COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HYDRAULIC TESTING AND TEMPORAL RESISTIVITY FOR EVALUATING VERTICAL FLOW ON FAULTS IN DOLOMITE

Karst aquifers, with their complex geological formations and characteristics such as high permeability and rapid flow pathways, pose a significant challenge and opportunity as groundwater supply sources. Effectively managing these aquifers necessitates understanding their flow dynamics and temporal variations in hydrogeological parameters. This study presents a comparative analysis of two prominent methods, aquifer testing in wells and temporal resistivity imaging, for evaluating flow dynamics within the deep faulted system of the Arbuckle Simpson aquifer in Oklahoma and implications for recharge management. The methodology involved implementing a 24-hour constant rate hydraulic test to characterize aquifer hydraulic conductivity. Data were evaluated for boundary conditions, heterogeneities, and flow regimes within the aquifer system. Concurrently, temporal resistivity imaging was conducted to assess variations in subsurface resistivity over time, providing insights into the spatial distribution of groundwater flow. Results indicate distinct patterns in flow dynamics observed through aquifer hydraulic testing, highlighting the presence of preferential flow pathways. Temporal resistivity imaging revealed variations in subsurface resistivity, indicative of changes in groundwater saturation and flow pathways over time. Comparative analysis between aquifer hydraulic testing and temporal resistivity datasets illustrated the complementary information on flow dynamics and subsurface heterogeneity within the karst aquifer. The findings from this study have significant implications for recharge management within the aquifer and other karst regions. Integrating aquifer hydraulic testing and temporal resistivity imaging offers an integrated approach to characterizing karst aquifers, facilitating informed decision-making in groundwater management practices. This study advances our understanding of karst aquifers' flow dynamics and provides valuable insights for effective recharge management strategies in karst regions.