GEOELECTRIC INVESTIGATION OF THE GROUNDWATER POTENTIAL IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY AREA, IKOT ABASI, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA

Geoelectric measurements using the Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) method were carried out in Federal University of Technology Area, Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, using the Integrated Geo Instruments and services resistivity meter (IGIS) Terrameter (SAS 1000). The objectives of the study were to investigate the aquifer characteristics and groundwater potential of the subsurface formations. Ten (10) profiles were carried out using the Schlumberger array configuration for the mapping of the prospect, with maximum current electrode separation of 200m. The data was interpreted using the conventional curve matching and computer iteration methods. The data was interpreted using the WinRESIST and computer iteration methods to obtain the resistivity, thickness and depth of the subsurface. Results show that four major curve types were identified, namely: A, H, K and Q depending on the resistivity distribution with depth. The area was observed to have 3 to 4 geoelectric layers. The third layer for VES 1 and VES 2 has a thickness of 71.8m and 66.5m; while, VES 3, VES 5 and VES 7 at the second layer have 56.3m, 66.3m and 51.1m respectively. Generally, the study area has a thickness range of 50m to 80m. The lowest value of the bulk resistivity is 18.1 and the highest value is 1412.3, for VES 10 and VES 4 respectively. VES stations 1,2,3,5,7,8,9 and10 are the locations that will be recommended for deep well sitting, because they have highest thickness of both weathered zone and fractured zone respectively which are good for groundwater storage.