Abstract
Electrical resistivity method using vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique and Schlumberger array was employed with the aim of delineating limits and types of aquifer system(s), and stratigraphic composition of the Demsa area, a confluence of Benue River in Northeast Nigeria. The result revealed that the hydrogeology of the area may be controlled by fractures (secondary porosity) developed in sedimentary units. Two aquifers, namely the upper alluvial aquifer and the confined deeper aquifer systems exist in the study area. The two aquifers occur at depths of 20.5 – 41 m, and 43.8 – 78.9 m respectively, and are separated by a thin layer of poorly permeable clays and silts, ranged between 1.1 – 5.3 m in thickness. The lateral extent of the aquifer systems extend almost evenly across the area. The aquifers’ thickness tends to decrease with increase in distance of VES station from the Benue River which suggested that the aquifer systems are probably recharged by direct escapement of the Benue River.
Highlights
Data scarcity on groundwater resources in developing countries affects proper management of the resources in terms of its suitability and sustainability for domestic and agricultural activities
Namely the upper alluvial aquifer and the confined deeper aquifer systems exist in the study area
The two aquifers occur at depths of 20.5 – 41 m, and 43.8 – 78.9 m respectively, and are separated by a thin layer of poorly permeable clays and silts, ranged between 1.1 – 5.3 m in thickness
Summary
Data scarcity on groundwater resources in developing countries affects proper management of the resources in terms of its suitability and sustainability for domestic and agricultural activities. Demsa (the area of the present study) is one of such areas where data on groundwater and by extension hydrogeology is still limited with little or no scholarly records, despite significant portion of its inhabitants relying on groundwater supply for domestic and irrigation activities. The aim of the present study was to apply electrical resistivity method – vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique - to delineate limits and types of aquifer system(s), and stratigraphy composition of the Demsa area. It was to fill in the vacuum of scarce data on groundwater and hydrogeology in developing countries. Electrical resistivity method, the vertical electrical sounding method has proved effective in the field of groundwater and hydrogeology exploration
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