Time domain electromagnetic surveys at the Lihi Lani project site, Pupukea, Koolauloa District, Oahu, Hawaii

Abstract

This report contains the resUlts of time domain electromagnetic (IDEM) surveys conducted at the Lihi Lani Project Site, Pupukea, Koolauloa District, on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. The survey was performed by Blackhawk Geosciences, Inc. (BGI) for Kuilima Development Company during June 1992. The overall objective of the survey was to assist in defining potential fresh water resources at the project site. The two major factors which influence the location and availability of fresh ground water in this geologic setting are (i) the elevation of the fresh water - salt walter interface for basal ground water occurrences, and (ii) the location and attitude of potential ground water damming structures (e.g., dikes) and aquitards. Thus, the specific objectives of this survey were to • map the fresh water - salt water interface underlying the survey area, and • identify and map geologic structures or lithologic units which may affect ground water distribution. In TDEM surveys, the electrical resistivity of the subsurface is measured. Previous TDEM surveys on the Hawaiian Islands have shown large resistivity contrasts to occur between volcanics saturated with fresh water and saline water. In most cases, also significant resistivity contrasts exist between geologic structures and between weathered and unweathered volcanics.