Geophysical Investigation of the Precambrian Marble Occurrence in Itobe Area, Central Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to delineate the outline of the Itobe marble using geophysical electrical survey method. Study Design: Eight (8) vertical electrical sounding surveys were carried out along a profile parallel to the trend of the marble outcrop. Place and Duration of Study: The study area is Itobe and its environs in Kogi state, central Nigeria. Field geophysical resistivity survey of the study area was carried out between January and April 2012. Methodology: The field resistivity sounding surveys were carried out with an ABEM SAS (1000) Terrameter using the Schlumberger electrode array. Interpretation of the resistivity sounding data was carried out first by curve matching technique and followed by computer iterative interpretation technique using the Winresist software (version 1.0). Results: The results of the study revealed the occurrence of an additional marble unit (Mass III) at an elevation of 105m besides two marble units identified from outcrop studies. The thickness of the marble in mass I is 0.6m and that of mass II is 6m. Conclusion: The outcrop geological survey revealed the occurrence of two marble units (described as mass I and mass II).The geophysical survey revealed an additional marble unit (described as mass III) in the study area.