A report on

Geophysical /Hydro-geological Investigation for

Groundwater Development

In the premises of

AGRONET NIG. LIMITED FARM

Along Ibadan – Ile Ife Expressway, Wasimi, Osun State

By

Subsurface Geo-imaging Consult

Ibadan

February, 2018

INTRODUCTION
A survey comprising hydro-geological and geophysical investigations was carried

out in the premises of Agronet Nig. Limited Farm, Along Ibadan – Ile Ife

Expressway, Wasimi, Osun State.

The objectives of the geophysical investigation include:

(i) Carrying out a geologic/hydro-geologic reconnaissance survey involving

rock identification, structural mapping in the premises with a view to

locating suitable site(s) for the geophysical survey,

(ii) Delineating near surface geologic structures such as faults and fracture

zones, shear zones and zones with thick overburden that are favourable to

groundwater accumulation,

(iii) Delineating the geo-electric/geologic sequence beneath the depth sounding

stations and determining the geo-electric parameters (layer resistivities and

thicknesses),

(iv) Identification of the aquifer units and determination of their depths and

lateral extent,

(v) Evaluating, based on the above, the groundwater potential of the survey area

and the feasibility of groundwater development and,

(vi) Location of suitable site(s) for hand dug well/borehole drilling, where

groundwater development is considered feasible.

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We present in this report an overview of the geology and hydrogeology, field

techniques, results and interpretation.

GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY

South-western Nigeria is underlain by crystalline Basement Complex rocks of

Precambrian age, comprising the migmatite gneiss, the older granites and the meta-

sediments. The survey area is underlain mainly by banded gneiss. Basement rocks

are known to have very low porosity and negligible permeability. Consequently,

the development of aquifers is limited to the overburden resulting from the in-situ

chemical weathering of the bedrock and the fissure/fracture systems in the

underlying bedrock. A pre-drilling investigation should therefore focus on how

effectively those narrow zones/fractured basements could be located. Prior to the

present study, there is an existing borehole in the premises but the yield is very low

and it cannot meet the water demand in the farm. The present investigation aims at

locating another probable point(s) for borehole development in the premises.

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GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION AND DATA ANALYSIS

To locate a productive point for the development of a borehole in the farm

premises, three vertical electrical soundings were conducted using the convectional

Schlumberger array within the study area (Fig. 1). The electrodes were expanded

from a minimum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 1.0 m to a maximum of 100

m for the VES points. The Geopulse Tigre resistivity meter was used for resistance

measurements. Good quality data were obtained with the observational errors

being less than 1%.

Field data were plotted on bi-logarithmic coordinates and a preliminary

interpretation was carried out using partial curve matching involving two-layer

master curves and the appropriate auxiliary charts. The layered model thus

obtained served as input for an inversion algorithm as a final stage in the

quantitative data interpretation.

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 18 m

9m
VES2

Cassava & Maize

Farm

VES3
Farm House
VES1

25 m

Existing Borehole

Figure1: Sketch map of the study area

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The sounding curves and their computer interpretation are presented on Figures 2,

3 and 4. The result of the sounding shows a system of three geo-electric layers for

VES points. The sequence comprises from top to bottom, the topsoil, weathered

basement (clayey) and partially fractured/fresh basement. Overburden is shallow at

about 11 m, 10 m and 13 m for VES1, VES2 and VES3 respectively. A summary

of the VES interpretations is shown on Tables 1, 2 and 3. From the resistivity

obtained, the basement at VES1 and VES3 showed evidence of partial fracturing at

depth which may indicate some degree of saturations. For borehole drilling in the

premises, the location around VES1 and 3 can be considered. The borehole must

be drilled to a depth of at least 80 m to create enough reservoir. The borehole if

drilled is expected to have low - medium yield and should be able to sustain

water demand in the premises.

It is worthy to note that geophysical investigation result is not absolute, as all raw

data were remotely acquired while exploratory drilling for water is the

complement.

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 Table 1: Summary of Agronet VES1 Interpretation
Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth Probable lithology Hydrogeological
(ohm-m) (m) (m) Significance

1 566 1.0 1.0 Topsoil -

2 35 9.8 10.8 Weathered basement Fairly good aquifer

(clayey) potential

3 436 - - Partially fractured Fairly good aquifer

basement potential

Table 2: Summary of Agronet VES2 Interpretation

Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth Probable lithology Hydrogeological
(ohm-m) (m) (m) Significance

1 263 1.5 1.5 Topsoil -

2 21 8.1 9.6 Weathered Fairly good aquifer

basement (clayey) potential

3 568 - - Fresh basement Poor aquifer

potential

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 Table 3: Summary of Agronet VES3 Interpretation
Layer Resistivity Thickness Depth Probable lithology Hydrogeological
(ohm-m) (m) (m) Significance

1 636 1.5 1.5 Topsoil -

2 34 11.9 13.4 Weathered Fairly good aquifer

basement (clayey) potential

3 450 - - Partially fractured Fairly good aquifer

basement potential

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Figure 2: Layer model interpretation for Agronet VES1

Figure 2: Layer model interpretation for Agronet VES2

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Figure 3: Layer model interpretation for Agronet VES3

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results, we recommend that:

(i) The location around VES1 and VES3 can be considered for drilling

however VES1 is more preferred.

(ii) The estimated depth of the borehole should be at least 80 m. However,

the driller may use his discretion to terminate the borehole before the

recommended depth if appreciable amount of water is encountered to

avoid exit through dry fracture.

(iii) Airlift drilling technique can be adopted.

(iv) Casing should be installed to the basement to avoid ingress of

contaminants.

(v) The borehole must be gravel packed and well grouted to enhance water

quality and promote borehole durability.

(vi) The borehole if drilled is expected to have low - medium yield.

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