ABSTRACT
Synthetic simulation investigations and case study examples were used to explore the
capabilities of the resistivity imaging method to detect fractures and or fractured zones, regarded as aquifers, in hardrock environments. Synthetic simulation indicated that fractures of high vertical penetration in the hardrock basement, when they are covered by overburden and their thickness is comparable to their depth of burial, produce responses greater than any measurement noise leading in that way to relatively high-resolution resistivity images. However, as the thickness of the overburden increases and the vertical extent of fractures is reduced, the inverted resistivity images loss in resolution. Synthetic outcomes were confirmed by demonstrating a case study example where field geophysical experiments were conducted in the context of investigating the hydrogeological conditions of the greater area of Mandoudi, Euboea Island Greece. Favorable areas were located where the intense fracturing of the basement rocks has produced extensive or local thickening of overburden material.
INTRODUCTION