Groundwater Exploration Using Vertical Electrical Sounding Technique in Parts of Gindiri, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

This research involved the use of electrical resistivity technique which is considered most appropriate for subsurface investigation of structures and/or lithologies associated with the occurrence of groundwater; to investigate the geo-electric characteristics of the subsurface formations that underlie the study area. The aim was to provide a data base for sustainable groundwater development in the study area. The geophysical investigation involved the acquisition of twenty two (22) vertical electrical sounding (VES) data via the ABEM terrameter SAS 300C model using the Schlumberger configuration. These were quantitatively and qualitatively analysed using partial curve matching and computer iteration to obtain subsurface information in the study area. The results obtained from the interpretation of the VES data show  earth models with geo electric layers ranging from three (3) to four (4). The representative type curves are H, A, HA, QH, HK and KH types. The  subsurface is made up of four layers, namely the topsoil, the weathered layer, the partially weathered/fractured bedrock and the fresh bedrock, with the weathered layer and the partially weathered/fractured bedrock layers constituting the aquifer units of generally low, medium and high groundwater yielding capacities.

Keywords: Geophysical, Aquifer, Weathered, Fractured, Groundwater.