Delineation of Shallow Aquifers of Umuahia and Environs, Imo River Basin, Nigeria, Using Geo-Sounding Data

Abstract

This work was undertaken to study the hydrogeophysical characteristics of Umuahia and environs, Imo River Basin using geophysical data. Thirty (30) vertical electrical sounding data with a maximum electrode spacing of (AB/2) of 500 meters were acquired using the Schlumberger electrode configuration. The VES data were interpreted using the conventional partial curve matching technique to obtain initial model parameters, which were used as input for computer iterative modelling using the OFFIX software. The study revealed three (3) to six (6) geo-electric layers with underlying shale beds. Aquifer apparent resistivity in the study area ranges from about 50 to 850 Ωm with the aquifer depth varying between 0.53 - 82.67 m. Similarly, the aquifer thickness in the study area ranges from 0.8 - 110 m, with very low thicknesses around Ajata Ibeku.