Groundwater Potential Evaluation in A Basement Complex Terrain of Mubi South, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study evaluates groundwater potential in a basement complex terrain using Dar Zarrouk parameters derived from vertical electrical sounding (VES) data. A total of 20 VES points were acquired using the Schlumberger array configuration to determine subsurface resistivity distribution and aquifer characteristics 2. The computed parameters include longitudinal conductance, transverse resistance, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity. Results reveal that approximately 80 percent of the study area exhibits favourable hydrogeological conditions dominated by H- and KH-type curves, indicative of weathered and fractured aquifer systems. Longitudinal conductance values range from 0.01775 to 2.316 Ω, indicating moderate aquifer protective capacity. Transverse resistance ranges from 81.17 to 2523.77 Ωm, suggesting moderate to high aquifer saturation and thickness. Transmissivity values range from 16.68 to 1468.54 mday, with an average of 467.46 m day, indicating high groundwater-yield potential in 50 percent of locations. Hydraulic conductivity values vary from 9.50 to 36.38 m day, reflecting moderate to high permeability. The integration of geoelectrical data with Dar Zarrouk parameters proves to be a reliable and cost-effective approach for groundwater exploration and sustainable water resource development in basement terrains.