Delineation of Shallow Aquifers of Umuahia and Environs, Imo River Basin, Nigeria, Using Geo-Sounding Data

Abstract

This work was undertaken to study the hydrogeophysical characteristics of Umuahia and environs,ImoRiver Basinusing geophysical data. Thirty (30) vertical electrical sounding data with a maximum electrode spacing of (AB/2) of 500 meters were acquired using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The VES data were interpreted using the conventional partial curve matching technique to obtain initial model parameters , which were used as input for computer iterative modelling using the OFFIX software. The study revealed three (3) to six (6) geo-electric layers with underlying shale beds. Aquifer apparent resistivity in the study area ranges from about 50 to 850 Ωm with the aquifer depth varying between 0.53 - 82.67 m. Similarly, the aquifer thickness in the study area ranges from 0.8 - 110 m, with very low thicknesses around Ajata Ibeku. These shallow aquifers with very small thicknesses in the western areas around Ajata Ibeku are believed to be perched or fractured shale units with very low or no yield. Finally, transverse resistances in the study area range from 200 - 3400 Ωm 2 with low values in the western part . Information extracted from iso-resistivity models, geoelectric cross sections, litho logs and electric logs revealed a sandy clay lithology at very shallow depths with a thick layer of shale/clay extending to over 300 m within the western part. These shallow aquiferous units are however perched, partially saturated and may not have sufficient yield. Finally, this study has helped to delineate the aquifers of the study into two distinct zones , thus revealing a groundwater divide.