ANALYSIS OF BURIED EARTH MATERIAL IN SHONGO GARDEN'S LAY-OUT USING GEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION

This study investigates the subsurface characteristics, mineral occurrence, groundwater potential, and aquifer protective capacity of the Shongo Gardens Layout and its environs in Akko Local Government Area, Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria, using geophysical methods. The study is necessitated by increasing urban development and the lack of detailed subsurface information required for effective groundwater exploitation, land-use planning, and environmental management in the area. A total of twelve (12) Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Soundings (VES) were conducted to evaluate the geoelectric properties of the subsurface and delineate groundwater-bearing formations. The VES data were processed and interpreted using computer- assisted partial curve matching and inversion techniques. The interpreted geoelectric curves range from simple four-layer A, K, and H types to complex multi-layer curve types including HQ, KH, HA, KQ, HK, HKH, HAA, KQH, KHK, and QHK, with the KHK-type curve being the most dominant. The geoelectric sections reveal subsurface sequence comprising topsoil, medium to fine-grained sandstone, ferrogenised sandstone, sandy clay, and clayey intercalations. Aquifer thickness and resistivity parameters were used to generate groundwater potential and protective capacity maps. Approximately 75% of the study area falls within low to medium groundwater potential zones, while only about 25% is classified as having high groundwater potential, indicating an overall low to medium groundwater prospect for the area. The results provide valuable baseline information for groundwater development, mineral assessment, and environmental planning in Shongo Gardens. It is recommended that detailed pre-drilling geophysical investigations be conducted prior to borehole development to ensure economic viability and environmental sustainability AB/2 (M)