The Water Chemistry and Geotourism Potentials of Gwash and Environs, Central Nigeria

Abstract

The work is centered on the water chemistry and geotourism potentials of the Gwash area of North-central Nigeria. The area is situated in the North-Eastern part of the Jarawa Complex in Nigeria and covers an area that is approximately 22.5 square kilometers. Most of the water samples showed genetic relationship as reflected from the study and analyses of Piper plots and polygons on Stiff plots with only a few samples from unrelated tributaries of the waterfall displaying different shapes. The quantitative analysis of chemical constituents and physical parameter of the water samples illustrate a predominantly Mg-HCO3 water type. The waterfall has a fluctuating velocity of water flow due to seasonal rainfall as is typical with tropical regions of the world. Although a little to no research have been documented as far as the Gwash waterfall is concerned, the waterfall presents vast potentials for geotourism and the authors are positive that adopting some of the suggestions and recommendation included in this work can provide an alternative means of revenue generation in the central part of Nigeria and the whole country at large.