Time‐domain electromagnetic imaging of a clayey confining bed in a brackish environment: A case study in the Kairouan Plain Aquifer (Kelbia salt lake, Tunisia)

A first geophysical map of the near-surface aquifer system in the extremely conductive environment of Sebkha Kelbia, Tunisia, reveals the geometry of a clayey confining bed that separates two groundwater reservoirs. This study highlights significant differences in electrical conductivity between the shallow (1,200 mS/m) and deeper aquifers, with the latter being used for irrigation. The research utilized time-domain electromagnetic (TDEM) surveys to assess potential connectivity between these reservoirs, addressing recent salinity increases that pose challenges for agriculture. By combining TDEM with vertical electrical soundings, the study provides critical insights into the subsurface structure of this semi-arid Plio-Quaternary aquifer, offering a foundation for managing groundwater resources in the Kairouan Plain.

Finco, C., Pontoreau, C., Schamper, C., Massuel, S., Hovhannissian, G., & Rejiba, F. (2018). Time‐domain electromagnetic imaging of a clayey confining bed in a brackish environment: A case study in the Kairouan Plain Aquifer (Kelbia salt lake, Tunisia). Hydrological Processes, 32(26), 3954–3965. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.13303