Using geophysical methods to dene the attitude and extension of water-bearing

strata in the Miocene sediments of the Pannonian Basin

Milenko Burazer , Vicko itko, Dane Radakovi, Miodrag Parezanovi
NIS Naftagas, Geophysical Institute, 11000 Beograd, Batajnicki drum 18, Serbia
a b s t r a c t a r t i c l e i n f o
Article history:
Received 10 November 2008
Accepted 10 October 2010
Keywords:
Groundwater
Aquifer
3D seismic
Electrical method
In the area near the village of Jazak (southern part of Fruka Gora mountain, Serbia), hydrogeological
investigations were carried out for the purpose of nding a water supply source to provide an adequate
volume of water for a mineral water bottling plant. The rst exploratory borehole (IBJf-1) penetrated a water-
bearing layer of Miocene organogenic limestones. This aquifer has a thickness of about 30 m and a yield of
only 2.2 l/s, which falls short of the required water volume (5 l/s).
The objective of further exploration was to dene the attitude and extension of the aquifer and thus select a
more favourable site for a new exploratory borehole that would secure the required volume of water. For this
purpose, geophysical exploration was carried out in 2003 through vertical electrical sounding (VES) and high-
resolution 3D reection seismic methods. The VES measurements enabled determination of aquifer depth and
indicated that the water-bearing strata extend over the entire area studied. However, because of the
equivalence problem, it was not possible to determine the thickness of the water-bearing stratumbased solely
on the VES data. Thus, the 3D seismic method was used in the second stage of investigation. A low-cost 3D
seismic survey was carried out with xed receiver lines, using a vibrator as the source of the seismic waves.
From the 3D seismic data it was possible to determine the aquifer thickness. The depth of the aquifer
determined by interpretation of the 3D seismic data was in accordance with the depth determined by the VES
method. Based on the assumption that the hydraulic conductivity of this formation is identical or similar over
the entire area, as well as the fact that the rst well showed the presence of a subartesian aquifer, we proposed
drilling another borehole (IBJf-2) in the zone where the data indicated that the water-bearing stratum was
much thicker. The data obtained by drilling and coring were in agreement with the predicted aquifer
thickness. Pumping tests showed that the water discharge in borehole IBJf-2 was 6 l/s.
The results show that the objective of delineating the groundwater body by combined application of two
geophysical methods (VES and 3D seismic) was successfully performed.
2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
Supplying new industrial facilities with water necessary for
ongoing technological processes is a serious problem in many rural
areas where no water supply infrastructure exists. If there are
favourable hydrogeological conditions near a facility, the best solution
is to nd a water source at the location or nearby. Such an approach
was applied at the location of a planned mineral water bottling plant
near the village of Jazak, Serbia (Fig. 1) by drilling an exploratory well
(IBJf-1). This borehole penetrated a water-bearing stratumof Miocene
organogenic limestones. The aquifer has a thickness of about 30 m,
but has a yield of only 2.2 l/s, which falls short of the water volume
required. Therefore, a geophysical survey was carried out with the
objective of dening the attitude and extension of the aquifer, and to
select a more favourable site for a newborehole to secure the required
volume of water (not less than 5 l/s).
In groundwater exploration, the most frequently used geophysical
methods are electrical and electromagnetic methods in various
combinations. In hydrogeological surveys, borehole logging is also
used, while the seismic refraction method is often applied in
determining the groundwater table and depth to the aquifer bedrock.
Seismic reection surveys are a long standing method in oil
exploration, but are less frequently applied to hydrogeological
exploration, although they are very efcient for reliable interpretation
of structural features of a given terrain, and also in aquifer mapping.
The most widely used electrical method is the VES method, which
can be sufcient for the hydrogeological characterization of a survey
area with favourable conditions. However, issues inherent to the VES
method are the equivalence problem and the resolution problem. In
general, one of the most important problems in modern geophysics is
how to obtain the desired resolution of subsurface features and to
reduce ambiguous interpretations to a minimum. This can be attained
Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
Corresponding author. Tel.: +381 11 3714314.
E-mail address: milenko.burazer@gmail.com (M. Burazer).
0926-9851/$ see front matter 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2010.10.002
Contents lists available at ScienceDirect
Journal of Applied Geophysics
j our nal homepage: www. el sevi er. com/ l ocat e/ j appgeo
by combining two or more complementary methods in the study of
the same problem in a given survey area.
In the investigation of near-surface aquifers, the seismic reection
method is used primarily for depths from several tens to several
hundred meters, involves the use of considerably modied acquisition
parameters, and requires higher resolution than in oil and gas eld
exploration. Advancements in seismic methods and technology,
coupled with the development of software for processing using
personal computers, have made 2D and 3D seismic methods efcient,
economical, and very applicable to hydrogeological exploration. 3D
Ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys give even higher resolution
(Grasmueck et al., 2005; Hirsch et al., 2008). The GPR is a geophysical
method for shallow investigations with high-resolution (Kirsch,
2006), but have not the depth penetration that we required.
High-resolution 2D seismic reection proling has been widely
developed and applied to groundwater investigations (Bradford,
2002; Bradford and Sawyer, 2002; Francese et al., 2002, 2005;
Geissler, 1989). However, only a few high-resolution 3D seismic
investigations of groundwater have been published (Spitzer et al.,
2003; Zhao et al., 2003; Hess et al., 2004). Interesting approaches to
the application of geophysics in 3D mapping of a near-surface
geological medium can be found in Pullan (2005) and in Pugin and
Larson (2002).
Since water discharge from borehole IBJf-1 did not meet the
requirements for the bottling plant, it was necessary to drill a new
borehole in a location where the water-bearing limestones have greater
thickness and, if possible, at a point onthe terrain within the plot of land
owned by the mineral water company. Consequently, to dene the
extension and thickness of the Miocene limestone strata penetrated by
borehole IBJf-1, further geophysical exploration was suggested and
carriedout throughvertical electrical sounding andby applyingthelow-
cost 3D seismic reection method. It was the rst application of the 3D
seismic method to a hydrogeological survey in Serbia.
3D seismic data acquisition with xed receiver lines and vibrator
source was applied, enabling quick and economical recording,
which is impossible to accomplish with a 2D survey. The advantage
of the 3D method is that it provides a more detailed exploration (in
the reference case, inlines and crosslines at relative distances of 4 m
can be generated) in relation to data generated by the 2D method.
Also the 3D method overcomes out-of-plane-effects. Note that apart
from electrical borehole logging done while drilling borehole IBJf-1,
no other geophysical investigations were undertaken at this
location.
This paper is organized as follows. Geological and hydrogeological
features are presented, as well as the physical properties of the drilled
formations. The geophysical data acquisition techniques (VES and 3D
seismic) and processing are then explained, and nally the results of
the data interpretation are described.
2. Geological/hydrogeological features and physical properties of
the drilled formations
The study area is located in the central part of the south side of
Fruka Gora Mountain, south of the village of Jazak, Serbia (Fig. 1).
This area is part of the southern margin of the Pannonian basin. A
geological cross section and well log data from well IBJf-1 are shown
in Fig. 2.
In the interval from 126 to 160 m, borehole IBJf-1 penetrated the
aquifer made up of shallow-water organogenic-detritial limestones of
Badenian age, which in certain intervals alternate with carbonate
sandstones. The interval 139161 m was cased and a ltering
construction installed, after which pumping tests were performed.
These tests showed that the water discharge ranged between 2 and
3 l/s, which fell short of the water requirements for the planned
project.
Fig. 1. Maps showing the Jazak area in which geophysical exploration was carried out in 2003 (left) and topographic map of the exploration site with location of the seismic receiver
(Lr) and source lines (Ls), as well as electrical proles 1, 2 and 3 and Schlumberger sounding locations green triangles (right).
243 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
In this borehole, the oldest formations, consisting of grey to dark
grey volcanic or volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks, were found in the
interval between 160 and 176 m (Fig. 2).
The Badenian limestones are unconformably overlain by fresh-
water Upper Pontian and Pliocene sediments. These sediments consist
of greyish-green poorly consolidated sandstones, clayey sands, sandy
clays, and clays. Sandstones and conglomerates were also identied,
although to a much lesser extent.
The youngest Quarternary sediments, which extend beyond the
study area, belong to various genetic types of continental sediments
consisting of clays, poorly cemented sands, and gravel.
The types of porosity identied within the lithostratigraphic units
in the study area lead to the conclusion that there are two types of
groundwater bodies:
one contained in the Quarternary sediments (depth range from 2 m
to 15 m) and sedimentary strata of Pliocene and Upper Pontian age
(unconned aquifer, depth range from 15 m to 130 m), and
one contained in the rocks of Middle Miocene-Badenian age with
ssure porosity (depth range from 60 m to 130 m).
Differences in the electrical characteristics of the aquifers
(biogenetic or reef limestones) and the overlying sedimentary strata
(sandy clays and clays), established in borehole IBJf-1 by borehole
logging, were a reliable indication that vertical electrical sounding can
be successfully applied.
The electrical resistance of the aquifer, based on the well logging
data in borehole IBJf-1 (Fig. 2), is about 90 m. The overlying strata
have electrical resistance values of about 10 to 20 m. Electrical
resistance values of the volcanogenic-sedimentary rocks are about
30 m.
On the basis of density (GG) and acoustic (AC) log data shown in
Fig. 2, there is a contrast of acoustic impedance on the boundary
between the upper Pontian clastic sediments and the organogenic
Badenian age limestone (top of aquifer), and also between these
limestones and the volcanic rocks at its base (bottom layer). In
general, water-bearing strata are characterized by lower density and
velocity (slowness in s/ft is greater, 1 s/ft =1/304,800 s/m in the SI
unit system) except in the lower layer where an increase is observed,
and in the volcanic rock zone where velocity is again lower. This
indicates that the conditions for aquifer mapping using the seismic
method are relatively favourable.
3. Geophysical data acquisition and processing
3.1. Vertical electrical sounding
Vertical electrical sounding was carried out by applying the
Schlumberger electrode array, and using an ABEM terrameter,
model SAS 300B. The maximum half distance between the transmit-
ting electrodes [(AB/2)
max
] was 500 m, which made it possible to
Fig. 2. Geological column with self-potential (SP), resistivity log (RT), natural gamma ray log (GR), neutron log (NN), density or gammagamma log (GG), and acoustic log (AC)
recorded in borehole IBJf-1.
244 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
image the subsurface to a depth of about 150 m. The direction in
which the electrode spacing was increased was adjusted for the relief
of the terrain, conforming at the same time with the direction of the
seismic source lines (Fig. 1). Half spacings between the receiving
electrodes MN/2 were 1 m (for AB/2=240 m) and 10 m (for AB/
2=40500 m).
The VES measurement sites and seismic acquisition layout are
plotted on the topographic map extending beyond that covered by the
geophysical exploration (Fig. 1).
The VES data are of good quality. With small spacings (up to 15 m)
between the current electrodes, the presence of loose ll caused a
heterogeneity in the distribution of apparent resistivity (Fig. 3) for the
soundings in proles 1 (electrical sounding location s1 to s6), 2 (s7 to
s12), and 3 (s13s18), Fig. 1.
The sounding was carried out during the wet season, which
ensured good electrodesoil contact, i.e. lower contact resistance, thus
assisting in the acquisition of high quality data.
The vertical electrical sounding data were processed and inter-
preted by applying 1D inverse modeling of the horizontal distribution
of electrical resistivity by implementing the IPI2Win software
(Bobachev, 2002). IPI2Win is designed for automated and interactive
(semi-automated) interpretation of the data of various DC electrical
soundings. The concept of prole interpretation is the foundation of
IPI2Win. The data for a prole are treated as a unity representing the
geological structure of the survey area as a whole, rather than a set of
independent objects dealt with separately, so-called 1D prole
inversion. The inverse problem is solved using a variant of the
Newton algorithm of the least number of layers or the regularized
tting minimizing algorithm using Tikhonov's approach to solve
incorrect problems (Bobachev, 2002). In our study case the vertical
electrical sounding data were processed and interpreted separately by
applying 1D inverse modeling. The eld data were inverted with
average rms error of less than 4% along each prole.
Fig. 3. Distribution of apparent resistivity as a function of AB/2 for electrical sounding at Jazak location proles 1 (s1, s2, s3, s4, and s6), 2 (s7, s8, s9, s10, s11, and s12), 3 (s13, s14, s15,
s16, s17, and s18) were plotted.
Table 1
Resistivity model parameters.
Model 1 Model 2
Thickness(m) Resistivity(m) Thickness(m) Resistivity(m)
5 30 5 30
120 10 120 10
30 30 90
30
Fig. 4. Three layer H-type section
1
N
2
b
3
, four layer HK-type section
1
N
2
b
3
N
4
(left), and computed responses (right).
245 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
3.1.1. Equivalence analysis
One dimensional inversion of direct current (DC) data is a simple
and fast tool for mapping the vertical variation in the electrical
resistivity of the earth's crust. Therefore, a uniqueness study of 1D
inversion is important. Inversion of DC resistivity data suffers from an
inherent equivalence problem (Koefoed, 1979). When a thin
conducting or resistive layer is encountered, the inversion results
generally resolve the product of conductivitythickness or resistivi-
tythickness, rather than the exact values of conductivity and
thickness separately. When a middle layer has values of the physical
parameters between those of the overlying and underlying layers, the
presence of such a layer is suppressed in the data. Resolving such a
layer is generally very difcult even after using a priori information
about presence of such a layer.
We calculate the direct problem of VES for the three layer
parameters model (Table 1, model 1) and four layer parameters
model (Table 1, model 2), based on well log resistivity data measured
in borehole IBJf-1 (Fig. 4).
Resolving the resistive layer (90 m) representing the aquifer
using the inversion procedure is almost impossible even after using a
priori information about the presence of such a layer. The suppression
principle is evident because the resistive layer is thin (30 m)
compared to those above and below. Following this analysis, it is
easy to conclude that is not possible to determine the aquifer layer
thickness.
In order to enhance the resolution of the thin layers, some authors
have proposed joint inversion of electromagnetic (EM) and direct
current (DC) resistivity methods (Sharma and Kaikkonen, 1999). Joint
inversion of seismic and resistivity data has also been reported in the
literature (Breitzke et al., 1987; Dobroka et al., 1991). However, even
after combination of data sets, inherent ambiguities in the interpre-
tation remain. The suppression problem cannot be solved even after
the combination of data sets (Sharma and Kaikkonen, 1999).
3.1.2. Equivalence analysis of the HK-type model correlation and pair
of parameters
The correlation matrix for the HK-type section,
1
N
2
b
3
N
4
is
shown in numerical form (Table 2). The correlation matrix is
calculated by direct correlation between derivatives by different
parameters for predetermined min and max values of these
parameters (Bobachev, 2002).
If the absolute value of the correlation coefcient between two
parameters is close to 0, these parameters inuence the VES curve
independently, which is why they may be found with a small error.
When the absolute value of the correlation between two parameters
is close to 1, these two parameters are impossible to nd
independently.
More often, strong correlation is found between two parameters
for the same layer, but sometimes also between parameters of
neighbouring layers. When the correlation between two parameters
for the same layer is close to +1, this corresponds to the S-
equivalence case, and when the correlation is close to 1, it is the
case of T-equivalence. In our case, the correlation between parameters
h33 is 1 and corresponds to T-equivalence. However, the
correlation between parameters h22 is weaker (0.66) and corre-
sponds to S-equivalence.
For the chosen parameter correlation values, the direct VES
problem calculates parameter values several times around this
Table 2
Correlation matrix obtained after inversions of noise-free data due to HK-type section
model 2.
1 h1 2 h2 3 h3 4
1 1 0.77 0.21 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
h1 0.77 1 0.43 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.01
2 0.21 0.43 1 0.66 0.56 0.53 0.40
h2 0.01 0.00 0.66 1 0.95 0.93 0.76
3 0.01 0.01 0.56 0.95 1 1.00 0.92
h3 0.01 0.01 0.53 0.93 1.00 1 0.93
4 0.01 0.01 0.40 0.76 0.92 0.93 1
Fig. 5. Map of the conguration of the equivalence region. a) Inverted h2 versus 2, and
b) inverted h3 versus 3.
Table 3
Data acquisition parameters.
Number of vibrators 1
Number of sweeps 2
Sweep length 5 s
Sweep frequency 20140 Hz
Sweep type Nonlinear +4 dB/oct
LC lter 8,7 Hz
HC lter 180 Hz
Sampling interval 2 ms
Record length 1 s
Number of active channels 240
Number of active receiver lines 6 (Fixed)
Number of source lines 5
Receiver point interval 8 m
Receiver line length 312 m
Receiver line spacing Different (Fig. 1)
Vibro point interval 8 m
Bin size 4 m4 m
Source line length Different (Fig. 1)
Source line interval Different (Fig. 1)
Number of geophones in array 6
Geophone array type Linear
Array length 5 m
Geophone type Sensor I/O SM-4
Natural frequency of geophone 10 Hz
246 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
point, with calculated tting error between the central and the other
VES curves. The result of the calculation is the map for tting error at
the center of equivalence. This map shows the conguration of the
equivalence region and its limits. If the formof this region is isometric,
then the correlation between parameters is absent. A long narrow
region indicates a strong correlation. The direct calculations of
equivalent region for the h22 and h33 model parameters are
shown in Fig. 5. Although the current electrode half-separation (AB/2)
is increased up to 1000 m, the aquifer thickness is not possible to
determine. It is possible to determine the depth to the aquifer layer
more precisely.
The equivalent region for the model parameters of the resistive
layer (h33) shows strong equivalence behaviour and is believed to
be unsolved. The equivalent region for the model parameters of the
conducting layer (h2 versus 2) do not show the strong equivalence
behaviour which was observed for the resistive layer.
3.2. Seismic survey
In these explorations, a non-standard 3D seismic array (Fig. 1)
with 240 active channels was adopted. The instruments used in the
survey were the Input/Output System One, and vibrator IVI, model
Y1100 as a seismic energy source. The acquisition parameters
(Table 3) were selected based on eld tests made prior to the survey.
The parameters of the 3D seismic survey were adjusted to the
Fig. 6. Recorded seismic signal spectral analysis. a) Seismic shot record No 148; b) ft
spectrum for traces 121160; and c) average amplitude spectrum for traces 121160.
Table 4
Processing sequence of 3D seismic data.
1. Demultiplexing
2. 3D geometry and binning
3. Editing
4. Real amplitude recovery and refraction statics
5. Deconvolution (spiking)
6. Stacking preliminary (QC)
7. 3D dip analysis
8. 3D velocity analysis
9. NMO correction
10. Multi-bin stacking (QC)
11. Surface consistency residual static corrections (QC)
12. Trim residual static corrections
13. Mute denition
14. Final stacking
15. Post stack time migration
16. Time variant lter (band pass)
17. Amplitude normalization (QC)
18. Data format conversion (to SEGY)
Fig. 7. Graphical representation of the CMP (common midpoint) fold coverage area
based on the 3D seismic survey. CDPLBLS = Common Depth Point Labels.
247 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
maximal depth of the given target, expected to be approximately
100200 m. A total of 210 shots were recorded and processed,
covering a subsurface area of about 312 m312 m (Fig. 7).
The study area offered favourable surface conditions for the
application of the 3Dseismic exploration method. The site area selected
is at so that with certain adjustments the designed 3Dgeometry could
be applied. However, since preparations for the constructions of the
mineral water bottling plant were already in progress, the contractors
had piled some material in places, within the area of interest, such as
gravel and sand. This affected the nal selection of the source and
receiver line locations, and, consequently, the originally designed
geometry could not be entirely regular, as is evident in Fig. 1.
The analysis and processing of the 3D seismic data was done using
a SGI Indigo 2 work station and FOCUS 4.2 software supplied by
Paradigm Geophysical.
A close examination of eld record 148 in Fig. 6a reveals that the
hyperbolic lines of the reected waves could be followed down to the
reection time of 2 t
0
=0.2 s (Fig. 6a, red lines). At longer reection
times, a fewmore arrivals of reected waves can be seen, although not
along the entire receiver line length. Apart from the recorded primary
reected waves, the eld records also include noise, both randomand
coherent. Head waves, i.e. the refraction waves coming fromthe near-
surface strata contacts, are also recorded as coherent noise (Fig. 6a,
blue lines). Ground roll recognized on same eld records is due to
surface waves suppress partly with used array (Fig. 6a, green lines).
To gain insight into the frequency domain of the recorded signals
and the amplitude intensities of the individual frequency compo-
nents, the frequencytime (ft) analysis of the traces from one
receiver line in record No 148 (Fig. 6a, traces 121160) was analyzed.
The results of this analysis are presented in Fig. 6b. Next, the average
amplitude spectrum was calculated for the same trace group (see
Fig. 6c). These analyses revealed the presence of high-frequency
components in the signal, in which the target zone domain may attain
up to about 140 Hz over a two-way-travel time of approx. 200 ms.
Fig. 8. Results of vertical electrical sounding along prole 2 (sounding location s7 to s12). a) Curves of measured values (dotted lines) and calculated values of electrical resistivity
(heavy lines); b) vertical section of apparent electrical resistivity; c) interpreted resistivity-depth cross section; and d) interpreted geological cross section.
248 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
The quality of seismic data is fair to good with respect to resolution
and the signal-to-noise ratio. Only locally the data are of somewhat
poorer quality, which is most likely due to the presence of loose
material (gravel and sand) piled in the source and receiver locations.
The processing sequence of the 3D seismic data is shown in
Table 4. The major stages in the data processing were: 3D geometry,
3D velocity analysis, 3D NMO(normal moveout) correction, multi-bin
stacking, 3D residual static corrections, and 3D migration.
The resulting subsurface fold coverage area ranges from one along
the area margins and reaches 29 in its center (Fig. 7). The nal
processed 3D cube (data volume) comprises 83 in-line and 82 cross-
line proles.
The implementation of the spiking deconvolution process resulted
in higher resolution. Throughout the seismic data processing and the
accompanying data testing, special attention was paid to choosing
muting parameters which would not suppress reections from the
near-surface strata.
The vertical resolution of seismic data, i.e. the frequency range of
20 Hz to about 140 Hz, made it possible to dene the top and bottom
of the water-bearing strata. In borehole IBJf-1, the aquifer was
penetrated at a depth of 126 m and was traversed for another 34 m.
The 3D seismic data were interpreted with the work station using
the Landmark software.
4. Results and discussion
4.1. Vertical electrical sounding
The inverse model resistivity section is consistent with a three
layer structure in the uppermost 150 m. The results of the vertical
electrical sounding and the interpreted geological section along
prole 2 and along seismic line K1 (electrical sounding s20, s15, s9,
and s29) are shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The rst layer is 1015 m thick
with resistivity ranging from 24 to 47 m, the second layer has a
thickness of about 150 m and resistivity in the range of 1316 m,
while in the deeper layer the resistivity is greater than 70 m.
The vertical section of electrical resistivity obtained by the
inversion was correlated with the information gathered by the other
Fig. 9. Results of vertical electrical sounding along seismic line K1. a) Curves of measured values (dotted lines) and calculated values of electrical resistivity (heavy lines); b) vertical
section of apparent electrical resistivity; c) interpreted resistivity-depth cross section; and d) interpreted geological cross section.
249 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
geophysical, hydrogeological, and geological investigations. Using the
vertical electrical sounding data, the water-bearing stratum was
recognized on the basis of the mapping of the medium having high
electrical resistivity values (Fig. 10).
Lithologically, this aquifer is made up mainly of reef limestones
with a resistivity ranging between 65 and 112 m, while the electrical
resistivity values of the Pliocene sediments overlying the aquifer
range between 13 and 16 m. These electrical resistivity values are in
agreement with the average values of the electrical resistivities
recorded by the borehole logging (Fig. 2).
The data obtained by the vertical electrical sounding showed that
the Pliocene sediments do not exhibit any lateral changes in electrical
resistivity, which is an indication that no water-bearing strata of any
signicance may be found in these sediments. Their electrical
resistivity values are very low (1316 m), which indicates that in
this part of the study area the Pliocene strata are made up mainly of
clayey sediments.
4.2. Seismic survey
The resulting interpretations are shown in Figs. 1114.
Fig. 11 shows characteristic proles, namely two WE striking
proles (lines 19 and 64) and a SWNE striking prole (seismic line
K1). Traces of these proles are presented in detail in Figs. 1214. All
the data were adjusted to the seismic reference datum (SRD) of
+150 m, while the average elevation of the terrain is about +163 m.
The available data concerning formation tops and the borehole
logs from IBJf-1 were converted from depth to time. This made it
possible to track the three characteristic horizons on the seismic
sections (Fig. 11). The rst horizon (yellow) represents the strati-
graphic contact between the PlioceneUpper Pontian and the
Badenian strata. The second horizon is the roof rock of the aquifer
(green), while the third forms the aquifer oor rock (red), thus
representing a boundary between the aquifer and the volcanic rocks.
These horizons could be followed over the entire area covered by the
3D seismic survey.
On the basis of the contour maps of the aquifer roof and oor rocks
(Fig. 12), an aquifer thickness map was plotted and is shown in Fig. 13.
The data gained by the 3D seismic investigations and interpreta-
tion are schematically presented in Fig. 14.
5. Discussion
The greatest depth to the aquifer roof rock (approx. 140 m) was
found to the west of IBJf-1 at a distance of about 40 m from the
borehole (Fig. 12a). Towards W, NW, and SW, the depth of the aquifer
decreases and reaches its minimum (about 70 m) in the north-
western part of the study area.
The depth of the aquifer oor rock (Fig. 12b) generally increases
from north to south in the zone covered by the 3D seismic survey.
According to these data, the greatest depth (168173 m) to the oor
Fig. 10. Chart showing the interpreted depths to the medium with high electrical
resistivity values (interpreted as the aquifer).
Fig. 11. Characteristic seismic proles: a) seismic line K1; b) line 19; and c) line 64.
Yellow line: stratigraphic contact between the PlioceneUpper Pontian and the
Badenian strata, green line: top of limestone layer, and red line: aquifer oor rock.
250 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
rock can be expected in the central and eastern parts of the southern
margin of the study area.
The thickness of the water-bearing strata (Fig. 13) ranges between
20 m, in the area about 30 m south of borehole IBJf-1, and 90 m in the
extreme south-western part of the study area. On the assumption that
the hydraulic conductivity of the aquifer is approximately identical
(or similar) over the entire survey area, it was suggested that the new
exploratory borehole (IBJf-2) should be sunk SW of borehole IBJf-1,
i.e. in the zone where the aquifer has a greater thickness and a greater
depth to the oor rock. The geophysical data were used in plotting a
geological prole which extends in a SWNE direction to borehole
IBJf-1 (Fig. 15).
In addition to the essential characteristics, namely the aquifer
thickness and depth to its oor rock, the locationof the proposed site for
borehole IBJf-2 had to meet other requirements, e.g. its position relative
to facilities such as the highway and the long distance powerline. The
new exploratory borehole IBJf-2 was expected to penetrate the aquifer
at a depth of 105 m, and its oor rock was expected to be reached at a
depth of 170 m (Fig. 15). The site for the new borehole was decided
upon, and borehole IBJf-2 was drilled. The borehole was completed in
August 2004 after reaching a depth of 197 m.
The evidence obtained by boring and coring conrmed the
interpretation of the geophysical exploration data. Borehole logging
in the interval from103 to 196 mprovided information on the density
of the formation penetrated, natural radioactivity (GR), self-potential
(SP), and electrical resistivity (RT).
Interpretation of the borehole logging data indicates that a water-
bearing limestone series occurs within the interval from103 to 108 m.
This formation has high porosity derived from well logging data (32
35%) down to a depth of 165 m. However, its oor rock, penetrated at
a depth of 188 m, is of volcanic origin with higher natural radioactivity
but a lower porosity.
On the basis of a thorough analysis of the geophysical survey data
along with borehole logs and their interpretation, the water
Fig. 12. Isopach maps: a) aquifer overlying strata, and b) underlying strata.
Fig. 13. Aquifer thickness chart.
Fig. 14. 3D model of the aquifer survey area: interpreted characteristic seismic proles
L19 and T19. The sites of IBJf-1 and IBJf-2 are marked along with traces of the
characteristic seismic proles shown in Fig. 11.
251 M. Burazer et al. / Journal of Applied Geophysics 72 (2010) 242253
extraction installation was mounted within the interval from 108 to
166 m. Pumping tests established that the water-yielding capacity of
the limestone aquifer penetrated by borehole IBJf-2 amounts to 6 l/s.
Thus, the goal of the project to secure an adequate source for the Jazak
village water supply system, as well as an adequate supply of water
needed for running the mineral water bottling plant, was achieved.
6. Conclusion
In order to determine the location of a borehole for groundwater
supply to a mineral water bottling plant, geophysical surveys using
the VES and 3D seismic methods were carried out. Well log
measurements carried out in the rst exploratory well indicated
that conditions for using these methods were favourable. The aquifer
unit of interest was a Miocene organogenic limestone layer,
characterized by high resistance values (up to 90 m) and by lower
values of density and velocity with respect to the overlying rock and
the volcanic-sedimentary rocks in the basement.
Equivalence showed that the aquifer basement could not be
determined by applying the VES method alone, but could be reliably
mapped using the 3D seismic reection method. The principle of
combined methods which are based on different physical properties
of the geological media, in the specic case of terrain with layered
media, proved to be effective.
Inclusion of 3D seismic in hydrogeological surveys can be limited
by the relatively high cost compared with electrical DC or EM
methods. However, by adaptation of the 3D data aquisition system
and using portable equipment and wave sources, working costs can be
signicantly reduced. At the same time, results gained from the VES
method can be used for planning the 3D seismic survey. In addition,
the importance of solving water supply problems for signicant
industrial facilities justies greater exploration investments.
The advantage of 3D seismic versus electrical DC or EM methods is
higher data resolution and gaining more detailed and more realistic
subsurface images. On the other hand, electrical DC or EM methods
often have a key role in identifying strata which can be groundwater
aquifers from others which are not.
Acknowledgements
We wish to acknowledge our indebtedness and thanks to Mrs
Zorica Vukievi for kind permission to use results of her hydro-
geological research in Jazak, on which we relied in describing the
geological features of our study area. Thanks are also due to Mr Duan
Obrenovi, who analyzed and interpreted borehole logging data from
boreholes IBJf-1 and IBJf-2. Finally, we gratefully acknowledge the
help of Mrs Sneana Anti and Mr Ivan Najdanov, who participated in
the processing of seismic data.
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