Estimation of aquifer hydraulic parameters from surficial geophysical methods: A case study of Keritis Basin in Chania (Crete – Greece)

Knowledge of aquifer parameters is essential for the management of groundwater resources. Conventionally, these parameters are estimated through pumping tests carried out on water wells. Few boreholes may be available and carrying out pumping tests at a number of sites may be costly and time consuming. The application of geophysical methods in combination with pumping tests provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to estimate aquifer parameters. A geophysical method is used to obtain aquifer characteristics that are estimated through the pumping tests. A correlation is established between these parameters at other sites where pumping has not been carried out. In this way, the entire investigation area could be covered to characterize an aquifer system. This study has been carried out in the Keritis basin in Chania, Crete – Greece, where the aquifer characteristics are required for the management of groundwater in the region.