Groundwater Potential Mapping in Lapan Gwari Community Using Integrated Remote Sensing and Electrical Resistivity Soundings

This research aims to address the pressing issue of failed and abandoned wells, causing water scarcity in Lapan Gwari Community, through an improved groundwater exploration approach integrating remote sensing and electrical resistivity soundings. The study area, located within the Zungeru Sheet 163 SE, spans Latitudes 9°30'00"N to 9°32'00"N and Longitudes 6°28'00" to 6°30'00". The surface geologic, structural, and hydrogeological mapping provided essential insights into the hydrogeological framework. Leveraging SRTM DEM data, thematic maps were created for geomorphology, slope, land use, lineament density, and drainage density. These datasets were then integrated using ArcGIS to develop a preliminary groundwater potential zones map. Further investigations were conducted using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and Electrical Resistivity Imaging (2D VES) surveys at targeted locations identified by the preliminary map. Results show that the study area predominantly consists of crystalline rocks of the Nigerian Basement Complex, primarily comprising schist and granite with minor occurrences of quartz vein intrusions. Surface joint directions indicated a dominant NE-SW trend. The VES data revealed three to four geoelectric layers, encompassing the topsoil (1 to 5 m depth, resistivity: 100 Ωm to 300 Ωm), the weathered layer (in the 3-layer system) or fractured layer (in the 4-layer system), and the fresh basement rock characterized by infinite resistivity. The shallow weathered layers (3 to 30 m thickness) are believed to hold aquiferous potential. Hydrogeological interpretation, facilitated by 2D resistivity models, delineated water horizons trapped within clayey sand and weathered/fractured formations. Notably, the aquifer resistivity range was found to be between 3 - 35 m and 100 - 300 Ωm, signifying a promising aquifer positioned at depths of 40 to 88 m. This aligns with corroborative static water level measurements. Given this, we recommend drilling depths of a minimum of 80 m to ensure the acquisition of sufficient and sustainable water supplies. The final groundwater potential zones map derived from this study is expected to serve as an invaluable guide for prospective groundwater developers and relevant authorities in formulating effective water resource management plans. By effectively tackling water scarcity challenges in Lapan Gwari Community, this integrated approach demonstrates its potential for application in similar regions facing comparable hydrogeological concerns.

The application of the high-frequency electromagnetic sounding method in the exploration of underground thermal water

High-frequency electromagnetic sounding is an electromagnetic exploration method using the natural high-frequency electromagnetic field as a field source. It has higher resolution and greater depth penetration than the direct current method and is especially fit for geothermal energy exploration and low- and mid-level groundwater detection. We introduce a successful application of high-frequency electromagnetic sounding for evaluating geothermal water resources. The high frequency electromagnetic system （MT-USA with a frequency range from 10 KHz to 1 Hz） is first applied to sample field data from China. A remote reference station is used to assure sampled data quality. We then perform 2D inversion image processing with the electrical method data. The results basically indicate the spatial distribution of underground geothermal water and provide favorable clues to finding the sources of the subsurface geothermal water in this area.

Identification of groundwater potential in hard rock aquifer systems using Remote Sensing, GIS and Magnetic Survey in Veppanthattai, Perambalur, Tamilnadu

Water is an essential natural resource without which life wouldn’t exist.The study aims to identify groundwater potential areas in Vepapanthattai taluk of Perambalur district,Tamil Nadu,India,using analytic hierarchy process(AHP)model.Remote sensing and magnetic parameters have been used to determine the evaluation indicators for groundwater occurrence under the ArcGIS environment.Groundwater occurrence is linked to structural porosity and permeability over the predominantly hard rock terrain,making magnetic data more relevant for locating groundwater potential zones in the research area.NE-SW and NW-SE trending magnetic breaks derived from reduction to pole map are found to be more significant for groundwater exploration.The lineaments rose diagram indicates the general trend of the fracture to be in the NE-SW direction.Assigned normalised criteria weights acquired using the AHP model was used to reclassify the thematic layers.As a result,the taluk’s low,moderate,and high potential zones cover 25.08%,25.68%and 49.24%of the study area,respectively.The high potential zones exhibit characteristics favourable for groundwater infiltration and storage,with factors as gentle slope of<3°,high lineament densities,magnetic breaks,magnetic low zones as indicative of dykes and cracks,lithology as colluvial deposits and land surface with dense vegetation.The depth of the fracture zones was estimated using power spectrum and Euler Deconvolution method.The groundwater potential mapping results were validated using groundwater level data measured from the wells,which indicated that the groundwater potential zoning results are consistent with the data derived from the real world.

Spatial confirmation of termite mounds as Bio-geo indicator for groundwater occurrences using ground magnetic survey: A case study from Perambalur Region of Tamil Nadu, India

Termite mounds are conventionally surmised as one of the best bio-geological indicator for groundwater occurrence in places where they inhibit.Ground magnetic survey was carried out to prove the assumption about termite mounds as an important indicator for groundwater exploration.Occurrences of 18 Termite mounds were mapped using handheld GPS to identify the suitable trend for magnetic survey.After considering all the criteria such as power lines,fences and fracture system,termite mound 2,12 and 18 were selected in the NNE-SSW trend,and the ground magnetic survey was conducted in ESE-WNW direction which is perpendicular to the trend of the termite mounds using Proton Precession Magnetometer.Totally,99 samples were collected with 5 m sampling interval and 50 m profile interval over an area of 22500 sq.m.The magnetic values varied from–7363 nT to 898 nT with the mean of–331 nT.Processed map of reduction to Equator indicates the presence of NNE-SSW and WNW-ESE magnetic breaks.Analytical signal map designated the presence of magnetic low in the WNW-ESE direction which coincides spatially with the magnetic breaks.The magnetic profile lines have also brought to light the structurally weak zones.Causative body depth range was estimated using power spectrum and Euler method which are from 120 m to 40 m and<20 m to>100 m,respectively.The present study appreciably brings out the spatial relationship between the termite mounds and the hydro-fractures.This confirms the assertion with regard to termite mounds as an effective tool for groundwater exploration.

Identification of suitable sites for open and bore well using ground magnetic survey

The study aims to identify a suitable site for open and bore well in a farmhouseusing ground magnetic survey in south India.It also aims to define depth to granitoid and structural elements which traverse the selected area.Magnetic data(n=84)measured,processed and interpreted as qualitative and quantitatively.The results of total magnetic intensities indicate that the area is composed of linear magnetic lows trending NE-SW direction and circular to semi-circular causative bodies.The magnetic values ranged from-137 nT to 2345 nT with a mean of 465 nT.Reduction to equator shows significant shifting of causative bodies in the southern and northern directions.Analytical signal map shows exact boundary of granitic bodies.Cosine directional filter has brought out structural element trending NE-SW direction.Results of individual profile brought to light structurally weak zone between 90 m and 100 m in all the profile lines.Sudden decrease of magnetic values from 2042 nT to 126 nT noticed in profile line 6 between 20 m and 30 m indicates fault occurrence.Magnetic breaks obtained from these maps were visualized,interpreted and identified two suitable sites for open and bore well.Radially averaged power spectrum estimates depth of shallow and deep sources in 5 m and 50 m,respectively.Euler method has also been applied to estimate depth of granitoid and structural elements using structural indexes 0,1,2,and 3 and found depth ranges from<10 m to>90 m.Study indicates magnetic method is one of the geophysical methods suitable for groundwater exploration and site selection for open and borewells.