Geoelectric investigations in Bakreswar geothermal area, West Bengal, India

A cluster of hot springs in Bakreswar geothermal area, which belongs to the Chotanagpur Gneissic Complex in the eastern part of Peninsular India, is characterised by varying temperature and similar chemical composition. Ž . Vertical electrical sounding VES investigations in and around Bakreswar reveal the presence of two to four prominent lithologic layers under prevailing hydrodynamic conditions. The intermediate weathered zone and the fractured rocks constitute a single aquifer system of varied hydraulic conductivity under water table condition. Lithology and groundwater conditions, as inferred from the VES, as well as hydrological studies, are in agreement with the nearby bore hole lithologs. Water table contours accompanied by VES findings of the region indicate that the occurrence and movement of groundwater take place mostly within the weathered and fractured rocks under unconfined condition. 1D interpretation of VES results reveals few promising groundwater potential zones in the eastern part of the region. Wenner resistivity profiling, coupled with VES and geological studies, indicates the presence of a nearly N–S striking buried fault providing passage for hot water to emerge in the form of springs. q 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.