A report on

Integrated Geophysical /Hydro-geological Investigation for

Groundwater Development

In the premises of

MR. AYODELE REUBEN MAYOWA

Akuru Area, Elubu, Ibadan

By

Subsurface Geo-imaging Consult

Ibadan
08032988197

November, 2020
 INTRODUCTION

A survey comprising hydro-geological and geophysical investigations was carried

out in the premises of Mr. Ayodele Reuben Mayowa, Akuru Area, Elebu, Ibadan.

The objectives of the geophysical investigation include:

(i) Carrying out a geologic/hydro-geologic reconnaissance survey involving

rock identification, structural mapping in the premises with a view to

locating suitable site(s) for the geophysical survey,

(ii) Delineating near surface geologic structures such as faults and fracture

zones, shear zones and zones with thick overburden that are favourable to

groundwater accumulation,

(iii) Delineating the geo-electric/geologic sequence beneath the depth sounding

stations and determining the geo-electric parameters (layer resistivities and

thicknesses),

(i) Identification of the aquifer units and determination of their depths and

lateral extent,

(ii) Evaluating, based on the above, the groundwater potential of the survey area

and the feasibility of groundwater development and,

(iii) Location of suitable site(s) for hand dug well/borehole drilling, where

groundwater development is considered feasible.

We present in this report an overview of the geology and hydrogeology, field

techniques, results and interpretation.

GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

South-western Nigeria is underlain by crystalline Basement Complex rocks of

Precambrian age, comprising the migmatite gneiss, the older granites and the meta-

sediments. The survey area is underlain mainly by gneissic rock as observed from

visible outcrop around the premises. Basement rocks are known to have very low

porosity and negligible permeability. Consequently, the development of aquifers is

limited to the overburden resulting from the in-situ chemical weathering of the

bedrock and the fissure/fracture systems in the underlying bedrock. A pre-drilling

investigation should therefore focus on how effectively those narrow

zones/fractured basements could be located. The present investigation aims at

locating another probable point(s) for borehole development in the premises.

GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION AND DATA ANALYSIS

To locate productive points for the development of a borehole within the premises,

two vertical electrical soundings (VES) were conducted within the study area

(Figure 1) using the modified Schlumberger (Hummel) array due to space

constraint. The electrodes were expanded from a minimum current electrode

spacing (AB/2) of 1.0m to a maximum of 75 m for VES1 while it was expanded to

55 m for VES2. The Geopulse Tigre resistivity meter was used for resistance

measurements. Good quality data were obtained with the observational errors

being less than 1%.

Field data were plotted on bilogarithmic coordinates and a preliminary

interpretation was carried out using partial curve matching involving two-layer

master curves and the appropriate auxiliary charts. The layered model thus

obtained served as input for an inversion algorithm as a final stage in the

quantitative data interpretation.

 4m
2m

VES2
Main building

20 m

ST
SA

2m

VES1

5m
Security post

Figure1: Sketch map of the study area

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The sounding curves and their computer interpretation are presented on Figures 2

and 3. The result of the sounding shows a system of three and five geo-electric

layers for the VES points. The sequence comprises from top to bottom, the topsoil,

clayey soil, lateritic clay, weathered formation (clayey) and partially

fractured/fractured basement. Overburden is relatively thick at about 20 m for VES

points. A summary of the VES interpretations is shown on Table 1. From the

resistivity obtained, the basement at the VES showed evidence of fracturing at

depth and the fractures at the VES points indicate some degree of saturations. For

borehole drilling in the premises, the location around the VES points can be

considered. The borehole must be drilled to a depth of at least 80 m to create

enough reservoir. The borehole if drilled is expected to have low to medium yield

and should be able to sustain water demand in the premises.

It is worthy to note that geophysical investigation result is not absolute, as all raw

data were remotely acquired while exploratory drilling for water is the

complement.
Figure 2: Layer model interpretation for VES1

Figure 3: Layer model interpretation for VES2

 Table 1: Summary of Akuru VES Interpretation

Resistivity Thickness Depth

Layer (ohm-m) (m) (m) Probable Lithology

VES1
Topsoil
1 745 1.0 1.0

2 33 4.5 5.5 Clayey soil

3 334 7.1 12.6 Lateritic clay

4 57 5.0 17.6 Weathered formation (Clayey)

5 84 Fractured basement

VES2
1 745 0.8 0.8 Topsoil

2 63 12.6 13.4 Weathered formation (Clayey)

3 234 - - Partially fractured basement

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results, we recommend that:

(i) The location around VES points can be considered for drilling, however

VES1 is more preferred.

(ii) The estimated depth of the borehole should be at least 80 m. However,

the driller may use his discretion to terminate the borehole before the

recommended depth if appreciable amount of water is encountered to

avoid exit through dry fracture.

(iii) Airlift drilling technique can be adopted.

(iv) Casing should be installed to the basement to avoid ingress of

contaminants.

(v) The borehole must be gravel packed and well grouted to enhance water

quality and promote borehole durability.

(vi) The borehole if drilled is expected to have low – medium yield and

should be able to sustain the water demand within the premises.