An integrated aeromagnetic and resistivity investigation of groundwater in Tarauni local government area, Kano state, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assess the intense issue of groundwater potential in Tarauni, Kano state Nigeria with a focus on indicators of groundwater that show it presence. The research deploys two geophysical techniques; Aeromagnetic method and Vertical Electrical Sounding [VES] Techniques; Sheet 81 of Aeromagnetic data was acquired from Nigerian Geological Survey Agency [NGSA]. The Vertical Electrical Sounding was taken at 30 different location of the study area. The aeromagnetic data is processed and interpreted using Oasis Montaj and ARCGIS softwares, and the results of the Aeromagnetic data analysis were used to outline six maps: Total Magnetic Intensity, Residual, First Vertical Derivative, Lineament, Rose diagram, Source Parameter Imaging map, in which Six major lineament orientations were revealed. The major lineaments trends directions are: N-S, NE-SW, ENE-WSW, WNW-ESE directions. Minor trends directions were also revealed which are: NW-SE and NNE-SSW. The lineament which shows fault or fold were used to indicate groundwater presence in the study area. The resistivity data from Vertical Electrical Sounding were interpreted using IP2WIN software which indicate three-four layers with distinct resistivity value, depth and thickness. The first layer is sandy clay soil, second layer is mostly clayey and third layer is a weathered basement, and in some VES points fourth layer is the weathered basement which has good groundwater potentials. VES4, VES16, VES17, VES18, VES19, VES20, VES21, VES25, VES26, VES27, VES29, VES30 have the best aquifer and hence recommended as suitable point for groundwater exploration. The study shows a good relations between aeromagnetic indicators of groundwater and vertical electrical sounding indicators which underscores the significance of the geological structures as groundwater pathways.