Using Integrated Geophysical Methods in Groundwater Exploration in the Fractured Crystalline Basement Aquifers in Sambuli in the Saboba District of Ghana

Abstract

Geophysical investigation for groundwater potential of Sambuli in the Saboba District of Northern Ghana has been carried out with the aim of delineating suitable site for groundwater development and estimating the depth to aquifer. Electrical resistivity profiling and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) techniques using Schlumberger configuration was used to delineate the subsurface geology of the study area. Four geo-electric profiles were conducted of which electrical resistivity anomaly values were identified and selected for further VES investigations. Five VES locations were investigated and the data analysed. Interpretation of the VES data revealed a four-layered subsurface structure with sandyrocky topsoil of electrical resistivity between 2059.9 and 100000Ωm and thickness between 0.4 and 2.3m. The electrical resistivity of the second layer ranges from 189.9 to 94025.4Ωm with thickness varying from 0.9 to 4.9m. The third layer, a partially convenient zone for groundwater has electrical resistivity ranging from 81.5 to 15224.1Ωm and thickness 7.2 to 10.3m. The fourth layer has resistivity ranging from 40.3 to 90660.1Ωm. Station SP1 revealed a highly weathered fractured zone of electrical resistivity 40.3Ωm at a depth of 13.9m, a potential location for borehole construction.