Hydro-geophysical Investigation Using Seismic Refraction Tomography to Study the Groundwater Potential of Ahmadu Bello University Main Campus, within the Basement Complex of Northern Nigeria

Abstract

The investigation was carried out at the built up area of Ahmadu Bello University, main campus samara, Zaria. In order to map the ground water potential structure of the area a seismic refraction tomography method was used. The compressional seismic wave (P-wave) velocity variations provided information about the rock distribution in the subsurface. A close interpretation of the seismic refraction tomography model shows a reliable image of the velocity layers from which the saturated layers are delineated. Six profiles of 5 m geophone spacing were carried randomly around the study area.  The results obtained from each of the profile highlighted the presence of structure(s) that can support underground water and hence the ground water potential can be determined.

Keywords: Tomography, lithology, velocity layer, seismic wave, staking.