TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section Page
Title

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF STUDY AREA 4
2.1 Brief Geology 5
2.2 Climate 6
3.0 THE GEO-RESISTIVITY AND DATA INTEPRETATIONS 7
3.1 Methodology 7
3.2 Identification of Lithologic Resistivity Units 10
3.3 Descriptions of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points 11
3.4 Discussion of Results 13
3.4.1 Resistivity Profile A-A’ (Fig. 10) 16
3.4.2 Resistivity Profile B-B’ (Fig. 11) 17
3.4.1 Resistivity Profile C-C’ (Fig. 12) 19
3.4.1 Resistivity Profile D-D’ (Fig. 13) 21
4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 22
REFERENCES 25
GLOSSARY OF TERMS 26
LIST OF TABLES
Table I . Deduced Resistivity Values at the Study Area
Table II. Summary of VES Points Descriptions, Locations and
Geographic Coordinates
Table III. Summary of the Resistivity Interpretation Made
for each VES Point
Table IV. Summary of Identified Aquifers at the Study Area
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure -1 Vicinity Map of the Study Area
Figure -2 Climatic map of the Philippines
Figure -3 Basic Resistivity Configuration
Figure -4 VES Points and Profiles Location Map
Figure -5 Graph of VES-1
Figure -6 Graph of VES-2
Figure -7 Graph of VES-3
Figure -8 Graph of VES-4
Figure -9 Resistivity Profile A-A’
Figure -10 Resistivity Profile B-B’
Figure -11 Resistivity Profile C-C’
Figure -12 Resistivity Profile D-D’
Figure -13 Preliminary Well Design
 Executive Summary

To study and characterize the aquifer systems at Barangay San Roque,

Antipolo City, province of Rizal, a geo-resistivity was commissioned by A.
Guerrero Development Corporation and was subsequently conducted on
February 17-18, 2015. The study is aimed to determine if aquifer is present
at the said area for possible well drilling operation. Geo-resistivity survey is
a geophysical technique used to indirectly investigate physical
characteristics of the subsurface earth layers. This geophysical technique
provides relatively rapid and cost-effective means of obtaining subsurface
geological information, particularly the identification of permeable (aquifer)
and impermeable (clay) layers.

A total of four vertical electrical soundings (VES) with maximum AB length

of 724 meters and with corresponding theoretical penetration depth of 145
meters were strategically laid out at the study area. In addition to the geo-
resistivity survey, the geophysical survey team noted the depths of the
existing water wells near the VES points. The well data that had been
gathered were used in the resistivity calibration and resistivity sounding
interpretation. Results of geo-resistivity interpretation are presented in the
form of VES Graphs, Table of Deduced Resistivity Values and
Electrostratigraphic or Resistivity Profiles.

The geo-resistivity survey conducted at the study areas has identified at

least four mappable lithologic/resistivity layers including the thin topsoil
horizon. As portrayed in the resistivity profile, the resistivity layers are
discontinuous at the upper layers at some resistivity profiles. Generally,
there are two aquifer layers identified at the area. The first aquifer layer is
generally shallow and relatively thin and characterized by low resistivity
value, hence could not be expected to give high discharge. The second
aquifer layer is only present at VES-3.
Below is a table that shows the summary of identified water bearing layers
at the respective VES points at the study area with corresponding depths
reckoned from the ground surface and their thicknesses.

Summary of Identified Aquifers at the Study Area

VES Name No. of Depth from ground Thickness (m)
Potential level (m)
Aquifers
VES-1 1 27 50
VES-2 1 1 10
VES-3 2 26, 43 17, 102+
VES-4 1 7 32
Note: Plus sign immediately after the number means that thickness in question
goes beyond the 145-m TPD of the survey

Exploratory well, which can later be developed into production well, is

recommended at VES-3 with drilling depth of 67.07m (210ft).

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1.0 INTRODUCTION
To study and characterize the aquifer systems at Barangay San Roque,
Antipolo City, province of Rizal, a geo-resistivity was commissioned by A.
Guerrero Development Corporation and was subsequently conducted on
February 17-18, 2015. The study is aimed to determine if aquifer is present
at the said area for possible well drilling operation. Geo-resistivity survey is
a geophysical technique used to indirectly investigate physical
characteristics of the subsurface earth layers. This geophysical technique
provides relatively rapid and cost-effective means of obtaining subsurface
geological information, particularly the identification of permeable (aquifer)
and impermeable (clay) layers. The primary objective of the study is to
determine the subsurface lithological sequence of the study area which may
be specifically elaborated as follows:

 To study the subsurface lithological sequence of the area from

the ground surface;

 To come out with an estimate of the thickness and the signatures

of the different subsurface earth layers;

 To make a spatial correlation of the different identified layers and;

 To determine the vertical and horizontal extent, potential

thickness and estimated depth of all aquifers identified.

A total of four vertical electrical soundings (VES) with maximum AB length

of 724 meters and with corresponding theoretical penetration depth of 145
meters were strategically laid out at the study area. In addition to the geo-
resistivity survey, the geophysical survey team noted the depths of the
existing water wells near the VES points. The well data that had been
gathered were used in the resistivity calibration and resistivity sounding
interpretation. Results of geo-resistivity interpretation are presented in the
form of VES Graphs, Table of Deduced Resistivity Values and
Electrostratigraphic or Resistivity Profiles.

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2.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA
The study area is located at Barangay San Roque, City of Antipolo,
province of Rizal (see Figure 1). The study area lies at about 3.7km south of
Antipolo City Proper. It is centrally disposed at geographic coordinates of
14°33’45.3” north latitude and 121°10’03.2” east longitude. It has an
elevation range of 150 to 190 meters above mean sea level.

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2.1 Brief Geology

The study area and its immediate vicinities are mainly underlain, based on
the unpublished MGB Geologic Map of Quezon City, by three rock
formations: the Quaternary Alluvium, Guadalupe and Kinabuan Formations.

Quaternary Alluvium (Recent). It is composed of unconsolidated to poorly

consolidated sand, silt, clay and gravel commonly found along the river
floodplain and valleys.

Guadalupe Formation (Pleistocene). This formation is generally

composed of thin to medium bedded, fine-grained tuff, agglomerate,
volcanic breccia and associated tuffaceous sediments. Thickness of
Guadalupe Formation has been estimated to about 2,000 meters. Based on
the result of the geo-resistivity interpretation, the tuff sediments are thick
bedded of tuffaceous siltstone and shale/clay materials, which are
estimated to have a thickness of about more than 200 meters in Sampaloc
area.

Kinabuan Formation (Cretaceous). This formation is composed of two

parts, the upper part which is the sedimentary sequence and the lower part
which is the volcanic sequence. The sedimentary sequence consists of
thinly interbedded silty shale and calcareous sandstone with tuffaceous and
siliceous layers capped by steeply dipping thin beds of limestone. The basal
part of the sedimentary sequence is associated with underlying pillow
basalts and basaltic breccias. The basalts represent the volcanic carapace
of the ophiolite, whereas the pelagic sedimentary sequence constitutes the
sedimentary cover of the Montalban Ophiolitic Complex. It occurs as very
long elongated body, which can be traced from Rodriguez and to Angono,
an approximate distance of more than 20 km with average with of about 3
km.

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2.2 Climate
Under the Coronas Classification of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical
and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the study area
belongs to Type I climate (see Figure 2). In this type of climate, there are
two pronounced seasons, dry from November to April and wet during the
rest of the year.

Figure 2 Climatic Map of the Philippines

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3.0 THE GEO-RESISTIVITY SURVEY AND DATA
INTERPRETATIONS

3.1 Methodology
Resistivity survey involves the introduction of electrical current into the
ground through two pairs of electrodes. When the electric current is
introduced into the ground, the ground acts as a weak conductor. Any
variation in the subsurface conductivity due to size, shape and electrical
resistivity of underlying earth layers will alter the flow of current. If another
set of electrodes is placed close to the current electrodes, a difference in
potentials can be measured using an instrument, which can measure
extremely low voltage difference (see Figure 3). Schlumberger technique
known as vertical electrical sounding (VES) was selected as it has the
capability to explore the ground vertically from the surface.

Figure 3. The Basic Resistivity Configuration

The instrument used was OYO McOHM Mark-2 Model 2115A resistivity
instrument. It is a compact digital averaging resistivity meter that contains a
transmitter and receiver functions packed in one unit. It is designed to

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measure extremely weak electrical signal. Measurements at each ground
level are repeatedly stacked to eliminate ground noise and other electrical
interferences, which can hamper resistivity survey. This stacking feature
automatically cancels spontaneous potential in resistivity measurement. The
instrument can transmit up to 200mA under more or less 200V.

Photo No.1. The OYO McOHM Mark-2 Model 2115A

resistivity instrument used during the geo-resistivity survey.

The Schlumberger array uses four electrodes: two of which serve as the
current electrodes and the other two for potential electrodes. The current
electrodes are represented by AB and the potential electrodes by MN.
Electric current is introduced into the ground using AB electrodes and the
potential difference is read using the MN electrodes. Initially, lengths of AB
and MN are set to two meters and one meter, respectively. As the
measurement progresses, AB expands from the sounding center at the
spacing interval of factor of square root of two, i.e., 1, 1.4, 2, 2.8, etc.,

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keeping the MN constant. However, as the length AB increases, electrical
voltage drops considerably. The manufacturer of the instrument has
prescribed a minimum voltage of five millivolts when conducting resistivity
measurements. To keep voltage above the set minimum voltage, MN has to
be expanded as well. In order to detect discrepancy for the reading when
MN is expanded to new length, duplicate readings are taken for the same
AB but with different MN values.

The measurements taken from the instrument are raw resistivity data.
Actually, they are in the form of volt/current ratio, having a unit of “ohm”.
These resistivity raw data are multiplied by a geometric factor unique for
every set of AB and MN which is taken from the formula:
Geometric Factor = ( /MN) [(AB/2)2 -(MN/2) 2].
where  is 3.1416.

The resulting values when the readings are multiplied by this factor will now
be the apparent resistivity. The usual field procedure is to plot the
computed apparent resistivity at logarithmic scale paper to gain initial view
of the resulting curve. This is undertaken prior to interpretation or at the
sounding site to preclude unwanted curve, which results when errors are
committed in readings and in distances set up.

The interpretation of the measured values is facilitated through the use of a

computer. A resistivity sounding interpretation software was used for
database management and sounding interpretation including plotting of
sounding curves. The software is designed to automatically fit the
theoretical curve to that of the master curves of Orellana and Mooney using
iterations and test for convergence/divergence processes.

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3.2 Identification of Lithologic Resistivity Units
The identification of the resistivity value for a certain lithology is usually
carried out along an area where the lithology in question could be positively
identified. When an outcrop is absent, particularly in flat area, borehole
lithologic data are used to make resistivity sounding identification and
calibration. If borehole data are to be used, the resistivity sounding is
usually conducted near the borehole and the resulting interpreted resistivity
value for a certain lithology can now be established if two or more
correlation can be made, provided that the same lithology in question is
present. Well data gathered at the vicinity of the study area were used for
resistivity calibration for water. After thorough resistivity calibrations and
correlations using the data gathered from the neighborhood, the geophysics
team has come up with following the deduced resistivity values:

Table I. Deduced Resistivity Values at the Study Area

Deduced Layer Resistivity Layer Characteristics
Value (-m)
Top soil materials 12 -109 Highly variable due to
different composition and
degree of water content
Shale/Clay materials 4-7
Water saturated rock 11 - 42 Semi-permeable to
permeable layer
Volcanic breccia 85- 137 Impermeable layer
Volcanic flows 236- 3189 Weathered to
unweathered;
impermeable layer

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Photo No.2. Showing the dug well used for resistivity calibration for water

3.3 Descriptions of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) Points

The VES points were designated as VES-1, VES-2 up to VES-4 (see Fig.
4). In order to investigate the area with a maximum depth of 145 meters
from the ground surface, VES points as much as possible were designed to
have AB length of 724 meters. Table II shows the summary of the VES
descriptions together as well as their geographic coordinates. Geographic
coordinates of the VES points were taken using Garmin Trex Summit Global
Positioning System (GPS).

Table II. Summary of VES Points Locations and

Geographic Coordinates
VES Name Latitude (N) Longitude (E)

VES-1 14°33'45.3" 121°10'03.2"

VES-2 14°33.45.6" 121°09'59.8"
VES-3 14°33'42.4" 121°09'59.7"
VES-4 14°33'42.3" 121°09'57.8"
VES-5 14°33'45.3" 121°10'03.2"

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3.4 Discussion of Results
Aside from the individual plotted VES points, the interconnected VES points
that form resistivity profile is also shown in Figures 4. Each sounding was
interpreted and the resulting layers with their corresponding depths were
tabulated at the left side of each figure. Summary of VES interpretations can
be seen in Table III, which shows the layer number with corresponding
resistivity values, thicknesses and depths.

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Table III. Summary of the Resistivity Interpretation Made
for each VES Point

VES-1 VES-2
Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth (in Layer Resistivity Thicknes Depth
No. Value (- (in meter) meter) No. Value (- s (in (in
m) m) meter) meter)
1 57.4 2.3 0 1 31.1 0.2 0
2 137.2 25 2.3 2 85.5 0.7 0.2
3 10.8 50.5 27.2 3 9.8 10.4 0.8
4 236.8 77.7 4 4.4 17.1 11.2
5 254.5 28.3

VES-3 VES-4
Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth (in Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth
No. Value (- (in meter) meter) No. Value (- (in meter) (in
m) m) meter)
1 109.1 0.3 0 1 12.3 0.4 0
2 16.1 0.4 0.3 2 5.2 6.5 0.4
3 128.4 2 0.7 3 10.7 32.5 6.9
4 6.7 23.5 2.7 4 3189.5 39.3
5 24.9 16.8 26.2
6 41.6 42.9

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To completely visualize the subsurface earth layers of the study area, four
resistivity profiles/sections coded as Resistivity Profile A-A’, B-B’ up to D-D’
(see Figure 9-12) were prepared. The resistivity profile was prepared by
interconnecting resistivity soundings as if they are aligned in a straight line.
Profile shows the relative electro-stratigraphic section formed when the
soundings are combined. Likewise, the profile enhances and facilitates
immediate visual image of the underlying stratigraphic columns of the
lithological units. At the sounding graphs presentation, one may notice that
there are actually more layers presented than at the resistivity profile. This
is so because the first few layers are thin and not mappable. In the
presentation therefore, some of the first few layers were deliberately omitted
in the profile leaving only the most layers that stand out. Although some of
the first few layers were omitted, their thicknesses were retained so that
plotting of major layers will be on the correct vertical position.

3.4.1 Resistivity Profile A-A’ (Figure 9)

Resistivity Profile A-A’ composed of VES-2 and VES-1 was prepared to
show the behavior of resistivity layers along the northeastern portion of the
study area. This profile represents the elevated portion of the study area. It
runs towards the east, covering a ground distance of about 110meters.

Generally, the profile shows four discontinuous resistivity layers including

the thin topsoil horizon. As portrayed in the resistivity profile, there are two
discontinuous aquifer layers identified. At VES-2 the first aquifer is very
shallow and relatively thin about 10.4m. Because of very low resistivity
value, this type of aquifer could not be expected to give high discharge. At
VES-2, the second identified aquifer lies below the relatively thick high
resistivity value tentatively designated as volcanic breccia. It has thickness
of about 50m. The last layer is the very thick of the layer basalt flows which
extends beyond the 145-m theoretical penetration depth (TPD) of the
survey.

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3.4.12 Resistivity Profile B-B’ (Figure 10)
Resistivity Profile B-B’ composed of VES-4 and VES-3 was prepared to
show the behavior of resistivity layers along southwestern portion of the
study area. This profile represents the lower portion of the study area. It
runs towards the east, covering a ground distance of about 110meters.

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There are two aquifer layers identified at this profile. The first aquifer layer
lies very shallow at VES-4. Like in profile A-A’, the resistivity value of this
aquifer is low, hence its discharge is relatively low. Here, the thickness of
the aquifer is about 32meters. This aquifer tends to thins out towards VES-3
but the resistivity value tends to be relatively high. The second aquifer layer
is only present at VES-3. It lies next to the first aquifer layer. It starts at
about 43meters from the ground surface and extends beyond the 145-m
TPD. Summary of thicknesses and depths of potential aquifer will be
tabulated at Table IV.

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3.4.3 Resistivity Profile C-C’ (Figure 11)
Resistivity Profile C-C’ composed of VES-4, VES-3 and VES-2 was
prepared to show the behavior of resistivity layers along the western portion
of the study area. It runs towards the northeast, covering a ground distance
of about 150meters.

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Generally the profile is composed of three resistivity layers. There is only
one aquifer layer identified at this profile. The aquifer is dipping towards
VES-4. Towards VES-2 the aquifer appears to be thinning out. At VES-2, an
impervious layer clay was identified lying next to aquifer. Lying next to the
aquifer layer is the very thick layer of volcanic flows that extends beyond the
145-m TPD of the survey.

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3.4.4 Resistivity Profile D-D’ (Figure 12)
Resistivity Profile D-D’ composed of VES-3 and VES-1 was prepared to
show the behavior of resistivity layers along the eastern portion of the study
area. It runs towards the northeast, covering a ground distance of about
140meters.

Generally, the profile is composed of four discontinuous resistivity layers.

There are two aquifer layers identified at this profile. The first aquifer
appears to be slightly dipping towards VES-1. The second aquifer is only
present at VES-3. It is very thick and extends beyond the 145-m TPD of the
survey.

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4.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The geo-resistivity survey conducted at the study areas has identified at
least four mappable lithologic/resistivity layers including the thin topsoil
horizon. As portrayed in the resistivity profile, the resistivity layers are
discontinuous at the upper layers at some resistivity profiles. Generally,
there are two aquifer layers identified at the area. The first aquifer layer is
generally shallow and relatively thin and characterized by low resistivity
value, hence could not be expected to give high discharge. The second
aquifer layer is only present at VES-3.

Table IV shows the summary of identified water bearing layers at the

respective VES points at the study area with corresponding depths
reckoned from the ground surface and their thicknesses.

Table IV. Summary of Identified Aquifers at the Study Area

VES Name No. of Depth from ground Thickness (m)
Potential level (m)
Aquifers
VES-1 1 27 50
VES-2 1 1 10
VES-3 2 26, 43 17, 102+
VES-4 1 7 32
Note: Plus sign immediately after the number means that thickness in question
goes beyond the 145-m TPD of the survey

Exploratory well, which can later be developed into production well, is

recommended at VES-3 with drilling depth of 67.07m (210ft).

During the drilling operation, cuttings must be carefully collected for every
meter of penetration or at every change of lithology. It is highly
recommended that the penetration rate be monitored so as to have
supplemental data in the evaluation of the hydraulic parameters of the
lithology encountered. To prevent the collapse of the hole during drilling
operation and to allow the electric logging prior to development of the well, a
rotary mud drilling method must be implemented. Electric logging is used to

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locate the exact aquifer zone(s). When the aquifer zones have been
properly located, screens should be placed thereat to have a maximum well
efficiency. To prevent the entry of finer sediment into the well, gravel
packing should be properly installed in the annular space between the final
casing/screen and the borehole. Grouting of the upper annular space of the
well must be done to preclude well contamination. The preliminary well
design of this initial test/production well is shown in Figure 13.

To ensure that maintenance of the well can be implemented in the future,

provisions for refilling of the gravel pack materials must be installed.
Moreover, a sounding pipe to monitor water level must also be put in place.
Pumping test should be conducted to get additional information on the
tapped aquifers.

Finally, water rights must be secured from National Water Regulatory Board
in compliance with the government’s policy and regulation and management
of the country’s water resources.

ABRAHAM R. GATDULA
Geophysicist/Geologist

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 REFERENCES
Bureau of Mines and Geosciences, 1981. Geology and Mineral Resources
of the Philippines. vol. 1, MGB, Manila.

Davies, MacKenzie, 1998. Introduction to Environmental Engineering,

International Edition, pp. 631-701, Mc-Graw Hill, Singapore.

Holman, H. P. and R. C. Palmer, 1998. Introducing multidisciplinary

groundwater vulnerability mapping to Philippines, Journal of the
Geological Society of the Philippines, v.53, nos. 3 & 4, Manila,
Philippines.

Keary P. and Brooks M. (1984) An Introduction to Geophysical

Exploration. Blackwell Scientific Publications, London.

Masters,G.M.,1998. Introduction to Environmental Engineering and Science

2nd Edition, pp. 629-633, Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

Orellana, E. and Mooney, H.M. (1966) Master Tables and Curves for
Vertical Electrical Sounding Over Layered Structures. Interciencia,
Madrid.

Parasnis, D.S. (1973) Mining Geophysics. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Scott Keys, W. and MacCary, L.M. Application of Borehole Geophysics to

Water-Resources Investigations. Techniques of water-Resources
Investigations of the United States Geological Survey.

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 GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AB length-The current electrode distance.

apparent resistivity-The resulting values when the readings from the

instrument are multiplied by this geometric factor.

Conductivity- The reciprocal of resistivity.

Connate water-Water trapped during deposition stage. This is often

referred to salty water trapped in sedimentary formations.

current electrodes- A pair of steel used to introduce artificially-generated

electric current into the ground.

electrolytic materials- Accumulated loose ions derived mostly from the

solution of salts.

Electrostratigraphic section- Lithologic Section formed using identified

layers with a set of resistivity values.

geo-resistivity survey- A method in electrical surveying whereby

artificially-generated electric currents are introduced into the ground
and the resulting potential difference are measured at the surface.

Iso-resistivity map- Map showing equal resistivity values, which serve as,
contour lines.

lithologic resistivity unit- A unit of rock identified through its true resistivity
value.

logarithmic scale- A scale which provides equal length of measurement

between 1-10 and 10-100, 10-100 and 100-1,000 and so on.

master curves- A set of curves prepared in dimensionless form for a

number of values of the reflection coefficient k by dividing the
calculated apparent resistivity values by the upper layer resistivity
and by dividing the electrode spacing a by the upper layer
thickness.

MN length- Distance between potential electrodes.

NAMRIA- National Mapping Resources Information Authority

potential electrodes- A pair of steel used to measure the potential

difference between two electrodes.

resistivity- The resistivity of a material is defined as the resistance in ohms

`

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 between the opposite faces of a unit cube of the material.

Resistivity Profiles- Interchangeably used with electrostratigraphic section.

resistivity signature- A resistivity value by which a certain rock unit may be

identified.

Schlumberger technique- A resistivity survey using configuration in which

the inner, potential electrodes have a spacing which is a small
proportion of that of the outer, current electrodes. Here the potential
electrodes remain fixed and the current electrodes are expanded
symmetrically about the center of the spread.

software- Computer program or assembled set of computer instructions.

spontaneous potential -The release of electrons when electrolytes below

water table undergo oxidation.

stratigraphy- Used here to connote a sequence of lithologic layers.

theoretical curve- A curve so produced when resistivity field data are

plotted on a logarithmic scale.

theoretical penetration depth- The expected depth of penetration for a

fixed length AB in a resistivity survey.

Unconformity- Geologic term used to indicate a break in deposition.

VES- Vertical Electrical Sounding known also as electrical drilling used

mainly in the study of horizontal or near-horizontal interfaces.

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APPENDIX

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Photo No.3. Showing the location of VES-1 at San Roque, Antipolo City

Photo No.4. Showing the location of VES-2 at San Roque, Antipolo City

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Photo No.5. Showing the location of VES-3

Photo No.6. Showing the location of VES-4

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