Physical Science International Journal

Aim: A geoelectric investigation of the subsurface layering of some locations in the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai was carried out using the Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES) method with a view to determining the depth of aquifer for groundwater development.

Methodology: The G41 Geotron Resistivity Meter was used in obtaining six (6) vertical electrical sounding data along dedicated profiles at different locations within the university, where there is concentration of developmental activities, while a global positioning system (GPS) enabled device was used in tracking the coordinates. The VES data so obtained were processed using the interpex 1xD sounding interpretation software.

Results: The VES point near the Physics Block was observed to have  the shallowest depth of aquifer at about 20m with the fractured basement of thickness about 18m; while the aquifer at the VES point near the Students’ Hostel which proved to be the best was about 38m thick at a depth of 46m. The results also show that the area is generally gently undulating and slopes from north to south with an average depth to aquifer formations of 36.75m. The lithology inferred from the interpretation showed a four layered earth    model indicating the top lateritic layer, the silty/clayey layer, the weathered/fractured basement and the fresh basement which correlated with the borehole logs in the vicinity of the study area.

Conclusion: The vertical electrical sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger electrode array technique has been deployed successfully in investigating unconfined aquifer formations in some parts of the Ibrahim Babangida University, Lapai for the purpose of developing an effective water supply scheme for the study area.