Affiliations 

  • 1 University of Lagos
  • 2 Universiti Sains Malaysia
MyJurnal

Abstract

Detailed geophysical investigations have been carried out using integrated geophysical methods with a view to characterising the subsurface lithologic features that might indicate suitable places for structural developments. An overview of the subsurface resistivity distribution has been achieved employing 8Vertical Electrical Soundings with the Schlumberger array and 4 2D resistivity imaging using Wenner array. In order to constrain the results of the electrical resistivity methods, we carried out a ground magnetic survey along E-W direction using the Proton precession magnetometer at 1m sampling interval. Analysis of well logs data available and VES results showed 4 to 5 geoelectric layers corresponding to sand, clayey sand, clay, silty sand and sandy clay. The 2D resistivity imaging sections showed relative decrease of apparent resistivity with depth implying a geological transition from sand with high resistivity value of about 508Ωm to clay with low resistivity value 16Ωm at depths of 0-20m and 25-50m respectively. The magnetic profiles showed that the study area was characterised by short wavelengths and amplitudes ranging from –3800 to 700 nT. The highs and lows of the magnetic responses occasioned by lithological variations and structural features were magnetically resolved. In view of the identified subsurface structures, the suggested depth to the competent layer is about 20m for low to medium structures while above 50m would be suitable for heavy or massive engineering structures. The use of integrated geophysical methods for the delineation, identification and imaging of the subsurface geological structures which could provide clues to the nature and type of foundation suitable for the development of the study area has been successfully achieved.