Ground water potential zones investigation using ground magnetic survey in South Africa

Shortage of adequate water sources in rural communities has become a global concern and severe in developing countries especially in African countries. This is due to the consistent increase in population, global warming and poor planning by municipalities in strategizing water supply and billing. The aim of this study was to apply a ground magnetic geophysical survey to investigate the geological structures or lineaments which are potential sources of ground water. To carry out the ground magnetic survey, six magnetic profiles 1 km long were designed to cut perpendicular to the general geological strike. All the profiles were spaced 500 m apart with a sampling interval of 20 m. The survey was carried out using a proton precision magnetometer-G856 kept at a constant height during the survey. Data was processed for artificial anomalies, diurnal variations as well as the geomagnetic field. Presentation of data was done in x-y distance against magnetic intensity graphs of all the profiles as well as a contour color map to delineate the potential structures. The findings of the study revealed several lineaments, most of which are low magnetic zones associated with geological structures such as faults, fractures and dykes. These provided potential zones of ground water where boreholes to supplement the community water needs can be drilled. The technique offers operational efficiency in water exploration projects.