Geoelectrical survey at the water barrier of Elva river at the area of Havelberh (N. Germany)

A 2-D geoelectrical survey was carried out at locations at the water barrier (dam) of the west bank of river Elba at the area of Havelberg (Sachen Anhalt), Germany (Figure 1). The target of the geophysical survey was to provide lithological and hydrogeological information about the surveyed water barrier area and its surroundings. The localization of lithological variations (i.e. shale lenses) is of particular interest since these are associated with potential vulnerability zones in case of river flood. This information will be of use to geologists and engineers who are currently plan works, which will increase the safety of the dam. The sediments in the region consist of sands, mixture of sand and clays and lenses of shale. The dam is elevated on average 2.5m above ground and has relatively steep slopes.