Advanced Applied Geophysics for Groundwater Exploration Training Course for Hydrogeologists

Module 1: Fundamentals of Geophysics in Hydrogeological Contexts

ü  Physical properties of rocks and water (Porosity, Permeability, Conductivity)

ü  Relationship between Archie’s Law and aquifer salinity

ü  Theoretical basis for geophysical responses in various terrains

ü  Method selection criteria: Hard rock vs. Sedimentary environments

ü  Practical Session: Field equipment check, calibration basics, and safety protocols

Module 2: Electrical Resistivity Methods: VES and Profiling

ü  Principles of Ohm’s Law and Apparent Resistivity

ü  Electrode arrays: Schlumberger, Wenner, and Dipole-Dipole

ü  Depth of investigation and geometric factors

ü  Identifying layers: The "K, A, Q, and H" curve types

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) survey at a test site

Module 3: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) for Subsurface Imaging

ü  Transition from 1D to 2D and 3D resistivity imaging

ü  Multi-electrode systems and automated data acquisition

ü  Mapping complex features: Faults, fractures, and paleochannels

ü  Dealing with topography and noise in ERT surveys

ü  Practical Session: Setting up a multi-electrode ERT line and observing real-time data collection

Module 4: Electromagnetic (EM) Methods and Conductivity Mapping

ü  Induction principles and primary/secondary magnetic fields

ü  Time-Domain (TEM) vs. Frequency-Domain (FEM) systems

ü  Rapid reconnaissance for large-scale water mapping

ü  Identifying saline water intrusion in coastal aquifers

ü  Practical Session: Using a portable EM conductivity meter to map lateral variations

Module 5: Applications of Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Magnetic Methods

ü  VLF-EM for detecting water-bearing fracture zones in hard rock

ü  Magnetic surveys for mapping geological structures and dikes

ü  Correcting for diurnal variations and magnetic noise

ü  Qualitative vs. Quantitative interpretation of anomalies

ü  Practical Session: Line survey using a VLF receiver to identify a vertical fracture

Module 6: Seismic Refraction for Overburden and Bedrock Profiling

ü  Elastic wave propagation and Snell’s Law

ü  Identifying the water table and depth to bedrock

ü  P-wave velocity as an indicator of saturation and lithology

ü  Equipment setup: Geophones, cables, and energy sources

ü  Practical Session: Field acquisition of a seismic refraction profile and travel-time plotting

Module 7: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in Shallow Hydrogeology

ü  Electromagnetic wave reflection and dielectric constants

ü  High-resolution mapping of the water table in sandy aquifers

ü  Identifying contaminant plumes and stratigraphic units

ü  Frequency selection vs. depth of penetration

ü  Practical Session: Performing a GPR transect to locate shallow water-bearing layers

Module 8: Borehole Geophysics and Well Logging Techniques

ü  Natural Gamma logging for lithology identification

ü  Spontaneous Potential (SP) and Resistivity logs

ü  Caliper and Fluid logs for well integrity

ü  Cross-hole geophysics for aquifer connectivity

ü  Practical Session: Interpretation of a composite borehole log to select screen positions

Module 9: Data Inversion, Modeling, and Software Applications

ü  Forward modeling vs. Inverse modeling

ü  Managing non-uniqueness and equivalence in data

ü  Introduction to popular software (e.g., RES1D, RES2DINV, IX1D)

ü  Visualizing results: Creating cross-sections and maps

ü  Practical Session: Hands-on workshop on inverting field data collected during previous modules

Module 10: Integrated Interpretation and Geophysical Reporting

ü  Combining geophysics with geology, remote sensing, and geochemistry

ü  Common pitfalls and "false positives" in geophysical siting

ü  Writing professional geophysical reports for clients

ü  Ethical considerations and professional standards in exploration

ü  Practical Session: Final group project—Designing a multi-method exploration strategy for a blind study area

About Our Trainers

Our training team consists of Senior Geophysicists and Hydrogeologists with over 20 years of experience in regional and international groundwater exploration. They have successfully led discovery teams across diverse geological terrains and are certified experts in the application of modern geophysical instrumentation and inversion software.

Quality Statement

Phoenix Training Center is committed to technical excellence. Our courses are updated annually to incorporate the latest advancements in sensor technology and data processing, ensuring that our participants receive industry-relevant, high-quality training that meets international standards.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202