ISC7

Comprehensive Geophysical Assessment of Complex Geological Terrain in Kadapa Basin, India

  • LAXMAN, SAI (Indian Institute of Science)
  • KUMAR, AYUSH (Indian Institute of Science)
  • PANJAMANI, ANBAZHAGAN (Indian Institute of Science)

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Traditional geophysical investigation consisting of borehole sampling and lab testing becomes uneconomical for large and geologically intricate areas performed at large scales. In such cases, non-destructive geophysical surveys offer a time-efficient and economical solution, simultaneously providing an extensive areal coverage of subsurface geotechnical and geophysical properties. This study focuses on a location with complex geological terrain in the Kadapa basin of Peninsular India. For the estimation of subsurface properties, three geophysical methods were employed, which consisted of Ground Penetration Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), and Multi-Channel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW). Thus, the subsurface's shear wave velocity profiles and apparent resistivity profiles were obtained. In the shallow depths, discontinuities and fractures were studied using electromagnetic radargrams from GPR. These tests were complemented with borehole exploration at the site. Results obtained from surface-based methods were validated against borelog data and visual observation of surface terrain. Subsequently, borelogs were integrated with the geophysical survey results to construct an integrated subsurface profile. The integrated subsurface profiles presented a three-layer subsurface structure consisting of dense gravelly sand in the top 1m, followed by strong rock formations and, ultimately, very strong fractured rocks. The extent of fracture in the rocks was studied using samples obtained from boreholes and available trenches at the test location. These findings helped compare the three methods and their applicability in delineating different subsurface layers in this study. GPR proves to be effective at shallow depths, while ERT and MASW help investigate deeper layers better. Further, this study offers critical insights for site characterisation and engineering decisions in complex geological environments, improving the knowledge base of efficient and reliable subsurface evaluation techniques.