Further geophysical studies on the basement aquifer of Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe

Geophysical studies were an integral part of a multidisciplinary investigation of the basement aquifer in Zimbabwe, carried out by British Geological Survey (BGS) and the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources and Development (MEWRD) of Zimbabwe, and funded by the Overseas Development Administration (ODA) of the British Government. The study was centred on Masvingo Province, in conjunction with the Provincial Water Engineer based in Masvingo as well as the Hydrogeology Department in Harare. A geophysical study had been made in 1986 (Smith and Raines, 1987) of a number of key areas, which represented the range of major rock types, in a variety of different hydrological and hydrogeological settings. It was intended as an orientation study, to obtain additional data on a number of previous drilling exercises which had fully reported, but which had a proportion of unsuccessful boreholes. On the basis of this experience, it was hoped to apply methods which might enhance the success rate. This second season's work represents the application of this experience to the identification of suitable drilling targets in conjunction with parallel hydrogeological, structural and geomorphological assessments. It was hoped that the drilling would improve our understanding of the structure and hydrogeological behavior of major linear features identifiable from aerial photography, as well as provide suitable sites for the installation of pumps for water supply.