Geo-electric mapping of groundwater potential in Elebele, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

This research presents Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) surveys conducted in Elebele, Ogbia, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The wok is aimed to characterize subsurface lithological layers and assess their groundwater potential using Schlumberger electrode configuration. SAS 1000 Terrameter equipment set was used to acquire the surface data, five VES points were acquired. Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to capture the coordinates. The data was processed with IPI2win software and Starter 5, revealing Four distinct geoelectric layers in the study area were delineated. VES1 identified five layers with resistivity values ranging from 160.7 Ωm in Layer 1 (0.2321 meters depth) to 1603 Ωm in Layer 5 (10 meters depth), potentially forming an unconfined aquifer. VES2 revealed five layers, including a clay confining layer at 17.3 meters (Layer 4) and a coarse sand aquifer at 24.2 meters (Layer 5). VES3 and VES4 exhibited similar layering with varying resistivity, indicating potential aquifers and confining layers at different depths. VES5 found shallow coarse sand aquifers at 0.7351 meters (Layer 2) and a productive fine to medium sand aquifer at 36.8 meters (Layer 4). Correlation with borehole data highlights the importance of subsurface geology in sustainable groundwater management. Clay layers act as confining units with water storage capacity, while sand layers serve as significant aquifers due to their good permeability. Further exploration is recommended to assess aquifer viability for groundwater extraction. Understanding subsurface geology and hydrogeological characteristics is crucial for sustainable groundwater management, particularly in regions like Elebele, Ogbia, where reliable water sources are vital for the community's well-being and development.