Optimizing Groundwater Exploration Strategies in Huarong, China with 2-Dimensional Resistivity Imaging  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.)  
[PERSON]  
1 School of Geosciences & Info-Physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (I.A.); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (S.A.S.)
the examination of conductive and resistive intrusive bodies through the utilization of resistivity soundings and profiling surveys [9].  
In addition, computer-based resistivity surveys have been conducted on fractured and fissured bedrock. Geophysical techniques have proven to be highly effective in the mapping of subsurface areas for the purpose of identifying groundwater presence [10; 11]. In regions characterized by a lack of drilling data, the utilization of electrical methods presents a feasible strategy for the examination of groundwater resources. These methods can be employed to facilitate the identification of the appropriate location for groundwater exploration. The two most commonly utilized geophysical techniques for mapping the electrical characteristics of the underlying properties of the subsurface are resistivity and electromagnetic methods [12; 13]. The Wenner, Schlumberger, pole-pole, dipole-dipole, and pole-dipole arrays are widely employed in various applications [14]. The latter array has been effectively utilized in numerous studies for the differentiation of complex hydro-geological structures [15; 16]. In the present study, the forward and inverse pole-dipole array was used because it has substantially higher measurement efficiency to obtain high-resolution 2D resistivity data, is less affected by the remote electrode, has greater vertical sensitivity, and has a large depth of investigation. In mountainous regions, geoelectric surveys can be impacted by lateral surface irregularities and steep gradients, regardless of the array used [17; 18]. Changes in topography create distortions in the measured potential field, which can result in terrain anomalies [19; 20]. The objectives of this work were to assess the distribution of the subsurface resistivity, the distribution of the fractures and fault zones in the study area, and the location and depth of the zone probable for groundwater exploration. In this research work, the 2D electrical resistivity imaging method was used to characterize the subsurface layers for groundwater exploration in Nanshan Township, Huarong County, Hunan Province, China. It is crucial to remember that resistivity analysis in this paper is our primary focus, as the Induced Polarization parameters of the area are not considered because of the interference that caused noises to the profiles in close proximity to a production plant.  
The present study was conducted upon the request of the Hunan Survey and Design Institute, with the collaboration and support of the geological survey research group from Central South University. The aim of this project was to create a comprehensive map of the groundwater resources in the study area.