Exploration of Groundwater Resources in the Uplands of Wadi Rasyan,
Taiz, Yemen

Alia. H. Alhusaini*, Hamza.A. Ebrahim* and Ahmed A. Abdulqader**

*Geology Department, Assuit University, Egypt
**Geology Department, Taiz University, Yemen
e-mail: drahaziz@yahoo.com

Abstract

Uplands of W. Rasyan are part of W. Rasyan which drains the region of the Western Yemen Mountains into the Tihama lowlands. The study area includes Taiz City which the second of the largest cities in Yemen where the people and environment are at risk of groundwater depletion and deterioration.

In the present study, geophysical investigation has been conducted aiming for exploration additional groundwater resources. As the electrical resistivity methods have been found to be powerful tools to delineate subsurface layers, they used to help determine the locations and geometries of aquifers, subsurface structure, and locations of possible contaminant plumes.

Geophysical exploration has been done using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at 38 sites distributed in selected locations. Interpretation of the acquired data has improved the geological understanding of the subsurface, it has revealed that the area is highly affected by the linear structures. From the geological and geophysical data three aquifers have been distinguished; 1) the shallow alluvial deposits, 2) the fracture volcanic aquifer and 3) the sandstone aquifer. Many promising areas for future exploitation were concluded also. Some shallow contaminant plumes with varies horizontal and vertical distribution have been recognized. Their shape, size and trends are restricted by faults, fractures and geologic contacts.

Keywords: Yemen, Groundwater resources, VES, contamination