Integrating Geological Information and Electrical Resistivity Tomography for Mapping the Main Groundwater Bearing Layers in Ancient Babylon City, Iraq

Abstract

Electrical resistivity tomography was conducted in nine locations within ancient Babylon city, using Wenner-Schlumberger array, to map groundwater-bearing layers. The inverted models were integrated and correlated with the geological information extracted from six boreholes drilled during the 1970s. The interpreted inverse models of the Wenner-Schlumberger show identical corresponding with the lithological sequence of the boreholes. This corresponds related to the presence of one thick layer of sand deposits, with a thickness that may reach 60 m, and several thin interbedded clay layers that are locally extended. The sand layer is considered the main groundwater-bearing layer in the area. Further, the results proposed that a high discharge rate from any future boreholes which will be drilled for lowering the groundwater levels in the ancient Babylon area can easily cause a washing out of sand deposits which in turn can cause serious damages in archaeological remaining even after all measures to prevent sand washing.