Exploration of Subsurface Aquifer Zones in Kaiama Community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The subsurface aquifer zone is significant groundwater source, hence this paper investigates subsurface aquifer zones in Kaiama Community, Kolokuma/Opokuma local government area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria with the purpose of exploring groundwater using geoelectric sounding (GES) surveys. Five survey points were examined using Schlumberger electrode configuration and deploying SAS 1000 Terrameter set, with data processed with IPI2win software. Each survey station revealed distinct layers with varying resistivity, depth, and lithology, offering crucial insights into subsurface features and aquifer systems.  For GES 1, indicates five layers showing their resistivity values with respect to depth as 400.7Ωm with a depth of 0.6m as top   soil, 16.14Ωm-51.01Ωm with a depth of 3.219-7.4356m as clay and layer 6 expressed as 19527Ωm with a depth of 30.01m as coarse sand and aquiferous layer.   GES 2 along Kaiama's East-West Road delineated four layers with resistivity value of 467.2Ωm with a dpth of 1.264m as top soil, 54.5Ωm with a depth of 18.8m as clay and 2738Ωm with a depth of 40.01m as coarse sand, which also indicates as a  potential aquiferous  layer.  GES 3 at R.PM School 1 Field identified five layers, highlighting 121.1Ωm with a depth of 0.6m as top soil, 16.67Ωm-5795Ωm with depth of 40.2m as clay with a resistivity   potential of 237.7Ωm with a depth of 60.01m as medium sand and subsurface aquiferous layer.  GES 4 at Kaiama Grammar School field revealed six layers, with resistivity value of 327.9Ωm with adepth of 0.6m as top soil, 6.383-20.51Ωm with depth of 3.219-7.456m as clay and 800Ωm with depth of 17.27m as medium sand and resistivity of 91599Ωm with depth of 30.22m as coarse sand medium sand indicating potential aquifer zones. GES 5 at Isokiwari Compound Kaiama showcased five layers: resistivity of 43.7Ωm with depth of 0.6m as top soil, 300.5Ωm-417.8Ωm with depth of 1.39-7,521m as medium sand, 65.17Ωm-112.5Ωm with depth of 17.33-40.07m as clay. The findings provide valuable information for groundwater management and resource exploration in the region, emphasizing the significance of understanding subsurface geology for sustainable water access.