Applications of Aeromagnetic and Electrical Resistivity Data for Mapping Spatial Distribution of Groundwater Potentials of Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Chifu E Ndikilar,B Y Idi,S.S Abdullahi,I I Idowu,B.S Terhemba

doi:10.5539/mas.v13n2p11

Abstract

Optimal mapping of groundwater resource is usually accomplished using integrated geophysical survey in which two or more techniques are applied. In this work, spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data was used to map the topography of the magnetic crystalline fresh basement underlying the water bearing aquifer of Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria. Vertical electric sounding technique was used to detect the spatial distribution of the depths to the top of the aquifer within the same area.&nbsp; The overall goal of the work is to determine the groundwater potential of the area by mapping the spatial distribution of groundwater availability based on aquifer thickness and basement topography. The aquifer depth was found to be within the range of 5 to 15 m with a mean value of 10 m. The basement was found to be highly undulating having depths ranging from 6 to 69 m with a mean value of 24 m. The existence of isolated deep depressions within the basement which appears to be filled by water bearing sediments was thought to be favorable structures for groundwater accumulation. The spatial distribution of groundwater potential was therefore mapped in a reclassified image of three zones, high, moderate and low. The study therefore provides a vital tool for groundwater exploitation and management strategies.

Highlights

Topographic features of the crystalline basement are vital parameters that control the hydrogeologic characteristics of a given formation
Qualitative and quantitative interpretation of the magnetic data were done in order to establish the mean depth of the magnetic crystalline basement at the center of each rectangular grid
The topography of the magnetic crystalline basement was found to be highly undulating ranging from 6 m to 69 m below the surface with a mean value of 24 m

Summary

Introduction

Topographic features of the crystalline basement are vital parameters that control the hydrogeologic characteristics of a given formation. The basement topography together with its associated structures such as dikes, faults and fractures control the accumulation and movement of ground water. Ground water normally occurs in the porous and permeable substrate which is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock of unconsolidated materials such as gravel, sand, confined by impermeable confining bedrock such as shale. It is more prominent within the weathered and fractured basement where it could either be confined by overlying impermeable and high resistive rocks, or remains unconfined but trapped by the low permeable and highly resistive fresh basement. In most cases basement relief determine the thickness of the aquifer

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