Delineation of Near-Surface Structural Features Suitable for Groundwater Accommodation Using 1-D and 2-D Resistivity Methods in Igarra, Akoko-Edo, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Electrical resistivity methods using dipole-dipole and Schlumberger configurations of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) were carried out to evaluate the near-surface structural and lithological features suitable for groundwater development in parts of Igarra, Southwestern Nigeria. Two profiles with lengths of greater than 350m were carried out. A total of fifteen sounding locations along the profile lines were occupied. Dipole-dipole data were interpreted using DiprofWin software while interpretation of the VES data followed two stages of qualitative and quantitative data  interpretation using Resist software. Dipole-dipole interpretation results indicate the occurrence of local fractures while VES interpretation results reveal the typical basement rock profile ranging from topsoil, lateritic sand, weathered front, fractured to fresh basement. The significant variations in terms of persistence and thicknesses of these basement vertical rock profiles were revealed by the geoelectrical correlation panels, which indicate typical basement inhomogeneities over short distances. The local structural domains, the weathered front (where thick) and the fractured basement are demonstrably potential sources of groundwater, at least for domestic and small scale enterprises in this part of Igarra.

Keywords: 2-D Pseudosection, Dipole-dipole, Fracture Basement, Vertical Electrical Sounding