Delineation of aquifer potential zones using hydraulic parameters in Gombe and environs, North-Eastern, Nigeria

This research is aimed at delineating the groundwater potential zones in Gombe and environs using Dar Zarrouk parameters. The study area is located within longitudes 11°7′0″E to 11°14′0″E, and latitudes 10°15′0″N to 10°21′0″N, it is basically underlain by basement Complex rocks represented by Diorite and Granites, and Cretaceous sedimentary rocks represented by Bima, Yolde, Fika and Gombe Formations. Thirty two (32) vertical electric soundings (VES) using Schlumberger array method with the aid of ABEM Signal Averaging System (SAS) Terrameter was used for the data acquisition. The result of the interpretation shows four to six geo-electric layers. The geo-electric section revealed the major aquifers to be confined and semi confined and consist of Medium grain sandstones, with varying thicknesses. The aquifer hydraulic characteristics indicated that the transverse resistance, ranges from 235.2Ωm(2) to 6317.87Ωm(2) with an average value of 1789.50Ωm(2). The Longitudinal conductance, S, ranges from 0.1415Ωm to 31.933Ωm with an average of 2.002Ωm. The Hydraulic conductivity value range from 2.62m/day to 138.66 m/day with a mean value of 20.662 m/day. The transmissivity values obtained for the various layers range from 78.34 m(2)/day to 13284.02m(2)/day, with the average value been 893.57 m(2)/day. Four groundwater potential zones were delineated including medium grain sandstones, Sandstones, clayey sand and shaly sand.