The Delineation of Potential Groundwater Aquifers within Basement Complex in ABU Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

This work carried out in collaboration between all authors. Author NK designed the study, performed the statistical analysis, wrote the protocol and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. Authors AOH and JR managed the analyses of the study. Authors IHD and JOA managed the literature searches. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. ABSTRACT A geoelectrical survey was carried out in order to evaluate the groundwater potential of ABU Zaria, Nigeria. A total of four Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out using Schlumberger electrode configuration with half current electrode spacing of maximum 100 m. The Interpreted data revealed that the study area is underlain by three to four layers. The topsoil thickness and resistivity values vary from 0.4 – 2.0 m and 186 – 833 Ω m respectively. The thickness and resistivity of the weathered basement ranges between 3.0 – 15.2 m and 109 – 360 Ω m respectively. The fresh basement layer which has resistivity values of 1603 – 49788 Ω m is of infinite depth and thickness. The areas with relatively high thickness and low resistivity values of the weathered layer and fractured bedrock have been successfully identified as potential aquifer zone targets for groundwater exploitation.