Geophysical reconnaissance of the western basin of the Plaine du Nord aquifer, Haiti

Abstract A geophysical reconnaissance was conducted to support aquifer characterization and evaluate groundwater potential in the western portion of Plaine du Nord provision growing water demands city Cap-Haitien Republic Haiti. Hybrid-source audio-magnetotelluric (HSAMT) soundings gravity measurements were collected Government Haiti sourcing additional supplies for city. The is poorly characterized considering it one Haiti’s largest aquifers, few drilling logs are available, only borehole has investigated deeper extents aquifer. HSAMT supports depth profiling subsurface resistivity, which interpretations geological strata conditions. Gravity allow complementary mapping Earth density anomalies contrasts, assist interpreting thicknesses or bedrock. Pairing methods permitted both an estimation thickness relative changes sediment characteristics. results allowed across study area, with interpreted greater than 300 m coastal zone. cross correlated available well records enabled delineation zones increased potential. combined indicate storage freshwater alluvium emphasize importance strengthening resource characterization, modelling monitoring guide sustainable development management.