A Geoelectrical Investigation of Groundwater Potentials in Dorowa and Its Environs, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria: Recent Study

A geoelectrical investigation for potable groundwater potentials in Dorowa and its environs, Plateau
State, North Central Nigeria has been carried out. The area is part of Jos-Bukuru Younger Granite
Complex and is underlain by seven main rock types namely: Vom Microgranite (Vm), Rayfield Gona
Biotite Granite (RGB), Ngell Biotite Granite (NGB), Vom Hornblende Biotite Granite (VHB), Shen
Hornblende – Fayalite Granite (SHF), Porphyritic Biotite Granite (PBG) and Jos Biotite Granite (JBG).
Interpretation of field structures and GIS data reveal lineaments trending NW-SE and NE-SW. Vertical
electrical soundings conducted within Ngell biotite granite reveals that the area is underlain by three
geoelectric layers. The top layer is mainly made up of laterite at depth between 0 - 5 m with resistivity
values ranging from 79 – 202 Ωm, the second layer is made up of weathered granite at depth
between 3 – 16 m with resistivity between 46 - 396 Ωm and the third layer is made up of slightly
weathered to fresh granite at depths greater than 4 m with resistivity greater than 113 Ωm. The zones
of medium groundwater potential vary from 15 -16 m. Weathering depth in areas of fair water
potentials varies from 13 m – 14 m with the best water potentials on VES 10 and VES 6. Zones of low
groundwater potentials cover most part of the study area at depth less than 12 m.