Geophysical characterization of the Detrital-Lateritic Cover and its aquifer in Chapadão de São Gabriel do Oeste, Mato Grosso do Sul

Abstract

The geophysical characterization of the detritus-lateritic cover existing in Chapadão de São Gabriel do Oeste has fundamental economic importance for the agriculture in the region, and it was the object of study in this research. We highlighted the associated laterite yokes, widely used in the primary coating of more than 3000 km of municipal highways. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the GPR geophysical method in identifying lateritic yokes in the subsurface and in detecting lithological contacts between the TQdl and the underlying layers. A focus was placed on verifying the continuity of the Serra Geral Formation in the study area, obtaining the iso-thickness map. In addition, a preliminary characterization of the aquifer related to the coverage that has not yet been individualized was carried out. To achieve these goals, geophysical data was obtained with GPR, electroresistivity and geological and hydrogeological data. As final results, we can list: the feasibility of using GPR to identify cangas; the thickness of the detrital-laterite cover and its contacts; the definition of the distribution and thickness of the basalts. Serra Geral and the definition of the potentiometric map of the aquifer represented by the cover. Additionally, a geological profile was obtained seeking a better understanding of the geological-structural framework, which summarizes the interpretation of stratigraphic relationships in the area.