Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Applied Sciences: Research Areas

Article Title: Hydro-Geophysical Study of River Niger Floodplain at Jebba-North, Nigeria
by Omotoso, Oladele A., Ojo, Olusola J., Morakinyo, Ebun P., and Alao, David A

Abstract:
The Hydro-geophysical study of part of River Niger floodplain at Jebba-North, north central Nigeria was carried out using Vertical Electrical Sounding method to assess potential groundwater aquifers and delineate lithologies beneath the floodplain. Schlumberger electrode array system was used for the survey. Twelve Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were probed and the sounding data were processed and interpreted using partial curve matching method and computer iteration techniques. Field data shows that the study area is situated across the Precambrian basement complex of Nigeria on one part and the sedimentary basin (Bida Basin). The basement rocks comprises of migmatites gneiss, quartzite complex, granitoids and minor acid dykes, while, the sedimentary terrain consists of essentially of conglomerates, sandstones and claystones of Campanian to Maastrichtian age. The VES data revealed three to four geo-electric layers which include the top soil (resistivity range from 59.9-2113.6?m, with average of 524.6?m and average thickness of 1.5m:), the weathered horizon (resistivity range from 0-1024.8?m, average 195.4?m and average thickness of 9.6m) which probably comprise of sandstone and sandy claystone, and the basement rock (resistivity range from 145.6-3663.4?m, average 1218.5?m). The weathered zone constitutes the main aquifer units. The results show that the study area could be classified as prolific zones for groundwater development and therefore, has potential to sustain the FADAMA (Federal Government of Nigeria Agriculture intervention) project

Keywords: floodplain, aquifer, fadama, sandstone, jebba, resistivity

Download full paper