Utilizing Self-potential Techniques in Delineating Groundwater Flow
摘要
Langsa City, Aceh (Indonesia) prompted by persistent issue of clean water scarcity. Studies (hydrology, geology, geophysics, etc.) have conducted related the issues. Self-potential (SP) method was applied to delineate the flow of groundwater at selected area in Langsa City. The SP method is a passive electrical survey technique that provide significant and unique information that can be applied to modern environmental and hydrogeological investigations. It naturally occurring potential difference (i.e., voltage) generated by subsurface current flow (i.e., fluid or groundwater) that arises in the absence of an external electric field. Measuring the SP strength and anomaly are used in delineating the direction of groundwater flow. The SP measurement consisting of three primary components: porous pots which act as a non-polarized electrode, electrical cables that used as an electrode connector, and multimeter used to measure the voltage. The calibration of non-polarized electrode is carried out by measure the potential difference of two porous pot within small distance and result of non-polarized electrode calibration is 1.7 mV. Measurements were conducted along four rectangular tracks utilizing the fixed-base measurement technique. The potential difference of the research area was found within the range of 0.5–101 mV. The research also revealed that the groundwater flow at the study area is from northwest to southwest with self-potential anomalies ranging between 0.5 and 25 mV. The fluid flow inferred from SP data is further corroborated by direct field observations, which reveal the presence of a well (borehole for water distribution) utilized by local residents in the southwestern region. The research conclude that the SP method is capable in delineating the groundwater flow and contribute to clean water planning program.