Investigating the Potential of 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography in the Determination of Geological Structures Related to Groundwater Occurrence

Groundwater scarcity is a critical challenge in Delta North Senatorial Region, Nigeria, primarily due to complex geological structures hindering effective resource exploration. This study investigates the efficacy of 2D electrical resistivity tomography ERT in conjunction with vertical electrical sounding VES and existing borehole data to accurately map subsurface structures and enhance groundwater resource identification in Issele Uku, Ugwashi Uku, Okpanam, Umunede, and Asaba. Ten 2D ERT surveys were conducted across these five towns, utilizing Wenner and Dipole Dipole configurations with electrode spacing of 5 10m. Interpreted resistivity values were correlated with potential geological units and groundwater occurrence using established resistivity ranges. Borehole data provided further validation for aquifer depths and structural relationships. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of 2D ERT in delineating geological features like fractures, faults, and weathered zones influencing groundwater flow and storage, with a success rate of 90 . Resistivity variations effectively distinguished clay rich soils high resistivity , fractured weathered rocks moderate resistivity , and massive, less permeable formations low resistivity . Comparison with borehole data revealed close agreement between predicted and actual aquifer depths, with discrepancies rarely exceeding 8m. This highlights the potential of 2D ERT as a cost effective and non invasive tool for targeted borehole siting and improved groundwater resource management in the region. Asiwe Uchechukwuand | Agboro Joseph "Investigating the Potential of 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography in the Determination of Geological Structures Related to Groundwater Occurrence" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-8 | Issue-2 , April 2024, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd64698.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/engineering/electronics-and-communication-engineering/64698/investigating-the-potential-of-2d-electrical-resistivity-tomography-in-the-determination-of-geological-structures-related-to-groundwater-occurrence/asiwe-uchechukwuand