Assessment of Groundwater Potential Zones Using Electrical Resistivity in Muzaffargarh

The study integrates Earth observation and geospatial data to evaluate groundwater potential and conditions in Muzaffargarh, South Punjab, Pakistan, a region grappling with freshwater scarcity due to high sediment concentrations in subsurface water. The developed approach aims to enhance sustainable water resource management in areas affected by such sediment challenges. An electrical resistivity survey was conducted at 40 locations within the study area, incorporating Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and spatial analysis with hydrogeological parameters to analyze and visualize the spatial distribution of freshwater. A weighted overlay analysis was employed to map freshwater and saline water zones, supported by 2D resistivity maps. The study generated several thematic layers, including data on geology, rainfall, lineaments, land use/land cover (LULC), drainage density, soil type, and slope. A groundwater potential (GWP) zone map was created, categorizing the area into four zones: very good, good, moderate, and poor. Additionally, resistivity maps were produced at depths of 2m, 10m, 50m, 80m, 200m, and 300m to analyze resistivity variations in the Ghazi Ghat and Qasba Gujrat areas of Muzaffargarh district. The study's findings include curves indicating potential groundwater zones and a comprehensive understanding of subsurface characteristics through resistivity curve comparisons. These results provide valuable insights for the sustainable management of groundwater resources in the region, particularly in addressing freshwater scarcity.