Hydrogeophysical characterization of the electrofacies of the quaternary aquifer system (SAQ) in the coastal region of Sergipe, Brazil
Abstract
The application of geophysical methods, such as electrical resistivity, has proven effective in the characterization of shallow aquifers, especially in regions with limited hydrogeological data. At the Federal University of Sergipe (UFS) campus, in São Cristóvão (SE), the Sergipe Hydrogeological Research Site (SEHRES) was established to monitor the Quaternary Aquifer System (SAQ), composed of Pleistocene Marine Terrace Deposits (Q1tm). This study aimed to characterize the electrofacies of the SAQ through the integration of indirect data, obtained by Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Electrical Profiling (EP), and direct data from auger drilling, morphoscopic analysis, and laser granulometry. The combination of these approaches enabled the correlation between electrical properties and the sediment’s texture and composi-tion, improving the interpretation of geoelectrical models. The results revealed two main electrofacies associated with the fine sandstone hydrofacies: an unsaturated zone with resistivi-ty ranging from 1238 to 6500 Ω·m, and a saturated zone with resistivity between 255 and 950 Ω·m. Localized low-resistivity anomalies (50 to 100 Ω·m) indicate possible clay-rich zones with higher water retention, while higher values at depth suggest the presence of hardened hori-zons (orstein). The detailed electrofacies characterization contributes to a better understand-ing of the SAQ’s hydrogeological behavior, supporting sustainable groundwater management strategies in coastal environments.
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