Division of Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso Campus into Groundwater Potential Zones using Electrical Resistivity Method

Abstract

Geophysical study using the electrical resistivity and well log methods was carried out in the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Bosso campus north-central Nigeria. The aim is to divide the area into groundwater potential zones. A total area of 4270 m within longitude 6° 31'30.1" E to 6° 31'32.0" E and latitude 9° 39' 14.7" N to 9° 39' 19.0" N was surveyed. Ten (10) VES data revealed three (3) geoelectric layers; the topsoil (25 - 700 Qm), weathered/fractured basement (60 - 400 Qm) and slightly fractured/fresh bedrock (500 - 19000 flm) while the overburden thickness ranges from 3 -17 m. the iso-resistivity and isopach maps of the overburden and bedrock relief shows that those areas with shallow overburden thickness corresponds to bedrock troughs. The results of geophysical investigation showed that prospect for groundwater is controlled mainly by the overburden and the presence of fractures in the bedrocks. The geometry of the failed/low yield boreholes was revealed from the study of the lithologs. This method has been used to divide the study area into the groundwater potential zones using electric resistivity method. This research has identified the Staff Quarters and Mosque areas as the high groundwater potential. The male hostel and dining hall area as intermediate groundwater potential and the Staff school/Bus Park area as low groundwater potential areas.