Remote Sensed-based Groundwater Potential Evaluation: A Case Study of Northern Part of Abia State, Nigeria

Authors: Adindu R U, Ehirim C N, Ebeniro J O

Country: Nigeria

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Abstract: Groundwater potentials in the northern parts of Abia State comprising Bende, Ohafia and Arochukwu local government areas (LGA’s), have been evaluated in terms of the terrain factors using Landsat 7 ETM+ Imagery integrated with Geographical Information System (GIS) and ancillary geologic and topographical data of the area. The objective of the study was to map groundwater potential zones and distributions for sustainable well development in the areas. The result of the analyses shows that the underlying geology and geomorphology played very major and significant roles than the drainage, lineament and land cover/land use in determining runoff, infiltration and recharge of precipitated water and hence, groundwater potential distribution in the areas. The shale dominated lowlands/valleys with low slopes, dense vegetation cover, high drainage and lineament frequency are characterized by poor hydro geological properties, significantly impairing infiltration and recharge and are poor groundwater potential zones. The sandstone dominated highlands characterized by large expanse of bare land areas, low drainage and lineament frequencies has excellent hydro geological properties and are therefore, highly sort groundwater potential zones. These apparent discrepancies and contradictions in the study are attributed to the effect of the underlying geologic formations. Poor and excellent groundwater potential zones are delineated in Bende (Ugwueke, Akanu, Elugwu and Umuhu, Ohafia (Nkporo and Okoi) and Arochukwu (Amangwu, Amelu-Abam and Ahuma) and Bende (Igbere, Alayi, Item), Ohafia (Abiriba and Ebem) and Arochukwu (Ututu) respectively. Therefore, productive boreholes could be cited in these excellent groundwater potential zones in the LGA’s for sustainable water development in other to meet the water needs of the inhabitants.

Keywords: GIS, Landsat 7 ETM+, Groundwater Potential, Groundwater Recharge, Water Runoffs

Paper Id: 1260

Published On: 2021-11-08

Published In: Volume 9, Issue 6, November-December 2021

Cite This: Remote Sensed-based Groundwater Potential Evaluation: A Case Study of Northern Part of Abia State, Nigeria - Adindu R U, Ehirim C N, Ebeniro J O - IJIRMPS Volume 9, Issue 6, November-December 2021.

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