Question:

Which one of the following geophysical methods is suitable for the identification of seepage of water from dams?

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The self-potential method is excellent for detecting groundwater flow, seepage in dams, and geothermal activity since it directly responds to streaming potentials caused by moving fluids.
Updated On: Aug 22, 2025
  • Self-Potential
  • Gravity
  • Magnetic
  • Radiometric
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the problem.
Dams often face the problem of seepage of water through their foundations or abutments. Detecting seepage zones is important for ensuring stability and preventing failure. Step 2: Nature of seepage detection.
Seepage of water creates electrokinetic potentials, also known as streaming potentials, due to the movement of water through pores and fractures in rocks. These naturally generated potentials can be detected at the surface. Step 3: Evaluation of options.
- Self-Potential (SP): Sensitive to fluid movement; widely used for detecting seepage in dams and embankments.
- Gravity: Measures density contrasts, not suitable for detecting water seepage directly.
- Magnetic: Sensitive to magnetic minerals, not related to water flow.
- Radiometric: Detects natural radioactivity, unrelated to seepage. \[ \boxed{\text{Hence, the Self-Potential (SP) method is the most suitable for detecting seepage of water from dams.}} \]
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