TITLE:
Subsurface Mass Rippability Assessment in Basement Environment Using Seismic Refraction Survey
AUTHORS:
Kouamelan Serge Kouamelan, Assi Martial Yapo, Koffi Joseph Brou, Eric Thompson Brantson
KEYWORDS:
Seismic Velocity, Level of Rippability, 2D Geoseismic Sections, Water Reservoir, Côte d’Ivoire
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.15 No.12,
December
5,
2024
ABSTRACT: A geophysical investigation was carried out in Kong, northern Côte d’Ivoire, to characterize the subsurface formations as part of a drinking water supply project. The study aimed to determine the seismic signatures of the non-rippable layers and their depths to guarantee the stability of the Kong water reservoir. Based on the analysis of Vp velocity distribution, the subsoil in the study area is structured into rippable (300 - 1500 m/s), marginal (1500 - 2000 m/s) and non-rippable (>2000 m/s) zones with varying thicknesses. Correlation with core drilling results reveals that the rippable zones, located between 5 and 9 m depth, are associated with the superficial overburden and weathering products (clays and clayey sands), while the non-rippable zones correspond to the very dense granitic basement, located between 5 and 11 m depth according to 2D geoseismic sections.