This study aims to employ an integrated approach of geology, aeromagnetic and electrical resistivity techniques to evaluate the potential causes of abortive or low groundwater yield in most boreholes.
The process involved mapping geology and acquiring and processing aeromagnetic and vertical electrical sounding (VES) data. Oasis Montaj software was used for tasks like Reduction to the Equator (RTE), Upward Continuation (UC), Residual Magnetic Anomaly (RMA) and Euler Deconvolution (S. I = 1.0 and S. I = 2.0). VES utilized the Schlumberger array method, and field data underwent iterative analysis using Resist2Win software.
Total magnetic intensity (TMI) and RMA values range from −209.2 nT/m to 150.4 nT/m and −61.0 nT/m and 20.6 nT/m, respectively. High amplitude magnetic anomalies are observed in the northern and southwestern areas, indicating potential groundwater zones. Depth estimates for SI = 1.0 and 2.0 range from 11.1 m to 76.1 m and 16.4 m to 112.9 m, respectively, indicating varying overburden thickness and rock boundaries. Lineament reveals NE-SW and NW-SE trends, with hydro-lineament density ranging from low to very high. VES data identifies layers with resistivity and thickness values: topsoil (15.5–523.2 Om, 0.4–12.3 m), weathered basement (93.3–1655.7 Om, 19.0–54.7 m), fractured basement aquifer (242.7–9413.0 Om, 20.3–42.7 m) and fresh basement (62.8–935.3 Om).
Maps and conclusion generated from the study will serve as a baseline to solving completely the perennial problem of abortive and low groundwater yield.
Insecurity and other vices suffered during the acquisition of data.
The geophysical data correlates with geological mapping, verifying that areas with dense hydro-lineaments like porphyritic granites and granite gneiss are promising aquifers. This suggests that groundwater presence is influenced by structural factors, offering valuable insights for future groundwater exploration in the study area.
