Integration of hydrogeophysical and geological investigations in enhancing groundwater potential assessment in Houtriver gneiss crystalline basement formation of South Africa

Groundwater exploration in crystalline basement aquifers such as the Houtriver gneiss formation Limpopo province of South Africa is often described complex. This because groundwater availability largely a consequence interaction several processes related to recharge, underlying geological features and fracture connectivity aquifer rock matrix. In this study, an integration geophysical investigations applied inferring potential drill targets within system. Results from magnetic frequency domain electromagnetic surveys were combined with identify sites where vertical electrical resistivity sounding was infer thickness layering weathered fractured zones, well test boreholes drilled. Constructed geo-resistivity pseudo-sections suggested that occurrence by heterogeneous multiple-layered system main bearing zones ranging depth 30–72m most cases. Ten identified which three drilled used validate results through lithostratigraphic conceptual model developed correlation logs. The hydro-geophysical methods thus provided comprehensive approach for resource assessment formation.