Geoelectrical Investigation of Groundwater Potential in University of Abuja, Main Campus
Electrical resistivity techniques of geophysical prospecting have been used to evaluate the
groundwater potential of the University of Abuja Health Services Centre at the main campus.
This research aims to identify suitable locations for productive wells and boreholes, determine
the depth of the bedrock, as well as measure resistivity and overburden thickness. The survey
employed Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) along five profiles, comprising fifty (50) VES
stations covering the survey area. The resistivity data obtained are analysed using IPI2win
software. The analysis of the resistivity data revealed that the survey area can be divided into
four geoelectric layers: topsoil, clayey sand, weathered layer, and fresh basement. The
resistivity values of these layers range from 38.7-1427 Ωm, 16.2-310 Ωm, 32.1-1714 Ωm and
1007-9528 Ωm respectively. The fresh basement layer was found to have an infinite thickness.
Significantly, potential regions with low resistivity values indicating the presence of
groundwater were identified at a depth of 18.3 m. Furthermore, the average overburden
thickness in the study area was 35 m while the longitudinal conductance of the overburden
ranges from 0.04 – 1.87 mho. Results obtained indicate the main aquifer in the area consists of
a thick weathered layer of overburden and a weathered basement with relatively low resistivity,
suggesting a potentially productive groundwater yield. This information is crucial for future
planning and decision-making regarding the siting of wells and boreholes and the sustainable
utilisation of groundwater resources in the University of Abuja main campus.