Geophysical Investigation of Western part of Federal University of Technology, Gidan Campus, Minna, Niger State, Using Electrical and Seismic Refraction Methods

Abstract

A geophysical survey of western part of Federal University of Technology, Gidan Kwano Campus, Minna, was carried out using Electrical Resistivity (VES) and Seismic refraction methods. The aim of this survey was to determine the ground water potentials of the area and to also locate those areas that could be useful for civil engineering purposes. Careful interpretation of the seismic data obtained shows two geologic sections within the survey area. The first layer has an average seismic velocity value of 1237.86 ms-1. The second layer is the refractor layer whose seismic velocity average is 4581.67 ms-1 and has an average depth of 4.74m. The results obtained from the electrical resistivity method also shows that the survey area consists of three geoelectric/geologic layers. The first layer has resistivity values between 20m and 200m, which represents topsoil the second layer has resistivity value ranging from 200m to about 900m and typifies weathered and fractured basement. The fresh basement forms the third layer with resistivity value above 1000m. The results obtained from both methods shows that the area appropriate for ground water development were found in the north-east and north-central portion of the survey area with aquifer systems of 100m in width and depth between 3.8m and 25m. Similarly the site most appropriate for civil engineering purpose could be located at the southern part of the survey area where the fresh basement is shallow.