Application of Electrical Resistivity Method in Groundwater Exploration

Abstract

Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out in Alode Community of Eleme Local Government Area in Rivers State, Nigeria to determine the geo-electrical and hydrogeological characteristics of aquifers present in the area, also to delineate the geo-electric stratigraphy of each VES station. A total of three (3) VES were carried out with the ABEM Terrameter SAS 300C, using the Schlumberger Configuration. Maximum half-current electrode spread (AB/2) of 1m up to 150m was used, while the half potential electrode separation (MN/2) was maintained between 0.5m and 7.5m. The VES curves were quantitatively interpreted by partial curve matching and computer iteration techniques, using the IP1 WIN computer software. The results of the interpreted VES data confirm the following stratigraphies: top soil (40.2-65.2Ωm), shale (32.2-86.3Ωm), fine-medium sand (172-204Ωm), medium-coarse sand (532Ωm), and medium sand (417Ωm). Geo-electric sections reveal that the aquiferous units are mostly confined, with depth to aquifer range of 60m (154.2ft) for VES 1 and 63m (206.7ft) for VES 2 and 65m (213.3ft) for VES 3.