Geology of Owelle, South Eastern Nigeria

This study examines the geology of Owelle and its environs in Awgu Local Government Area, Enugu State, situated within the Lower Benue Trough of southeastern Nigeria. Integrated methods, including field mapping, sedimentological and petrographic analyses, grain-size statistics, and hydrogeochemical assessment, were applied to characterize lithology, depositional environments, water quality, and resource potential. The Owelli Sandstone and Nkporo Shale are the dominant formations. Sandstone units are medium- to coarse-grained quartz arenites, ferruginized in places, with cross-bedding and bioturbation indicative of fluvio-deltaic to shallow marine depositional settings. Statistical analysis of grain-size distributions supports a transition from beach to shallow marine environments with fluvial influence. Hydrogeological results show that the Owelli Sandstone provides a productive aquifer, though water quality is slightly acidic with elevated iron content, necessitating treatment before use. Engineering tests revealed variable soil plasticity, influencing construction suitability. Economically, sandstone, clay, laterite, and ironstone deposits present opportunities for industrial and construction applications. However, environmental hazards such as erosion, deforestation, and pollution, primarily driven by anthropogenic activities, threaten sustainable exploitation. This work enhances understanding of the stratigraphy and depositional framework of the Anambra Basin and underscores both the resource potential and environmental challenges of the study area.