Equation estimation of porosity and hydraulic conductivity of Ruhrtal aquifer in Germany using near surface geophysics

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data are used to estimate the porosity and the hydraulic conductivity of the Ruhrtal aquifer in western Germany in addition to mapping the aquifer therein. Two theoretical methods based respectively on Kozeny–Archie equations and Ohm's–Darcy's laws are used for better confidence level in estimated values from VES data. Estimated hydraulic conductivity values from VES data and those determined from pumping test are strongly correlated. ► Electrical resistivity-hydraulic conductivity relationship-theoretical. ► Physics based reasons for direct and inverse relationship. ► Data from Ruhrtal aquifer in Germany is analyzed as a case history. ► Two different approaches using vertical electrical sounding data. ► Good correlation between measured and estimated values of hydraulic conductivity.