Assessment of Emergency Water Sources Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography: A Case Study in the Longmen Shan Fault Zone

The Longmen Shan fold and thrust belt, situated on the eastern margin of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, is prone to disasters like earthquakes and debris flows. Thus, applying rapid assessment methods for emergency water sources in disaster-affected areas is crucial for local populations and ensuring an effective response to disasters. In this study, we employed electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to investigate groundwater resources in post-disaster regions. By integrating the results from ERT profiles with geological and borehole information, we determined the lithology and depth of aquifers. Additionally, we analyzed groundwater recharge and discharge patterns relative to surface water during various precipitation periods and generated a hydrogeological profile for the region. Borehole information confirmed our inferred lithology and aquifer depth, thereby ensuring a reliable water supply during emergencies. This study demonstrates the feasibility of ERT for rapidly identifying water resources in geologically complex environments, providing a scientific foundation for water resource management in disaster-prone regions.