Groundwater prospectivity mapping in part of northwestern Nigeria using an integration of remote sensing and electrical resistivity techniques

Abstract

Scientific studies focus on managing surface water and groundwater resources, especially in complex geological terrains like North-Western Nigeria. Urbanization has led to groundwater shortages and declining water tables due to excessive withdrawals in these areas. Also, Climate change exacerbates these challenges, altering precipitation patterns and groundwater recharge rates. Geophysical methods like remote sensing have aided in locating aquifers, crucial for sustainable water supply. This work has combined remote sensing (Satellite and Aeromagnetic), and vertical electrical resistivity techniques to identify groundwater potential zones in the study areas. Aeromagnetic data enables the production of a structural map that depicts multiple geophysical lineaments that are known to be fault systems in the research area. The geoelectric cross-sections reveal that the subsurface structures consist of granitic rocks bounded by NW- and NE-trending normal fault. These prominent geological structures (faults and fractures) are hypothesized to act as conduits for groundwater flow into the hard rock aquifers in the study areas. From the colour codes, the Palladan area shows high potential, while the Bassawa area exhibits fair potential due to differences in geological structures and lineament densities. These findings emphasize the importance of integrated approaches in groundwater resource management especially in a complex terrain.