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Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria

Received: 4 December 2013    Accepted:     Published: 10 January 2014
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Abstract

The geoelectrical characterization of soils underlying the Idonyi River Dam site Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria has been carried out with a view to determining the presence or otherwise of deleterious matter along the dam axis down to a depth of 37m below the surface; evaluate the geo-structural setting of the concealed bedrock, the fracture pattern and possible dam seepage along the dam axis and its banks as well as giving suggestions on any other measures/studies that may be needed for a proper engineering design. The study area is around the river located between latitudes 5o 34’N – 5o37‘N and longitudes 7o39’E – 7o 42’E. Heights above sea level in the area range from 68 to 91 meters. The survey was carried out with Abem Terrameter SAS 1000C. The sounding stations were laid out in three (3) profiles; eight (8) VES on each profile. A total of twenty-four (24) VES data were conducted. The Schlumberger electrode configuration was adopted to a total spread length of 110 meters (AB/2 of 55 meters). Results showed that resistivity values of between 182 and 2637Ωm at the eastern part of the River and another range of 6.2 to 848Ωm in the western end suggest overriding sandy substratum to east and overriding shaly characteristics to the west. These results show clearly that the area around Idonyi is porous with relatively higher sandy fractions.The derived parameters on both sides of the river agreed with the standard parameters required for a dam construction. The failure of a previous dam near the river is thus attributable to much seepage due to overriding sandy substratum. To avoid the seepage, the base of the dam should be blanketed with an impervious material such as shale. The area, being the most fertile area (phosphatic Ameki units) with CRIN, NRRI, FRIN, RCRIN having research institutes near the river, a dam is necessary here and this study has shown that it is possible to have a dam with solid foundation. However, we suggest a baseline data survey of water quality before any construction so as to monitor any contamination trend due to impoundment.

Published in American Journal of Physics and Applications (Volume 2, Issue 1)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15
Page(s) 35-45
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Amaeke-Abam, Geoelectric Section, Iso-resistivity, Lithology, Schlumberger, Seepage

References
[1] Jansen,R.B (1988). Advance dam engineering for design, construction and rehabilitation. Technology and engineering, U.S.A. p 811.
[2] Chukweze, H.O. (1990). Advance Engineering Soil Mechanics; Humoch Nigeria Association; Pp.1-50.
[3] Robert, F.L. and Hatheway, A.W. (1988). geology and engineering; Mc-graw Hill Book Coy; pp 1-100, 587.
[4] John, A.F. and Dusseault M.B., (1989). rock engineering; McGraw-Hill, New York.
[5] Ajayi O. Olorunfemi M.O, Ojo J.S, Adegoke – Anthony C.W, Chikwendu K.K, Oladapo M.I, Idornigie AL, Akinluyi F. (2005). Intergrated geophysical and geotechnical investigation of a dam site on Rver Majyo Ini, Adamawa State, Northern Nigeria. Afri. Geosc. Rev. 12(3), 179 – 188.
[6] Bayewu O. O., Oloruntola M. O., Mosuro G. O. and Abass O. K. (2012). Preliminary Investigation of a Proposed Dam Site along River Ome, Ago Iwoye South Western Nige- ria," Journal of Science and Technology, 1(6), 308-315.
[7] Olasunkanmi N. K., Olatunji S., Akoshile C. O. and Nwankwo L. I. (2012) Geoelectrical Assessment of University of Ilorin Dam Axis," Archives of Physics Research, 3( 3), 221-231.
[8] Kilty, K. T., Norris, R. A., Mc Lamore, W. R., Hennon, K. P. and Euge, K. (1986). Seismic Refraction at Horse Mesa dam: An application of the generalized reciprocal method. Geophysics, 51(2), 266 – 275.
[9] Annor, E. A., Olasehinde, P. L. and Pal, P. C. (1989), A geological evaluation of a Prospective site for a Weir in the River Oyin, Ilorin, Nigeria. Zangew: Geowiss, heft 8, S. 83 – 90.
[10] Ojo, J. S. and Olorunfemi, M. O. (1995). Geoelectric Mapping of a Near Vertical Contact: A case study Around Erusu, Ikare Area, South-Western Nigeria. Journal of Mining and Geology. 13(2), 151 – 153.
[11] Olasehinde, P. I. and Adelana, S. M. A. (1999). A Geophysical Investigation of a Proposed Dam Site in Southwestern Nigeria. Water Resources.10, 50 – 54.
[12] Ibeneme S. I., Ibe K.K., Selemo A.O., Udensi S.C., Nwagbara J.O., Eze I.O., Ubechu B.O., Onwuka C.O. (2013). Geoelectrical Assessment of a Proposed Dam Site around Ehuhe area of Oji River, Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Natural Sciences Research 3(13), 163-170.
[13] Lowrie, W. (1997). Fundamental of Geophysics. Cambridge University press.UK, 165-228.
[14] Telford, W. M., Geldert L.P., Sheriff R. B. and Keys D. A. (1982). Applied Geophysics. Cambridge University press, second edition, 635-642.
[15] Azm, S.A; Sofwan K.S. and Hussein A.I.; (1994). Engineering Geology Vol. 38; Elsevier Amsterdam.
[16] Dobrin, M.B. (1960). Introduction To Geophysical Prospecting; Mc-Graw Hill Book Co, 569, 571, 591
[17] Zohdy, A.A.R. (1975). Automatic Interpretation of Schlumberger Sounding Curves using Dar Zarouk Function. US. Geol. Surv. Bull. 39, 1313-E.
[18] Ibe K.K. (1999). Geoelectrical sounding of the Northern section of Bauchi road campus, University of Jos Nigeria. Journal of environmental sciences. 3(2), 140-146.
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    Nnokwe Ndidiamaka Nchedo, Ibe Kalu Kalu, Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu, Selemo Alexander Olusegun, Nwagbara Johnbosco Okechukwu. (2014). Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria. American Journal of Physics and Applications, 2(1), 35-45. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15

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    Nnokwe Ndidiamaka Nchedo; Ibe Kalu Kalu; Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu; Selemo Alexander Olusegun; Nwagbara Johnbosco Okechukwu. Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria. Am. J. Phys. Appl. 2014, 2(1), 35-45. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15

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    AMA Style

    Nnokwe Ndidiamaka Nchedo, Ibe Kalu Kalu, Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu, Selemo Alexander Olusegun, Nwagbara Johnbosco Okechukwu. Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria. Am J Phys Appl. 2014;2(1):35-45. doi: 10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15,
      author = {Nnokwe Ndidiamaka Nchedo and Ibe Kalu Kalu and Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu and Selemo Alexander Olusegun and Nwagbara Johnbosco Okechukwu},
      title = {Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria},
      journal = {American Journal of Physics and Applications},
      volume = {2},
      number = {1},
      pages = {35-45},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajpa.20140201.15},
      abstract = {The geoelectrical characterization of soils underlying the Idonyi River Dam site Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria has been carried out with a view to determining the presence or otherwise of deleterious matter along the dam axis down to a depth of 37m below the surface; evaluate the geo-structural setting of the concealed bedrock, the fracture pattern and possible dam seepage along the dam axis and its banks as well as giving suggestions on any other measures/studies that may be needed for a proper engineering design. The study area is around the river located between latitudes 5o 34’N – 5o37‘N and longitudes 7o39’E – 7o 42’E. Heights above sea level in the area range from 68 to 91 meters. The survey was carried out with Abem Terrameter SAS 1000C. The sounding stations were laid out in three (3) profiles; eight (8) VES on each profile. A total of twenty-four (24) VES data were conducted. The Schlumberger electrode configuration was adopted to a total spread length of 110 meters (AB/2 of 55 meters). Results showed that resistivity values of between 182 and 2637Ωm at the eastern part of the River and another range of 6.2 to 848Ωm in the western end suggest overriding sandy substratum to east and overriding shaly characteristics to the west. These results show clearly that the area around Idonyi is porous with relatively higher sandy fractions.The derived parameters on both sides of the river agreed with the standard parameters required for a dam construction. The failure of a previous dam near the river is thus attributable to much seepage due to overriding sandy substratum. To avoid the seepage, the base of the dam should be blanketed with an impervious material such as shale. The area, being the most fertile area (phosphatic Ameki units) with CRIN, NRRI, FRIN, RCRIN having research institutes near the river, a dam is necessary here and this study has shown that it is possible to have a dam with solid foundation. However, we suggest a baseline data survey of water quality before any construction so as to monitor any contamination trend due to impoundment.},
     year = {2014}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Geoelectrical Characterization of Rock Formations Underlying Idonyi River, Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria
    AU  - Nnokwe Ndidiamaka Nchedo
    AU  - Ibe Kalu Kalu
    AU  - Ibeneme Sabinus Ikechukwu
    AU  - Selemo Alexander Olusegun
    AU  - Nwagbara Johnbosco Okechukwu
    Y1  - 2014/01/10
    PY  - 2014
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15
    T2  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
    JF  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
    JO  - American Journal of Physics and Applications
    SP  - 35
    EP  - 45
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2330-4308
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajpa.20140201.15
    AB  - The geoelectrical characterization of soils underlying the Idonyi River Dam site Amaeke-Abam, Southeastern Nigeria has been carried out with a view to determining the presence or otherwise of deleterious matter along the dam axis down to a depth of 37m below the surface; evaluate the geo-structural setting of the concealed bedrock, the fracture pattern and possible dam seepage along the dam axis and its banks as well as giving suggestions on any other measures/studies that may be needed for a proper engineering design. The study area is around the river located between latitudes 5o 34’N – 5o37‘N and longitudes 7o39’E – 7o 42’E. Heights above sea level in the area range from 68 to 91 meters. The survey was carried out with Abem Terrameter SAS 1000C. The sounding stations were laid out in three (3) profiles; eight (8) VES on each profile. A total of twenty-four (24) VES data were conducted. The Schlumberger electrode configuration was adopted to a total spread length of 110 meters (AB/2 of 55 meters). Results showed that resistivity values of between 182 and 2637Ωm at the eastern part of the River and another range of 6.2 to 848Ωm in the western end suggest overriding sandy substratum to east and overriding shaly characteristics to the west. These results show clearly that the area around Idonyi is porous with relatively higher sandy fractions.The derived parameters on both sides of the river agreed with the standard parameters required for a dam construction. The failure of a previous dam near the river is thus attributable to much seepage due to overriding sandy substratum. To avoid the seepage, the base of the dam should be blanketed with an impervious material such as shale. The area, being the most fertile area (phosphatic Ameki units) with CRIN, NRRI, FRIN, RCRIN having research institutes near the river, a dam is necessary here and this study has shown that it is possible to have a dam with solid foundation. However, we suggest a baseline data survey of water quality before any construction so as to monitor any contamination trend due to impoundment.
    VL  - 2
    IS  - 1
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Geosciences Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria

  • Geosciences Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria

  • Geosciences Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria

  • Geosciences Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria

  • Geosciences Department, Federal University of Technology Owerri Nigeria

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