Interlobate esker aquifer characterization by high resolution seismic reflection method with landstreamer in SW Finland
: Elina Ahokangas, Joni Mäkinen, Aki Artimo, Antti Pasanen, Heikki Vanhala
Publisher: Elsevier B.V.
: 2020
: Journal of Applied Geophysics
: Journal of Applied Geophysics
: 177
: 14
: 0926-9851
: 1879-1859
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jappgeo.2020.104014(external)
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/47304152(external)
The Virttaankangas interlobate esker with 100 m thick sediments has a complex depositional history. It is one of the largest groundwater reserves in Finland and hosts a managed artificial recharge plant providing potable water for the 300,000 inhabitants of the Turku region. We researched the characteristics of the esker aquifer both on a major fracture valley and on an esker ridge with a low groundwater table. This study presents the results of the first landstreamer-based high-resolution seismic reflection survey in Finland conducted in 2011. The esker core (main aquifer) position was delineated accurately throughout the entire area with continuous seismic data compared to a previous sedimentological model, gravimetric data and reference drillings. New features related to the widening of the coarse-grained unit of the esker core as well as a previously unknown daughter esker adjacent to the main esker core were revealed. These new findings are in agreement with the existing 3-D hydrogeological model. Our research provides valuable data on the high-resolution seismic reflection surveying of thick interlobate glaciofluvial deposits on two areas with differing bedrock topography on crystalline basement rocks.