Assessing the Groundwater Potential in Wuye District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

The groundwater potential in Wuye District, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria has been investigated using integrated methods of structural analysis, geological mapping and geophysical survey. The aim of the study is to establish the type and nature of the subsurface lithology, rock types and fracture density of the area with the view of determining the groundwater potentials. The geological mapping revealed that the area is underlain by granites, granite-gneiss and gneiss. The structural analyses show a principal joint direction of NNE-SSW. The field data were obtained from the geophysical investigation was used to generate the depth to bedrock, geo-electric section, pseudo-section, isopach and isoresistivity maps. The geo-electric section, pseudo-section, isoresistivity and isopach maps obtained are true reflections of the lithology and fracture density of the area. The dominant curve types from the VES are KH, H and A. The layers comprise of topsoil, weathered layer, partly weathered or fractured basement and the fresh basement rocks. Groundwater exploration and exploitation in Wuye should concentrate on the southern and eastern portion of the area that is characterized by thick overburden and high fracture index. A combination geological, structural and geophysical investigation is more robust, reliable and rewarding for groundwater potential evaluation than any singular method. Based on the findings, the southern part of Wuye has high potential for groundwater development than the northern portion and a drill depth of between 35-95m is recommended.