An evaluation of computational methods in electromagnetic geophysics and their potential for groundwater system imaging

Finding effective methods for locating groundwater resources and ensuring safe drinking water is more crucial than ever, especially in the face of climate change and growing population pressures. Electromagnetic imaging techniques can significantly enhance our understanding of groundwater assessment, contamination detection, and overall management strategies. We discuss both time-domain and frequency-domain electromagnetic methods, emphasising the computational techniques used to analyse the electromagnetic data, along with several notable case studies that illustrate their effectiveness.

With the increasing availability of open-source software frameworks, more researchers are now able to analyse their data using sophisticated computational tools. Our contribution highlights the open-source software options for assessing electromagnetic data, focusing on the challenges presented by groundwater imaging, particularly due to the variations in spatial and temporal scales. We review various hydrological studies along with their corresponding electromagnetic surveying methods and the computational techniques employed. Moreover, we explore the potential benefits of advanced computational approaches, such as three-dimensional modelling and machine learning, when integrated with numerical groundwater modelling for enhanced imaging of groundwater systems. Although there are obstacles related to complexity and resource demands, our results indicate that the integration of these advanced techniques can improve the assessment and interpretation of geophysical and hydrological data, leading to a more effective understanding and management of groundwater resources.