Multiple geophysical surveys were conducted in the Tucson water recharge basins facility, Arizona, USA. The purpose of the geophysical investigation was to monitor water infiltration into the aquifer. This recharge basin provides controlled conditions for effective comparative analysis of data yielded through hydrogeophysical fieldbased
investigations where sensors can be deployed for extended time periods.
Resource managers need to thoroughly understand the water flow into the aquifer in order to predict water budget of the groundwater system. Specifically, the geophysical surveys will aid in understanding and monitoring the amount and direction of water flow from the recharge basin to the subsurface groundwater aquifer.
Our geophysical investigation of the water recharge basin included gravity, electromagnetic induction (EMI), electrical resistance tomography (ERT) and controlled source audio magnetotellurics (CSAMT) methods. These surveys were designed to monitor field-scale water infiltration and drainage, and gather more detailed data on shallow and deep-water flow. The goal of this survey is to improve our understanding of the different electrical and electromagnetic techniques and to determine the limitations of each method for monitoring applications.