Electrical Investigation of Groundwater Characteristics and Capability of Tantalite Area of Ijero-Ekiti Town

Abstract

Geoelectric measurements using the vertical Electrical Sounding(VES) method were carried out  around Tantalite exploration field, ijero Local Government, Ekiti State, Nigeria, using the OHMEGA terrameter. The objectives of the study were to investigate the aquifer characteristics and groundwater potential of the subsurface formations. Ten profiles were carried out using the schlumberger array configuration. The data was interpreted using the conventional curve matching and computer iteration methods. Results showed that four major curve types were identified, namely: A, H, K and KH. The top layer has resistivity value ranging from 55.0 to 623.9 ohm-m showing that it consists of clayey sand and sandy clay, with maximum layer thickness of 1.3 m. The resistivity of the second layer which is the weathered zone ranges from 22.3 to 4161.5 ohm-m while the thickness vary between 1.6 to 11.9 m. VES station 8 is the only fourth layer region. The third layer VES 8 constitutes the weathered layer which has resistivity from 187.0 to 3542.7 ohm-m while its layer thickness is 5.7 m. VES stations 10, 9, 8, 7 and 4 are the locations recommended for deep sitting, because they have highest thickness of both weathered zone and fractured zone respectively which are good for groundwater storage

Keywords: Aquiferous Zones, Electrical Measurement,  Fractured Zone, Groundwater Potential, Weathered Zone