Evaluation of the Groundwater Potential in Pompo Village, Gidan Kwano, Minna Using Vertical Electrical Resistivity Sounding

Abstract

A study of groundwater potential of Pompo Village in the neighborhood of Gidan Kwano campus of Federal University of Technology, Minna, was carried out using Vertical Electrical Resistivity Sounding. A total of 12 Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were carried out across the area using the Schlumberger electrode array configuration. The sounding data was processed and interpreted using ZODDY and WINRESIST interpretation software. The underlying geo-electric section comprising topsoil, weathered basement, fractured basement and fresh basement was established. The Vertical Electrical Sounding curves revealed that the area is generally characterized by five geo-electric layers. The top soil layer is a highly resistive layer with thickness ranging from 0.3m to 1.6m. The second geo-electric layer is a resistive dry layer with thickness ranging from 0.9m to 4.3m. The weathered basement layer thickness varies from 0.9m to 9.1m. The fractured basement ranges from 2.1m to 16.4m in thickness, while the depth to basement varies between 4.9m and 25.3m. Out of the 12 VES carried out, 5 VES stations have been chosen as the most viable locations for the development of groundwater resources. Two types of aquifers, which are the weathered basement and fractured basement aquifer, have been delineated in this study. These aquifer units may have significant groundwater potential.