Evaluation of groundwater resource potential in rural part of northcentral Nigeria using vertical electrical resistivity method

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine groundwater potential in the rural area of Northcentral Nigeria using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES). The VES data was generated from twenty (20) locations in the study area and was later processed and analyzed using IPI2 WIN software. The underlying geo-electric sections comprises of top soil, laterites, weathered basement, fractured basement and fresh basement. The top soil have resistivity and thickness ranges between 44.1- 862Ωm and 0.5 – 3.52m, second layer which is laterites possess resistivity and thickness between 16.3 - 2001 Ωm and 0.62 – 10.3m, third layer is weathered basement having resistivity and thickness ranges from 11.0 – 755 Ωm and 3.1 – 52.0m while the fourth layer considered as fractured basement has resistivity and thickness between 93.1 - 3247 Ωm and 14.8 – 71.1m and final layer is fresh basement which possess resistivity ranges between 73.7 – 8444 Ωm. The interpretation from the resistivity log of regolith rocks shows different curve types which include HA, HKH, QH, H and A – type curves. About 55% of the regolith in the area possesses aquifer potential value of 10.5 which shows optimum weathering and groundwater potential, therefore, any future borehole should be sited in these locations which are 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 and 20. This study will provide a baseline hydrogeophysical data bank for prospective scientists, agriculturalists and relevant agencies that may be concerned with rural water supply and food security

Kew Words: Groundwater potential, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Schlumberger Array, IPI2 WIN Software, Geo-electric section and Regolith