the regional karst structure. This trial in an experimental uninhabited area, with the possibility of exploring subsiding karst structures is of special interest for designing operational and safety measures in urban areas, where similar karst structures may go undetected and monitoring capability is often more limited. The technological development of the used techniques enables the periodical geophysical monitoring of karst structures, thus making the identification of structural changes modifying the land safety and hydrological mechanisms feasible over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hyporheic zone (HZ) is a critical area of all river ecosystems. It is the area beneath the stream and adjacent to the stream, where the surface water and groundwater are mixed. The HZ extends both vertically and laterally depending on the sediment configuration, namely their porosity and permeability. This influences the hyporheic communities' structural pattern and their active dispersal among distinct rivers compartments and alluvial aquifers. It is still difficult to assess the spatial extent of the HZ and the distribution of the mixing zones. This study applies time-lapse images obtained using electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) of 20 m wide and 5 m deep alluvial streams, with regards to the structural pattern of hyporheic communities represented by cyclopoids and ostracods, in order to assess the extent of the HZ in the riverbed and the parafluvial sediment configurations. The ERT images obtained at the hyporheic Site 1 are characterized by alluvial deposits dominated by coarse and very coarse sands with resistivity values ranging from ~20 to 80 Ohm.m, indicating a permeable zone up to ~0.5 m thick and extending laterally for ca. 5 m from the channel and associated with the hyporheic zone. The sediment configurations, texture, and structure indicate an active surface–hyporheic water exchange and low water retention into the sediments. This is also indicated by the hyporheic copepods and ostracods communities' structure formed by a mixture of non-stygobites (five species) and stygobites (two species). A low-resistivity (<70 Ohm.m) permeable zone located 2.3 m below the streambed and unconnected with the river channel was also detected and associated with the associated alluvial aquifer. In contrast, the resistivity image at Site 2 dominated by coarse, medium, and very fine sands, shows a low-permeability zone in the upper ~0.5 m of the profile, with a resistivity value ranging from ~45 to 80 Ohm.m, indicating a reduced HZ extension in both vertical and lateral dimensions. Here the sediment configurations indicate that the water retention and interaction with the sediment is higher, reflected by more diverse hyporheic communities and with highly abundant stygobite species. The two examples show that non-invasive ERT images and biological assessments provide complementary and valuable information about the characterization of the sub-channel architecture and its potential hydraulic connection to the floodplain aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Spain, livestock farming is a significant activity area that generates substantial revenues and essential jobs. However, the actual impact that this intensive activity might have on the environment is not entirely understood. Moreover, coastal aquifers are subjected to a significant environmental pressure due to nearby growing population, intensive agriculture, and livestock farming. In this work, three representative pig slurry ponds, under semiarid conditions, were studied using different techniques to evaluate the subsurface conditions in terms of pH, electrical conductivity, salts, and nitrate content. The electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique was employed in this study, which provides electrical resistivity values from the subsurface materials and fluids. These electrical resistivity values were compared to data obtained from geochemical analyses to derive their relationships and establish the pig slurry-affected subsurface area. Thus, ERT-based lower electrical resistivity values were associated with higher salts concentrations and nitrate content. ERT values indicated a near-surface affected by slurry infiltration that coincided with the increase of geochemical values obtained from sample analyses. Additionally, Spearman's correlation was used to evaluate the correlation between electrical resistivity data and the physical-chemical properties of soil. The most important pollutant accumulation mainly occurs in the two-meter depth. Therefore, the risk of slurry ponds affecting deep aquifers is limited in the studied area. Finally, this study proves a complete, affordable, and scalable methodology application to livestock residue storage facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Differences in deposit geometry and texture with depth along ephemeral gravel-bed streams strongly reflect fluctuations in bedload which are due to environmental changes at the basin scale and to morphological channel adjustments. This study combines electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with datasets from borehole logs to analyse the internal geometry of channel cross-sections in a gravel-bed ephemeral stream (southeast Spain). The survey was performed through longitudinal and transverse profiles in the upper channel stretch, of 14 to 30 m in length and 3 to 6 m in depth, approximately. ERT values were correlated with data on sediment texture as grain size distribution, effective grain sizes, sorting, and particle shape (Zingg's classification). The alluvial channel-fills showed the superposition of four layers with uneven thickness and arrangement: (1) the softer rocky substrate (<1000 Ω.m); (2) a thicker intermediate layer (1000 to 2000 Ω.m); and (3) an upper set composed of coarse gravel and supported matrix, ranging above 2000 Ω.m, and a narrow subsurface layer, which is the most resistive (>5000 Ω.m), corresponding to the most recent armoured deposits (gravel and pebbles). The ERT results coupled with borehole data allowed for determining the horizontal and vertical behaviour of the materials in a 3D model, facilitating the layer identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water percolation through infiltration ponds is creating significant synergies for the broad adoption of water reuse as an additional non-conventional water supply. Despite the apparent simplicity of the soil aquifer treatment (SAT) approaches, the complexity of site-specific hydrogeological conditions and the processes occurring at various scales require an exhaustive understanding of the system's response. The non-saturated zone and underlying aquifers cannot be considered as a black box, nor accept its characterization from few boreholes not well distributed over the area to be investigated. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a non-invasive technology, highly responsive to geological heterogeneities that has demonstrated useful to provide the detailed subsurface information required for groundwater modeling. The relationships between the electrical resistivity of the alluvial sediments and the bedrock and the difference in salinity of groundwater highlight the potential of geophysical methods over other more costly subsurface exploration techniques. The results of our research show that ERT coupled with implicit modeling tools provides information that can significantly help to identify aquifer geometry and characterize the saltwater intrusion of shallow alluvial aquifers. The proposed approaches could improve the reliability of groundwater models and the commitment of stakeholders to the benefits of SAT procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assess the effectiveness of complementary geophysical techniques to characterize a Jurassic dolomite confined aquifer at Loma de Ubeda, Spain. This aquifer, which is penetrated by wells in the 100–600-m depth range, is confined by Triassic clays (bottom) and Miocene marls (top). The Jurassic dolomite is characterized by prominent seismic reflectors of high amplitude. Thus, it is readily differentiated from the low-amplitude reflectors of the confining clay-rich Triassic and Miocene materials. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) allowed us to detail the characteristics of the aquifer up to a maximum depth of 220 m. Lateral changes in facies and small faults have been identified using ERT. Time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) is an excellent complement to the two above-mentioned techniques in order to widen the analyzed depth range. We acquire TDEM data with different configurations at multiple study sites while simultaneously varying measurement parameters. In doing so and by comparing the effectiveness of these different configurations, we expand the use of TDEM for aquifer characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of a Spanish project focused on CCS technologies (PSE-CO 2 Project), the Gañuelas-Mazarrón Tertiary Basin (SE Spain) was globally studied as a natural analogue of a CO 2 reservoir affected by anthropogenic leakages. In this context, geophysical investigations were carried out in order to determine the location, morphology and extent of the CO 2 -enriched saline aquifer existing in the bottom of the basin, and evidenced by two core drills performed in the 1980s for geothermal purposes (La Ermita de El Saladillo and El Alto de El Reventón. The geophysical researches were performed by reprocessing the vertical electrical soundings also made in the 1980s, but also by means of new campaigns of electrical resistivity tomography, time-domain electromagnetic surveys and gravimetry. The main results from geoelectric and electromagnetic investigations have allowed identifying three main different geological materials in the basin based on their resistivity: metamorphic materials from the Nevado-Filábride Complex, and Tertiary sedimentary materials mainly consisted of sandy calc-marls and intruded by more or less altered Neogene volcanic rocks. Furthermore, it has been defined the basin as a graben limited by the Nevado-Filábride materials affected by very vertical faults and frequently filled by volcanic rocks, reaching a depth of about 500 m. However, the gravimetric research has allowed to better identifying the strong gradients in the borders of the basin, which is indicative of fairly net and vertical contacts, and also to establish a geological model of the basin. This model includes the SW and NE boundaries very vertical and a deeply sunken central zone with about 9 km wide. This area has been divided in turn into two sections, within which the one located at the SW (~5 km) has a depocenter that reaches a depth of about 900 m. Consequently, the possibility that the CO 2 be in supercritical state in certain areas of the aquifer, which should be hosted at the contact between the Tertiary sediments/volcanic rocks and the Nevado-Filábride materials, has not to be discarded. Therefore the studied basin would represent an excellent natural analogue for a geological CO 2 storage in a deep saline aquifer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied self-potential (SP) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to the exploration of the uppermost part of the substrate geology and shallow structure of La Garrotxa monogenetic volcanic field, part of the European Neogene-Quaternary volcanic province. The aim of the study was to improve knowledge of the shallowest part of the feeding system of these monogenetic volcanoes and of its relationship with the subsurface geology. This study complements previous geophysical studies carried out at a less detailed scale and aimed at identifying deeper structures, and together will constitute the basis to establish volcanic susceptibility in La Garrotxa. SP study complemented previous smaller-scale studies and targeted key areas where ERT could be conducted. The main new results include the generation of resistivity models identifying dykes and faults associated with several monogenetic cones. The combined results confirm that shallow tectonics controlling the distribution of the foci of eruptive activity in this volcanic zone mainly correspond to NNW-SSE and accessorily by NNE-SSW Neogene extensional fissures and faults and concretely show the associated magmatic intrusions. These structures coincide with the deeper ones identified in previous studies, and show that previous Alpine tectonic structures played no apparent role in controlling the loci of this volcanism. Moreover, the results obtained show that the changes in eruption dynamics occurring at different vents located at relatively short distances in this volcanic area are controlled by shallow stratigraphical, structural and hydrogeological differences underneath these monogenetic volcanoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glauberite (Na2Ca[SO4]2) is an evaporitic mineral which is used in the industries of detergents, paper, glass, pharmacy, etc. Glauberite rocks are seldom found cropping out because they are very sensitive to weathering processes; for this reason their prospection is conducted by means of boreholes. Nowadays, geophysical techniques are not used to support the characterization of glauberite deposits due to the lack of knowledge of their physical properties. In this study geoelectrical methods are proposed as alternative techniques in the early stages of glauberite prospecting. Several glauberite units have been studied in different parts of the Ebro basin (Spain) by means of electrical resistivity tomography sections. The electrical resistivity range showed by glauberite deposits has been found to be low (10–100Ω·m) when the matrix component (clay and microcrystalline carbonates) is above 45% of the bulk composition of the rock. This type of rocks has been studied in Montes de Torrero (Zaragoza) and is the most common glauberite deposit case. Besides matrix-rich glauberite rocks, an exceptional case of a pure glauberite layer has been studied in Alcanadre (La Rioja). From this site, it has been estimated that deposits with glauberite crystal fraction close to 100% show a resistivity range of at least 3×103 Ω·m. Using this extreme value as reference, the Hashin–Shtrikman bounds have been calculated for glauberite rocks considering that they are constituted of four phases (glauberite, gypsum, anhydrite and matrix). When the matrix fraction represents 45% or more of the bulk rock, the resistivity range will be that of the lower Hashin–Shtrikman bound, which is similar for any combination of sulfate (glauberite, gypsum and/or anhydrite) composition; hence, it can be considered as a two-phase system (matrix and sulfate). For rocks with less than 30% of matrix fraction, the upper Hashin–Shtrikman bound trend must be considered; however, the resistivity values overlap, making it impossible to establish a classification. Between 30 and 45% of matrix fraction, there is a transitional domain. Additionally, some theoretical models representing the most common structures in sulfate rocks have been elaborated in order to help in the interpretation of the inverted resistivity images obtained from the field data. Some artifacts generated by the complexity of the resistivity distribution of the terrain have been identified in both data sets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic pressure influences the two-way interactions between shallow aquifers and coastal lagoons. Aquifer overexploitation may lead to seawater intrusion, and aquifer recharge from rainfall plus irrigation may, in turn, increase the groundwater discharge into the lagoon. We analyse the evolution, since the 1950s up to the present, of the interactions between the Campo de Cartagena Quaternary aquifer and the Mar Menor coastal lagoon (SE Spain). This is a very heterogeneous and anisotropic detrital aquifer, where aquifer-lagoon interface has a very irregular geometry. Using electrical resistivity tomography, we clearly identified the freshwater-saltwater transition zone and detected areas affected by seawater intrusion. Severity of the intrusion was spatially variable and significantly related to the density of irrigation wells in 1950s-1960s, suggesting the role of groundwater overexploitation. We distinguish two different mechanisms by which water from the sea invades the land: (a) horizontal advance of the interface due to a wide exploitation area and (b) vertical rise (upconing) caused by local intensive pumping. In general, shallow parts of the geophysical profiles show higher electrical resistivity associated with freshwater mainly coming from irrigation return flows, with water resources mostly from deep confined aquifers and imported from Tagus river, 400 km north. This indicates a likely reversal of the former seawater intrusion process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Granite cavities in the north-east of Spain, which developed below the weathering front, are reported. These cavities, up to 3m across and probably filled with water-saturated weathered granite, have been detected by electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) as low resistivity anomalies enclosed in high resistivity media corresponding to unweathered granite rock. The caverns appear as hyperbolic reflections in a radargram obtained by ground penetrating radar (GPR) and show similar shape and size to the tafoni found in the surrounding granite outcrops. Data gathered in this study support a subterranean origin of some of the tafoni. A new conceptual model for the initiation and growth of granite cavities under subsurface conditions is proposed. Groundwater flow through vertical and sheet fractures triggers preferential weathering at points where meter-sized spheroidal pockets of weathered granite develop. Erosion of the rock mass leads to the exposure of these pockets evolving under subaerial conditions as typical tafoni. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Segovia Province, Spain, there are numerous carbonate rock outcrops that are affected by karstification processes, in which there are numerous galleries, caves and sinkholes. This is the case of the Sima de Madrona, a sinkhole collapse caused by the sinking of dolostone. The objective of this study was to ascertain the existence and the characteristics of cavities and galleries, as well as to evaluate the risk of subsidence in the area, by applying shallow and non-invasive geophysical techniques: ground penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography. The joint combination of these two independent shallow geophysical techniques has provided the best combination of investigation depth (up to 8m) and resolution needed to image small to medium (~1 to 4m) size cavities. The associated risks are evident because the cavities found herein affect various anthropic structures: a highway and crop fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Electrical resistivity tomography (2D ERT) is a powerful tool for the diagnosis of the subsoil state and to pursue an environmental monitoring in time to detect and follow a temporal evolution of plumes in hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. In situ, 2D ERT was conducted to investigate the electrical properties of the subsoil in three petrol stations in Murcia semiarid Region (SE Spain), which have been active for many years, in order to look for anomalous areas that could be related to the presence of a non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) contaminant plume in the subsoil. A total of 18 ERT profiles in wet and dry season were conducted to study the seasonal effects in the resistivity values of the subsoil. Dipole-dipole array was set up to make the soil diagnosis, achieving a good vertical and lateral resistivity distributions for the sites investigated. Interpretations obtained from ERT pseudo-sections, after a processing and inversion data process with PROSYS II and RES2DINV software, show delimited highly resistive regions above 2,000 Ω·m at 2 m deep related to the underground storage tanks (USTs) position and the filling ports and anomalous resistivity areas where boreholes and further GC-FID determination in soil samples have been done. No significant differences have been found between results obtained in dry and wet seasons. Thus, the geo-electrical non-destructive technique ERT is presented as a tool to delineate the USTs positions and to point out anomaly in the subsoil that could contain NAPL, helping to design sampling strategies, saving cost and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents the results of the geoenvironmental characterization of San Cristóbal and Las Moreras riverbeds, both affected by mine tailings in the Mazarrón district, Murcia (SE Spain). The main objective of the study was to characterize the present conditions of the riverbeds in order to identify related environmental problems. The goal is particularly relevant, because the abandoned mine wastes remain a continual source of acid mine drainage (AMD) and metal contamination, and soils and watercourses in this zone are still highly polluted. For the San Cristóbal site, the electrical resistivity tomography survey indicated a two-unit sequence, in good agreement with borehole data: an upper unit extends down to a 1.5m depth that corresponds to the upper part of sandy tailings, and a lower unit of lower resistivity values extends down to 6m depth corresponding with clayed tailings and riverbed deposits. At the Las Moreras site, a 2m thick upper unit of low resistivity values and a 4m thick lower unit of higher resistivity values were distinguished, also in good agreement with borehole data. Significant amounts of pyrite, sphalerite, and galena were determined in tailings from both sites. The alluvial materials from both riverbeds showed significant toxic metal and metalloid contents (Ag, As, Cu, Sb, Pb, and Zn). An important level of contamination by AMD from the surficial tailings to the watercourse sediments and waters also occurs. Mineral wastes, intensive agricultural activities, and the population of the town of Mazarrón overlap in the district, so both remediation and monitoring are necessary to minimize environmental impact on the areas affected, in one of the most touristic areas in SE Spain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Precise and non-invasive measurement of groundwater depth is essential to support management of groundwater resources. In that respect, GPR is a promising tool for high resolution, large scale characterization and monitoring of hydrological systems. We applied GPR in a semi-arid catchment (Sardon, Salamanca, Spain) in order to investigate the water table depth in weathered granites. We used a pulse radar with a single 200MHz bowtie antenna combined with a differential GPS and a survey wheel for accurate positioning. Measurements were performed following a series of transects crossing perpendicularly the bed of the Sardon streams, which were dry during the survey period (September 2009). In order to transform the GPR data from time to depth we estimated the soil dielectric constant using frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) or water level depth information from several observation wells. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was applied along the GPR profiles and compared to the GPR results. GPR signals were also simulated using forward modeling (GprMax2D) of several hypothetic configurations of the subsurface. Those techniques helped us to better understand and interpret the GPR data. In general, the shallow water table was sparsely detected in the GPR profiles ranging from ∼1 to ∼3 meters the entire catchment. The results showed a good agreement of ERT and GPR profiles. The comparison of measured and simulated GPR data showed multiple reflections in presence of the saturated fractured granite. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This work presents the results of a geochemical and geophysical characterization of the Monte Romero and La Naya mine ponds, belonging to the Cueva de la Mora and Riotinto mine districts, respectively, based on mineralogical, geochemical and geophysical techniques. In order to obtain a representative environmental characterization, two deposits showing different mineralogies, physico-chemical parameters, chemical compositions of tailings and pond conditions were selected. Monte Romero mine tailings showed an upper level mainly composed of silicates and a deeper level mainly composed of sulfides and barite. The toxic metal content was different in both levels but high enough to exceed the regional legal concentration limits for agricultural soils. An electrical resistivity tomography survey revealed a homogeneous upper unit (3 m thickness), which displayed low resistivity values, corresponding to water-saturated silt and clay materials with an abundance of sulfides which was interpreted as the pond infilling. The La Naya mine pond presented a homogeneous mineralogical composition made up of quartz as the main mineral and chlorite-smectite and jarosite as accessory phases. The absence of sulfide phases and the low contents of metal elements are directly related to the reworking processes of the sludge dumped in this pond. The geophysical survey revealed that the pond infilling did not have a constant thickness, but ranged between 15 and 20 m. An inner groundwater flow in the infilling was recognized. The low resistivity values allowed the presence of acid waters and related subsurface flows to be identified in both mine ponds, but no acid water drainage occurred across their vessels. When compared to the Aznalcóllar tailings spill, the La Naya pond is large enough to release a similar amount of sludge, but of a very low metal content. The Monte Romero sludge displays a similar, potentially toxic metal content to the Aznalcóllar sludge, but its size is significantly smaller. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining of massive (Cu, Pb and Zn) sulphide bodies in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (SW Spain) has generated a great number of abandoned waste deposits such as mine ponds. These represent large accumulations of reactive minerals and subsequently, emission sources of trace elements and formation of acid drainage. Even if they have been restored, monitoring studies are required to evaluate the corrective effects and how they may change over time. This work presents the results of a monitoring study carried out at Mine Concepción mine pond, based on mineralogical (XRD), geochemical (INAA, X-ray fluorescence, ICP-MS) and geophysical (electrical resistivity tomography) techniques. In it, a series of relevant parameters have been well delimited, such as the infilling thickness and its variation and, the position, geometry and absence of water leakages through the base of the mine pond. Additionally, the existence of an internal, remnant flow of acid waters that tends to come out through the pond dyke has been identified. Chemistry of these waters indicates that oxidation processes affecting the Mina Concepción mine tailings are generating acid drainage waters which could potentially release substantial amounts of trace elements to the river Odiel. Thus, giving that not complete sealing is accomplished by the restoration capping and rainfall water infiltrates into the pond materials, at least the sealing of the dyke through which leakages occur should be revised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The coastal aquifer of the Plio-Quaternary delta sediment deposits of the Vélez river (province of Málaga, Spain) presents a highly irregular basement morphology and widely varying fill thickness (10–80 m between neighbouring sectors). The basin, which is tectonically controlled, is filled with lutite facies alternating with channel-filling rudites. This detrital aquifer is affected by seasonal seawater intrusion–extrusion processes due to increasing withdrawal of groundwater for human consumption and irrigation during dry periods. A study was performed to improve the hydrogeological knowledge of this coastal aquifer system. The study examined the morphology of the impervious substratum, the facies distribution and the position of the seawater wedge. For this purpose, an Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) geophysical technique was used and the tomographic data were calibrated using geological observations and borehole studies. An analysis was carried out to compare the direct information obtained from the 35 boreholes with the indirect data corresponding to the four electrical tomography profiles. In the study, over 9660 resistivity data points were processed. The ERT profiles perfectly corroborated the information derived from the boreholes. The profiles made it possible to detect thickness changes, lithological changes and the presence of faults. Moreover, from a hydrogeologic standpoint, this research technique is capable of detecting the position of the phreatic level and, in coastal aquifers such as the one examined in this study, the possible horizontal or vertical penetration of seawater intrusion. Therefore, the electrical geophysical prospecting based on ERT can be highly useful in areas lacking sufficient geological information and/or mechanical borehole data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Geological structures with mining implications have been studied. • The effectiveness of different geophysical methods is analysed. • Geophysical techniques have been calibrated thanks to direct information. • Lithological control is essential in veins mineralization. • ERT makes it possible to differentiate, the granite intrusion of the phyllites. In this study, the effectiveness of different geophysical techniques is analysed in relation to the imaging of geological structures with mining interest. To achieve this goal, the old district of Linares-La Carolina (Southeast Spain) is chosen due to the presence of dense swarm of mineralised dykes, primarily consisting of galena (PbS). In particular, the western boundary of the mining district is studied. At this westernmost area the veins lose their continuity due to regional fractures which resulted in the abandoning of the extracting labours. Direct information from both the surface geology and several boreholes are used as ground-truth calibration and verification for the geophysical tools used in this study. The seismic response is characterised by high-amplitude reflectors, generally at the base of the sedimentary cover. The seismic profiles suggest lateral changes in the thickness and the existence of fractures affecting the sedimentary cover and/or the top of the acoustic basement. However, this technique has proved ineffective when studying the Palaeozoic substrate, precisely at those areas where the veins are hosted. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) studies suggest fractures and lateral changes in the facies, in both the sedimentary cover and the Palaeozoic basement. The basement shows phyllites in the granite intrusion, which are crucial for the elastic properties of the hosting rock and therefore indicate areas prone to further mineralisation. Time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) data, which is an excellent complement to the two previous techniques, have also been collected. Data have been taken with different configurations and varying measurement parameters at each sounding station. This approach has made it possible to compare the effectiveness benefits and drawbacks of the different methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing demand for groundwater vulnerability maps which illustrate the exposure of aquifers against pollution. These maps show areas of greatest potential for groundwater contamination on the basis of local subsurface conditions. Parameters affecting vulnerability are mainly permeability and thickness of each protective layer. For unconsolidated sediments, the permeability is strongly related to the clay content, which can be deduced from indirect resistivity methods, like electrical-imaging. Such geophysical methods can be of great help in groundwater vulnerability studies because they disturb neither the structure nor the dynamics of the soil. Sensibility analysis was performed of the electrical resistivity tomography method for accurately mapping soil media. Managers and public administrators may effectively use this method for assessing the potential risk of groundwater contamination. In the studied zone, electrical resistivity exhibits a wide range of variability that can be easily correlated to soil parameters, such as clay content and hydraulic conductivity. A numerical index of protection has been assessed from the geophysical information derived from 2D electrical resistivity tomography. This work represents a preliminary approach on the natural vulnerability evaluation of shallow aquifers at the Empordà basin (NE Spain) that is highly affected by diffuse pollution by nitrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karstic evolution leads to the growth and collapse of cavities by the interaction between geological structures and the hydrogeological framework. Nerja Cave developed within marbles belonging to the Alpujarride complex of the Internal Zones in the Betic Cordillera of Spain. The residual gravity anomaly map of the karstified areas –surrounding the known Nerja Cave– may indicate a likely elongated parallel cave system, N-S oriented, unknown up to present, and formed by both small shallow and large deep caves below a nearby hill located north-westwards to the known cave. At the east hillside, a moderate gravity anomaly minimum and geomorphological evidence (vertical walls and sunken terrains) suggest the presence of an old collapsed cave. At the west hillside, a marked gravity minimum is associated with a strongly folded marble layer without evidence of collapse. An electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profile across the hill –in the E-W direction– supports an interpretation of several voids, two of the bigger ones located on either side of the hill. The combination of geomorphological, ERT and gravity forward modelling indicate the location of unknown caves, one of them partially collapsed. These caves, located at a higher topographic level than the known Nerja Cave, may represent an early stage of cave development, and suggest the preferred dissolution of some layers in the folded marbles. This field example provides new insights on the interaction of structure in the karstic evolution that determines the cavity stability. • The Nerja Cave karst system contains other unexposed caves. • The residual gravity anomaly has a strong minimum in the N of the study area. • ERT and gravity forward models reveal the location of two parallel caves. • On the E hillside, geomorphological evidence suggests an old cave-collapse. • On the W hillside, a folded strong marble layer covers an unexplored cave. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work analyzed the effectiveness of two electrical geophysical methods in characte-rizing tailings dams. A large flotation cell used for sludge thickening in the concentration plant of the Federico Mine (closed in 1985) within the old mining district of La Carolina (southeastern Spain) was selected for this research. In addition to the direct information provided by the geology of the study area and the surface exposure of the waste deposits, information regarding the construction of this mining structure was available, which helped in the interpretations of the geophysical survey data. In this study, two geophysical surveying methods were used simultaneously: Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and induced polarization (IP). Six profiles were acquired, processed, and interpreted. The length of the profiles allowed the obtaining of data reaching maximum investigation depths ranging between 7 and 65 m. These profiles provided information for a detailed analysis of the internal characteristics of the deposited materials. The lateral and vertical observed variations are linked to different degrees of moisture content. The study also defines the geometry of the top of the bedrock and the tectonics that affect the pouring/dumping hole. Old flotation sludge has resistivity values that range between 1 and 100 Ωm (i.e., wet waste 1–30 Ωm, dry waste 30–100 Ωm), while phyllites in the rocky substrate have resistivities larger than 200 Ωm and can even reach va-lues greater than 1000 Ωm. Between the waste and unaltered phyllites, there is a supergene alteration zone (weathering) with resistivity values between 100 and 200 Ωm. The IP method was used to detect the presence of metals in the accumulated waste in the pond by analyzing the presence of large chargeability anomalies. Anomalies were detected in four of the profiles, which ranged from low (i.e., between 0 and 8 mV/V) to medium (i.e., between 8 and 18 mV/V) and high values (i.e., 18 and >30 mV/V). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal energy is becoming essential to deal with the catastrophic effect of climate change. Although the totality of the Earth's crust allows the exploitation of shallow geothermal resources, it is important to identify those areas with higher thermal possibilities. In this sense, geophysical prospecting plays a vital role in the recognition and estimation of potential geothermal resources. This research evaluates the geothermal conditions of a certain area located in the center of Spain. The evaluation is mainly based on geological and geophysical studies and, in particular, the Time Domain Electromagnetic Method and the Electrical Resistivity Tomography. Once we analyzed the geology and the historical thermal evidence near the study area, our geophysical results were used to define the geothermal possibilities from a double perspective. In relation to anomalous heat gradient, the identification of a fault and the contact with impermeable granitic materials at the depth of 180 m denotes a potential location for the extraction of groundwater. Regarding the common ground-source heat-pump uses, the analysis has allowed the determination of the most appropriate area for the location of the geothermal well field. Finally, the importance of accurately defining the position of the drillings was confirmed by using software GES-CAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]