Characterization of Subsurface Lithology and Aquifer Parameters Using Vertical Electrical Sounding(VES)for Groundwater Development in Igbo-Imabana,Southern Nigeria

Vertical Electrical Soundings(VES)using Schlumberger array was carried out at fifteen(15)different points to evaluate aquifer characteristics within Igbo-Imabana,Abi L.G.A of Cross River State.Resistivity meter and its accessories were used for data acquisition.The maximum current and potential electrode distance were 400 m and 20 m respectively.The field data were interpreted using Interpex software and three to five geo-electric layers encountered within the study area.The dominant curve type was H followed by K.From the result,geo-electric layers delineated were sandstone,clay,saturated sandstone,sandy shale,clayey shale,and shale with average apparent resistivity values of 2249.94Ωm,2.86Ωm,365.28Ωm,222.69Ωm,14.60Ωm and 59.02Ωm respectively.The top geoelectric layer was dominantly lateritic topsoil,with variation in degrees of compaction and having an average resistivity of 876.33Ωm with depth and thickness generally less than 5 m.The calculated aquifer parameters hydraulic conductivity(K_(c)),transmissivity,longitudinal conductance,and transverse resistance from the VES results show ranges values;3.86×10^(-4)to 4.69×10^(-2)m/day,2.95×10^(-3)to 2.82 m^(2)/day,2.95×10^(-3)to 2.81Ωm and 484.33 to 19444.83Ω^(2)m respectively.The aquifer thickness and depth values range from 3.60 m to 68.05 m and 5.20 m to 76 m respectively.The study reviewed that the area is made of heterolithic/heterogenous lithofacies,confined aquifer(s),shallow and deep aquifer.Also,from the models and aquifer parameters,the area is characterized by semipervious materials.This integrally explains why the area have have low transmissivity and majority of boreholes drilled in the area failed.

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.

Electrical Resistivity Sounding for Groundwater Investigation around Enugu Metropolis and the Environs, Southeast Nigeria

This report evaluates the use of electrical method and borehole data to investigate the subsurface to delineate the groundwater potential in Enugu metropolis and the environs, south-eastern Nigeria other than rely only on resistivity method which could lead to interpretation error. Integrating these 2 data sets is key in this study. The study area is located in the Anambra Basin and is underlain by Nkporo/Enugu Shale which is overlain by the Mamu Formation. It is bounded by Latitudes 6°2 0'00"N to 6°30'00"N and Longitudes 7°25'00"E to 7°35'00"E and covers surface area of about 342 m2. Thirty-one vertical electrical soundings (VES) were carried out across the area using the Schlumberger electrode array with current electrode separation from 2 to 500 m to identify the depths and resistivity values of the identified geo-electric layers. Through data analysis using WinResist software, the apparent resistivity, thicknesses and depths and the thicknesses of the aquifers were generated. The resistivity and depths were modelled to generate resistivity map and depth map. The resistivity of the aquiferous zone within the study area varied from 20.55 - 427.8 ohm-m at depths of between 10.7 - 40.05 m. Depth to the water table appears to be shallow at the south western part of the map. The interpreted geo-electric layers show a sequence of lateritic top soil, shale, sand and shale. The frequency distribution of the VES curves generated shows the presence of 3 to 5 layers with HK type as the highest. Also, a 2D model was generated using the correlation of VES to VES data and borehole data to VES data to show the underlying stratigraphy beneath the study area as well as the direction of ground water flow. Result of the VES curve analysis reveals that the sub-surface is underlain by three lithological layers namely: lateritic top soil, shale, sand and shales with NW direction of groundwater flow from the 2D model. Groundwater prospective zones can be seen along NW, SW and central parts of the study area which have low resistivity values.

Electrical geophysical evaluation of susceptibility to flooding in University of Nigeria, Nsukka main campus and its environs, Southeastern Nigeria

Flooding occurs when rainfall exceeds the absorption capacity of soil and causes significant environmental consequences.In this study,electrical resistivity techniques were employed to assess the flood susceptibility of the study area by examining variations in electrical properties.Prior to flooding,Vertical Electrical Sounding(VES)and Electrical Resistivity Tomography(ERT)profiles were conducted to determine the variations in resistivity within subsurface lithologies exposed to the injected current.The injected current penetrated the subsurface units characterised by resistivity ranging from 190.5Ω·m to 6,775.7Ω·m,42.3Ω·m to 7,297.4Ω·m,and 320.2Ω·m to 24,433.3Ω·m in the first,second and third layers,respectively.These layers were identified as lateritic topsoil,medium-coarse brownish grained sand,and coarse pebbly blackish sand,respectively.The calculated reflection coefficients between layers 1,2,and 3 reveal alternation in layers with values ranging from−0.04 to 0.66 and 0.36 to 0.95 for and,respectively.The transverse resistivity,longitudinal resistivity and anisotropy ranged from 243.59Ω·m to 24,115.42Ω·m,199.61Ω·m to 14,950.76Ω·m,and 1.02 to 2.14.Models derived from the ERT profiles reveal variations in resistivity,pinpointing areas of low resistivity which correspond to waterlogged and impermeable layers.The result of this study underscores the importance of integrated resistivity techniques in the study of floods,as it provides valuable insights into flood behaviour,and subsurface dynamics.

Study of the Akouedo Landfill (Abidjan) Using the Electrical Resistivity Method: Implications for the Risk of Contamination of the Continental Terminal Water Table

An electrical resistivity survey was carried out on the household and industrial waste disposal site (landfill) of Akouédo (Central Abidjan) with a view to searching for a possible layer of clay in the stratification which could constitute a protective screen of the aquifer of the Continental Terminal of Abidjan against the migration of leachate. Electrical surveys (SE) carried out according to the Schlumberger configuration showed that the stratigraphy of the area is composed of three to four geoelectric layers depending on the SE positions. The correlation with the lithology of two piezometric boreholes carried out indicates that the lithology of the study area is dominated by clayey sand, sand, sandy clay and clay. The average thickness of accumulated waste varies between 30 and 40 m. The virtual absence of a continuous layer of clay under the waste exposes the Continental Terminal aquifer to contamination by leachate from waste accumulated over several decades in the Akouedo area.

Hydrogeophysical and Structural Investigations Using VES: A Case Study of Dosso Region in the Southwestern Part of the Meso-Cenozoic Iullemmeden Basin (Southwestern Niger)

A regional study connecting geolelectrical surveys with geology and hydrogeology was carried out in the western part of the Iullemmeden basin, precisely in the Dosso region in Niger. One hundred and four (104) vertical electrical sounds have been realized, among them nineteen representative were thus be used as parametric surveys. The local resistivity values of the geological formations of Quaternary range from 100 Ω⋅m to 1000 Ω⋅m (sands and lateritic sandstones). The Oligo-Miocene formation of the Continental terminal (Ct) shows resistivity values ranging from 1 to 5 Ω⋅m (brackish groundwaters) to 1500 Ω⋅m (clay sandstones) while the Upper Cretaceous formation of the Continental “hamadien” (Ch) indicates values ranging from 20 Ω⋅m (sandy clay) to 5000 Ω⋅m (clayey sandstones). The geological formations of Paleocene have values from 2 Ω⋅m (marls) to 60 Ω⋅m (calcareous marl), while the Precambrian basement exhibits values of granite around 300 Ω⋅m to 60,000 Ω⋅m. The update of the structural settings reveals many faults in the study area which explain both the shape of the basin and the geometry of the aquifers. Tectonics is also consistent with the hydraulic characteristics of aquifers. In addition, brackish groundwaters were identified as perched aquifer groundwaters in different depths in Dosso region. They probably come from the marine brines during the regression of the Paleocene Sea.

THE METHOD OF DATA PROCESSING OF THE ELECTRICAL SURVEYING AND THE PROGRAM SYSTEM USED ON MICROCOMPUTER

The ESS software package is prepared for electrical data processing in the fields of coal prospecting, hydrogeologicai engineering, and can be used in the other fields of electrical data processing. It can be operated on any kind of microcomputer which has an internal memories of more than 512kB.The ESS software package would be leading the office operation to an automatic data processing period and the field work free from the tedious, repeated data treating and mapping, so that the engineers would have more time to analyse and interpret field data. Undoubtedly, it is of benefit to improving the relibility of the geological evaluation.

Protective Capacity Assessment of Vadose Zone Material by Geo-Electrical Method: A Case Study of Pakistan

Rapid and poorly managed agricultural landuse in Punjab plain is a major contention in groundwater quality deterioration. This study is focused on the determination of groundwater vulnerability potential of vadose material using geo-electrical method. Total of eight electrical resistivity soundings with Schlumberger electrode configuration are taken near Khizarabad Dairy Form, district Sargodha. The instrument ABEM Terrameter SAS 300 is used for data acquisition. The quantitative interpretation is done by 1D modelling of resistivity soundings by using IX1D software. The results characterize the area into three geo-electrical layers as dry alluvium (15.7 - 32.4 Ωm), saturated alluvium with high resistivity (10 - 20 Ωm) and low resistivity (>10 Ωm). Aquifer vulnerability is assessed by calculating Dar Zarrouk parameter (Longitudinal Conductance) and thickness of vadose zone. Resultant vulnerability is divided into three zones as low (>3.8 siemens) moderate (1.6 - 2.5 siemens) and high (<1.6 siemens). It is concluded from this study that Vertical Resistivity Sounding (VES) can be used for vulnerability assessment of an unconfined sandy alluvial aquifer from agricultural contaminants.

Magnetotelluric sounding study in the region of Zhongshan Station，East Antarctica

This paper deals with the results of the MT observations in the region of Zhongshan Station,Larsemann Hills area, East Antarctica and points out that the lithosphere thickness of the Larsemann Hills is 140 km and the crustal high conductivity layer is situated in 22 km.

Estimating aquifer transmissivity using Dar-Zarrouk parameters to delineate groundwater potential zones in Alluri Seetharama Raju District,Andhra Pradesh, India

This study aimed to explore groundwater potential zones in the EGMB of Alluri Seetharama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, India, for drinking and agriculture purposes. To achieve this goal, 72 Vertical Electrical Soundings(VES) were conducted using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The resistivity sounding data were analyzed to determine the aquifer thickness, basement depth, Dar-Zarrouk parameters,and aquifer transmissivity. Spatial distribution maps were generated for these parameters to understand the subsurface formation. The analysis revealed a linear groundwater potential zone(8.46 km~2) in the eastern part of the study area, extending in the NNE-SSW direction for 9.6 km. Six VES locations(P24, P27, P29,P30, P33, and P38) in this zone exhibit good potential(>30 m aquifer thickness), while the three VES locations(OP19, P5, and P46) in the central region are recommended for drilling bore wells. Additionally,moderate aquifer thickness(20–30 m) are identified in other VES locations(OP14, OP20, P4, P10, P12,P13, P15, P17, P18, P31, P46, and P50) along streams in the western and central part of the area, which can yield reasonable quantities of water. This information is useful for groundwater exploration and watershed management to meet the demands of tribal population in the study area.

Dar Zarrouk Parameter as a Tool for Evaluation of Well Locations in Afikpo and Ohaozara, Southeastern Nigeria

The inhabitants of this area depend solely on contact springs as supply source of potable water. However, provision of potable water to meet the needs of the people still remains an unsolved problem. Therefore, this paper attempts to solve this problem by using Dar Zarrouk (D-Z) Parameters;Total Transverse Unit Resistance, T (Ωm2) and Total Longitudinal Unit Conductance, S (Ω-1) to suggest optimal locations for drilling of boreholes in the study area. To attain this purpose, 50 Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) curves with maximum current electrode spacing of AB/2 = 681 m were interpreted. Thus, the aquifer parameters information estimated from the (VES) curves were used to prepare contour maps of T (Ωm2), S (Ω-1), aquifer thickness h (m), aquifer resistivity ρ (Ωm), and Water Table Depth (WTD). For effective use of these parameters, iso-thickness and iso-resistivity maps were compared with contour map of transverse resistance. The good agreement between these parameters provided the basis for identification of prolific aquiferous zones. It was observed that the Southern part of the study area majorly underlain by the Afikpo Sandstone of Nkporo Formation (Campanian-Maastrichtian), relatively showed higher T (Ωm2), h (m), and ρ (Ωm) values, which implies high yield aquiferous zones. The relatively loose structure of this sandstone unit, coarse grains, and sorting enables it to be porous and permeable. The Northern part of the region which shows low values for T (Ωm2), h (m), and ρ (Ωm) suggests low productivity for the aquiferous zones. The paucity of water in this parts of the study area can be explained to be as a result of the dominant geology. The high S, values at the Uburu and Okposi locations in this region suggests the presence of saline aquifer. This study would be relevant to the development of effective ground water scheme and for future hydrogeological investigations in the area.

Use of the Inverse Slope Method for the Characterization of Geometry of Basement Aquifers: Case of the Department of Bouna (Ivory Coast)

The inverse slope method (ISM) was used to interpret electric sounding data to determine the geoelectric parameters of the alteration zones (continuous media) and rocky environments (discontinuous environments) of the Bouna Department. Having both qualitative and quantitative interpretation, the inverse slope method (ISM) has the ability to determine the different geoelectric layers while characterizing their resistivities and true thicknesses. In the Bouna department, this method allowed us to count a maximum of four (4) geoelectric layers with a total thickness ranging from 12.99 m to 24.66 m. The alteration thicknesses calculated by the ISM in comparison with those measured in the boreholes showed a linear agreement of the coefficient of determination R2 = 0.8269 with the support of the Nash criterion which showed that this method gave thicknesses of alteration close to 76.76% of that obtained during the drillings.

Geoelectrical Investigation of Groundwater Potentials of Northern Paiko,Niger State,North Central Nigeria

Vertical electrical sounding（VES） was carried out in northern part of Paiko, North Central Nigeria, using Abem terrameter model SAS 4000 to determine the subsurface layer parameters（resistivities, depths and thickness） employed in delineating the groundwater potential of the area. A total of six transverses with ten VES stations along each traverse, at intervals of 50 m were investigated. It has a maximum current electrode separation（AB/2） of 100 m. Three to four distinct geoelectric layers were observed, namely, the top layer, the weathered layer, the fractured/fresh layer, and the fresh basement layer. The observed frequencies in curve types include 21% of H, 4.2% of HA, 2.4% of K, 4.2% of A, 1.67% of KH and 3% of HK. Eight VES stations were delineated as ground water potentials of the area, with third and fourth layer resistivities ranging from 191 to 398 ？·m. Depths range from 13.60 to 36.60 m and thickness varies from 9.23 to 30.51 m. A correlation of the borehole log with the VES lithology is in agreement. Viable boreholes for good portable water should be sited at VES stations J8 and J10 having a fine aquifer at a depth of 36.60 and 17.80 m respectively with thickness of 30.51 and 15.07 m, respectively.