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Oct 29, 2026Keywords:
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Geophysical Investigation of Termite Mounds as Indicators of Groundwater in University of Education and Entrepreneurship and Adjoining Villages in Akamkpa, Nigeria
Abong A. A
Nkom P. Y
Abstract
This study assessed the suitability of termite mounds as indicators of groundwater occurrence in Akamkpa, Nigeria, using geoelectrical methods. Eight Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were conducted with a maximum electrode spread of 400 m using the Schlumberger array. Six VES stations were located near termite mounds, while two control stations were established away from the mounds for comparison. Data were acquired using Resistivity meter Model SSR-MP-ATS IGIS (India) that measures resistance to an accuracy of 1µΩ and its accessories, and interpreted using Dar Zarrouk parameters to evaluate groundwater potential. The results showed that the weathered basement layer, or aquifer layer, lies between resistivity 261.90Ωm and 573.80Ωm and this corresponds to saturated weathered gneiss, which forms the main aquifer in the area. Among the surveyed locations, VES 7, situated near a termite mound, recorded the lowest resistivity values and exhibited the highest groundwater potential. Aquifer thickness generally increased from the southwestern to the eastern part of the study area, with VES 8 indicating particularly favourable groundwater prospects. Similarly, overburden thickness increased toward the southeastern region, where VES 3, VES 4, VES 7, and VES 8 recorded the greatest thicknesses. High total transverse resistance values, particularly at VES 8 located near a termite mound, further confirmed favourable groundwater conditions. Total longitudinal conductance values indicated weak to poor aquifer protective capacity across the study area, suggesting that the groundwater is susceptible to contamination, especially in the southwestern zone. In addition, the low anisotropy value (1.10) observed at the termite mound location VES 8 indicated groundwater potential. Overall, the findings demonstrate that termite mounds can serve as reliable hydrogeological indicators for groundwater exploration in the study area.
