Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Electrical resistivity methods are widely used in geophysics for groundwater exploration due to their ability to detect subsurface variations in electrical properties. This research focuses on the application of resistivity methods in detecting horizontal and vertical discontinuities in the electrical properties of the ground for groundwater detection. The study aims to investigate the different resistivity techniques used to identify these discontinuities and their effectiveness in groundwater exploration. Horizontal discontinuities in the electrical properties of the ground can occur due to changes in lithology, presence of geological structures, or variations in groundwater salinity. Methods such as electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and electrical profiling are commonly used to map these horizontal discontinuities by measuring variations in electrical resistivity along profiles. ERT is particularly effective in providing high-resolution images of subsurface structures and can delineate changes in lithology or fluid content that may indicate the presence of groundwater. Vertical discontinuities in electrical properties can also be crucial indicators of groundwater occurrence. Faults, fractures, and dykes can create vertical pathways for groundwater flow and exhibit distinct electrical signatures compared to surrounding formations. Vertical electrical sounding (VES) and borehole resistivity logging are commonly employed to investigate these vertical discontinuities. VES can provide information on the layering and resistivity distribution with depth, while borehole resistivity logging offers detailed insights into the subsurface resistivity variations around boreholes. The research involves field surveys using resistivity methods to detect horizontal and vertical discontinuities in the electrical properties of the ground at selected groundwater exploration sites. Data collected from ERT, electrical profiling, VES, and borehole resistivity logging will be analyzed to identify and characterize the discontinuities indicative of groundwater presence. The effectiveness of each resistivity method in delineating these discontinuities will be assessed and compared to provide insights into their applicability for groundwater exploration. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of how resistivity methods can be utilized to detect horizontal and vertical discontinuities in the electrical properties of the ground for groundwater detection. The findings will be valuable for improving groundwater exploration strategies and enhancing the efficiency of groundwater resource management.

Thesis Overview

The resistivity method is used in the study of the horizontal and vertical discontinuities in the electrical properties of the ground and also in the detection of three dimensional bodies of anomalous electrical conductivity. In the study of ground water movement in obubra area, the the resistivity method commonly employed are the electrical resistivity method. Electrical resistivity method is one of the most useful techniques in groundwater geophysical exploration, because the resistivity of rocks is sensitive to its ionic content (Alile, et al., 2011). The method allows a quantitative result to be obtained by using a controlled source of specific dimensions. Records show that the depths of aquifers differ from place to place because of variation in geothermal and geo-structural occurrence (Okwueze, 1996). Therefore, the need to study the area for groundwater potential especially in terms of determining the flow direction is a prerequisite for portable ground water exploration and exploitation in this area.

1.1 Location And Geology Of The Area

The study area lies between latitudes 50 15′ and 60 15′N and longitudes 70 45′ and 80 45′E. It is located within the sub-equatorial climatic region of Nigeria with a total annual rainfall of more than 300 to 400cm. Temperature ranged from 250C to 280C. The area experiences two seasons, these are the wet season which lasts from April to September with a peak in June and July while the dry seasons lasts from October to March (Iloeje,1991).

The study area is underlain by two major lithologic units: Crystalline basement and Cretaceous sediments. The crystalline basement rocks occupy the extreme south of the study area. Also, there are intermediate rocks scatteredin patches around Obubra, Iyamayong, Iyamitet, Ikom, Nkpani and Usumutong. The Cretaceous sediments cover about 90% of the study area. Asu River Group is the basal and oldest recorded sediment in the study area. It is dominated by bluish gray/black to olivine brown shale and sandy shale, fine – grained micaceouscalcareous sandstone and siltstone with limestone lenses. The shale is often carbonaceous and pyritic which indicates that the sediments were deposited under a poorly oxygenated shallow water environment of restricted circulation, an indication of low energy environment (Petters et al., 1987). In general, Southern Obubra lies within the Cross River plain and the clastic beds in the study area can be ascribed to the Ezillo Formation. The Ezillo Formation comprises mostly dark gray shales with fine sandstone and siltstone intercalations in the lower part, and an upper unit that is highly bioturbated, fine medium sandstone, similar to the sandstone of the Amaseri Formation. The Ezillo Formation between Appiapum and Ikom was deposited in a deltaic coastal plain, in brackish marshes and inter-distributary bays (Barth, et al., 1995). A major river (Cross River) exists in the study area into which minor streams empty their loads. The elevation of the study area ranged from 14 to 170m above sea level. The relief is characterized by undulations running at undefined direction and variably demarcating the very lowland areas from moderate relief landmarks. The occurrence of the low plains is occasionally broken by inselbergs of granite and basalts in the southern portion of the study area. In the sediment filled portions, the low plains are occasionally broken by flat -topped hills of sandstone ridges and igneous intrusive with highly ferroginized sandstones with gravels resulting from uplifts. The area is drained by the Cross River with major tributaries like, Udip, Ukong, Lakpoi, Okwo, and Okpon rivers. These rivers form a network of dendritic drainage system

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