Application of geological and electrical resistivity methods for groundwater studies at Tatiko, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

The success probability of water wells constructed in crystalline rock terrains is largely dependent on the size, location and interconnectivity of the fractures present in them as well as the amount and nature of the material that may clog the fractures. Geological and geoelectrical studies were proposed and conducted at Tatiko to determine the structures in the underlying basement rocks and evaluate their groundwater potential. Geological study was used to delineate the structural control on groundwater availability while the geoelectrical study (Vertical Electrical Sounding) was used to investigate the properties of the subsurface materials and determine their potential to host sufficient quantity of groundwater.
Structural data were plotted on a rosset diagram and showed major structural control trending in the NW – SE direction. Quantitative interpretation of the geoelectric data indicates that the major fractures are within the weathered to competent basement indicating good hydraulic connection between the weathered and fresh basement. The fractures are deepest within the region that showed thicker weathering and are as shallow as 7 meters in other regions. Apparent resistivity of the fractures ranges between 100Ωm and 1200Ωm in most parts of the area with the highest values in the west. An integration of the result clearly showed that the NW and SW parts of the study area are the most favourable for drilling and further groundwater studies and drilling is recommended to a depth of 40m to 50m.

Keywords: Groundwater, Geoelectrical study, Fractures, Tatiko, Resistivity, Basement Complex.