Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential in parts of Afao Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria

Authors

  • Oladunjoye Peter Olabode
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Tokunbo Sanmi Fagbemigun
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • John Oluwabemiwo Olaleye
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Oluwaseyi Elijah Ayobami
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Tamarantare Favour Preh
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria
  • Oluwatimilehin Moses Fadare
    Department of Geophysics, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, P. M. B. 373, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Aquifers, Fractured Basement, Groundwater Potential, Vertical electrical sounding, Water table

Abstract

A geophysical investigation was conducted to evaluate groundwater potential and explain anomalous water-table behaviour in hand-dug wells in a new community at Afao Ekiti during the 2023--2024 dry and wet seasons. The study used water-table measurements from ten observatory wells and Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) data acquired along five traverses with the Schlumberger array. Electrode spacing (AB/2) varied from 1 to 100 m, and the maximum surveyed length was 200 m. Water tables were higher during the dry season than during the rainy season in eight wells, while two wells remained dry in both seasons. The interpreted VES results divided the area into two zones and revealed four lithologic units: topsoil, lateritic layer, weathered layer, and fractured or fresh basement. Two aquifer types were identified: a weathered-basement unconfined aquifer with resistivity values ranging between 50--150 Ωm. and a fractured-basement confined aquifer with resistivity values ranged between 100--250 Ωm. Groundwater potential is higher in Zone 1 than in Zone 2. Boreholes sited within Zone 1 are therefore expected to be productive and to yield groundwater sufficient for community needs.

Dimensions

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Figure 2: Geological map of Ado Ekiti (modified after Ref.

Published

2026-06-02

How to Cite

Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential in parts of Afao Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 422. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.422

Issue

Volume 5, Issue 2, August 2026

Section

GEOSCIENCES SECTION
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2026 Oladunjoye Peter Olabode, Tokunbo Sanmi Fagbemigun, John Oluwabemiwo Olaleye, Oluwaseyi Elijah Ayobami, Tamarantare Favour Preh, Oluwatimilehin Moses Fadare

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Geophysical investigation of groundwater potential in parts of Afao Ekiti, Southwestern Nigeria. (2026). African Scientific Reports, 5(2), 422. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2026.5.2.422

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