Investigation of Hydrogeological Structures of Paiko Region, North-Central Nigeria Using Integrated Geophysical and Remote Sensing Techniques

Jude Ejepu,Peter Olasehinde,Appollonia Okhimamhe,Ipoola Okunlola

doi:10.3390/geosciences7040122

Jude Ejepu, Peter Olasehinde + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences7040122

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Abstract

Aeromagnetic data coupled with Landsat ETM+ data and SRTM DEM have been processed in order to map regional hydrogeological structures in the basement complex region of Paiko, North Central Nigeria. Lineaments were extracted from derivative maps of aeromagnetic, Landsat ETM+ and SRTM DEM datasets. Ground geophysical investigation utilizing Radial Vertical Electrical Sounding (RVES) was established in nine transects comprised of four sounding stations which are oriented in three azimuths. Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) was employed to map average depths of structures from aeromagnetic dataset. Selected thematic layers which included lineaments density, lithologic structure, slope, drainage density and geomorphologic maps were integrated and modeled using ArcGIS to generate a groundwater potential map of the area. Groundwater zones were classified into four categories: Very good, good, moderate and poor according to their potential to yield sustainable water to drilled wells. The results from RVES survey reveal a close correlation to lineaments delineated from surface structural mapping and remotely sensed datasets. Hydrogeological significance of these orientations suggest that aeromagnetic data can be used to map relatively deep-seated fractures which are likely to be open groundwater conduits while remotely sensed lineaments and orientations delineated from the RVES survey may indicate areas of recharge. Regions with high lineament density attributable to thick regolith and highly fractured basement have better groundwater potential. Drill depths in this area should target a minimum of 80 m to ensure sufficient and sustainable supplies to drilled wells. The outcome of this study would act as information framework that would guide the siting of productive water wells while providing needed information for relevant agencies in need of data for the development of groundwater resources.

Highlights

The occurrence and movement of groundwater is governed mainly by porosity and permeability of a rock formation
Major targets in regional groundwater exploration surveys in crystalline basement terrains occur in areas having weathering of considerable thickness and/or where fracturing and jointing are preponderant [1,2,3]
In central Nigeria, integration of different datasets for groundwater exploration is not very common except for studies performed by [22] who incorporated both Landsat and aeromagnetic analysis in appraising the structural geology of Kakuri, central Nigeria and [23] who used the same method for groundwater exploration

Summary

Introduction

The occurrence and movement of groundwater is governed mainly by porosity and permeability of a rock formation. There exist an irregularity in the movement of groundwater due to its variable subsurface geology and complex hydrogeology. This in part is due to the fact that groundwater occurrence and accumulation in crystalline terrain is controlled by secondary porosities. Geosciences 2017, 7, 122 developed as a result of weathering, jointing and fracturing which enhance porosities and storage capacities of crystalline rock units. Major targets in regional groundwater exploration surveys in crystalline basement terrains occur in areas having weathering of considerable thickness and/or where fracturing and jointing are preponderant [1,2,3]. Geological fieldwork required in traditional structural mapping can be time-ineffective and limited in operations scope by environmental issues comprising thick vegetation, rugged topography and local social unrest

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