Subsurface Structure Analysis Using the Geoelectric Resistivity Method for Groundwater Potential Identification

Abstract

This article analyzes the use of the geoelectric resistivity method for interpreting subsurface structures and identifying groundwater potential. Groundwater exploration requires information on lithology, layer thickness, depth, lateral continuity, weathering, fracturing, and the distribution of water-bearing formations. A literature-based analytical approach was applied to synthesize 20 scholarly publications covering direct-current resistivity, Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and integrated hydrogeophysical applications. The synthesis shows that resistivity is controlled by lithology, porosity, pore-water salinity, saturation, clay content, and structural conditions, so resistivity anomalies should be interpreted together with geological and hydrogeological information rather than by a single numerical threshold. VES is particularly useful for resolving vertical changes in layered subsurface conditions, whereas ERT provides stronger visualization of lateral and vertical heterogeneity, including weathered zones, fractures, clay barriers, and possible aquifer bodies. Published case studies demonstrate that geoelectrical surveys can delineate aquifer depth, thickness, continuity, and structural controls and can support borehole siting when interpreted and validated with borehole, geological, or hydrochemical information. The article proposes a practical interpretation workflow consisting of survey design, apparent-resistivity acquisition, quality control, inversion, geoelectrical-layer interpretation, hydrogeological correlation, groundwater-potential classification, and field validation. The findings emphasize that the geoelectric method is a non-invasive and cost-effective reconnaissance tool, but groundwater potential should be confirmed through direct hydrogeological investigation.