Application of Electrical Resistivity Sounding Method for Groundwater Exploration in Ugboshi-Afe, Akoko-Edo, Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Schlumberger configuration of Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was deplored for groundwater exploration in Ugboshi-Afe study location. A total of nine (9) vertical electrical sounding (VES) locations, spread across the community were occupied to gain insights on the hydrogeological settings within the area. Quantitative computer interpretation of the data yielded three to six geoelectrical layers. The geoelectrical interpretation models were geologically interpreted as: clayey sand/sandy topsoil with resistivity values ranging from 54 Ohm-m to 424 Ohm-m, this is underlain by a relatively high resistivity layer (228-868 Ohm-m) interpreted as lateritic sand, and below this the low resistivity (21.38 Ohm-m – 42.4 Ohm-m)  interpreted as clay,  then the fractured/weathered geoelectric layer (95Ohm-m to 385Ohm-m), while the fresh basement has resistivity greater than 400 Ohm-m. Several maps such as fractured window thickness map, isoresistivity map of the fractured interval, overburden map were generated to investigate trends that may hold prospects for groundwater exploitation. Furthermore, hydro-resistivity parameters such as Total Transverse Resistance, Total Longitudinal Conductance, Resistivity Reflection Co-efficient and Resistivity Contrast values were calculated for further screening of the study site for groundwater development. The VES1, VES2, VES6 and VES7 locations were concluded as holding prospects for groundwater potentials in the study area.