Impact of the geologic setting on the groundwater using geoelectrical sounding in the area southwest of Sohag – Upper Egypt

•Carrying out Vertical Electric Sounding in the study area.•Interpret the field data both qualitatively and quantitatively.•Construct geoelectric cross sections.•Construct structural map.•Conclusion and recommendations.

A geoelectrical resistivity survey has been carried out in El Kawameil area which lies to the southwest of Sohag governorate, Upper Egypt with the purpose of delineating the geologic setting and its impact on the groundwater occurrence. The study involved measuring Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) at twenty-four locations using the Schlumberger Array. The results showed that the geoelectrical succession in the study area consists of eleven geoelectric layers which were grouped into three main zones. The first zone consists of four geoelectric layers corresponding to the dry upper surface layers. The second one is composed of four geoelectric layers that constitute the Eocene limestone plateau at the western and northern parts of the study area. The third zone is consists of three geoelectric layers and corresponds to Pleistocene water bearing sand and gravel at the central and eastern parts of the study area. The area was found to be affected by a group of normal faults. The results showed, also, that the lateral lithological changes and thickness of the saturated zone have their effect on the groundwater potentiality in the study area. Moreover, the detected faults contribute to seepage of runoff water to recharge the water bearing zone and control the flow. Sites to drill new wells in the investigated area have been determined.