Evaluation of Groundwater Potential Using the Electrical Resistivity Method in Ngurore Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Groundwater remains a vital source of potable and agricultural water in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria, where surface water resources are seasonally unreliable. This study evaluated the groundwater potential of Ngurore Local Government Area (LGA) using the electrical resistivity method. Twenty-one Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) points were acquired using the Schlumberger configuration and processed with IPI2WIN software. Results delineated four dominant lithological units—sandy clay, clayey sand, medium-to-coarse sand, and gravel. Aquifer resistivity values ranged from 2–50 Ωm, indicating favorable porosity and permeability. Aquifer thickness varied from 25–80 m, with the thickest aquifers concentrated in the northeastern part of the study area. The findings demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of the resistivity method in groundwater exploration and provide critical insights for groundwater resource management in Ngurore Local Government Area.