Integrated Hydrogeophysical Characterization and Quantitative Groundwater Potential Modelling Using Vertical Electrical Sounding in a Basement Complex Terrain: Gaba Community, Abuja, Nigeria

Authors

Keywords:

Aquifer, Dar-Zarrouk parameters, Potential index

Abstract

Groundwater exploration in crystalline basement terrains is highly uncertain due to pronounced lithological heterogeneity, variable weathering profiles, and discontinuous fracture systems, often leading to poorly sited boreholes and low drilling success rates. This study presents an integrated hydrogeophysical assessment of groundwater potential and aquifer protective capacity in Gaba Community, Bwari Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria, using Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) with the Schlumberger configuration. Five VES stations were occupied with a maximum half-current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 200 m, corresponding to an investigation depth of approximately 60–100 m. Apparent resistivity data were inverted using WinResist iterative modelling, yielding root mean square (RMS) errors between 2.9% and 13.4%, indicating acceptable model convergence. Four geoelectric layers were delineated: topsoil (75–538 Ωm), weathered basement (35–785 Ωm), fractured basement (795–1009 Ωm), and highly resistive fresh basement. An anomalously high resistivity value of 40460 Ωm at VES 2 is interpreted as an inversion equivalence artefact rather than a true subsurface condition. Aquifer thickness ranges from 1.3 m to 9.7 m, while aquifer resistivity varies between 35 Ωm and 785 Ωm. Longitudinal conductance values (0.012–0.063 mhos) indicate generally weak aquifer protective capacity. A weighted Groundwater Potential Index (GPI), integrating aquifer thickness, resistivity, transverse resistance, longitudinal conductance, and overburden thickness, produced values between 0.223 and 0.609. VES 3 (0.609) and VES 1 (0.558) are identified as the most promising groundwater targets. The integration of Dar-Zarrouk parameters with quantitative index modelling provides a reliable framework for improved borehole siting in basement complex terrains.

Author Biography

Barnabas Tersur Orkuma

Department of physics

Dimensions

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Published

2026-04-11

How to Cite

Orkuma, B. T., Abenga, R. C., & Ogharandukun, M. O. (2026). Integrated Hydrogeophysical Characterization and Quantitative Groundwater Potential Modelling Using Vertical Electrical Sounding in a Basement Complex Terrain: Gaba Community, Abuja, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(2), 29-39. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i2.2026.522

Issue

Vol. 35 No. 2 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Physics - Vol. 35 No. 2

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Orkuma, B. T., Abenga, R. C., & Ogharandukun, M. O. (2026). Integrated Hydrogeophysical Characterization and Quantitative Groundwater Potential Modelling Using Vertical Electrical Sounding in a Basement Complex Terrain: Gaba Community, Abuja, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Physics, 35(2), 29-39. https://doi.org/10.62292/njp.v35i2.2026.522