Electrical Resistivity Investigation at the NYSC Proposed Camp, Paiko

An electrical resistivity method was used in carrying out geophysical investigations at the Niger State National Youth Service Corp (N.Y.S.C.) with a view to determine the depth to the bedrock and thickness of the weathered basement. The Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using Schlumberger electrode array was carried out along five (5) profiles having a total of fifty (50) VES stations. On each profile, were ten (10) VES stations. The inter profiles and inter VES stations were at uniform separation of 80m. Results from the interpretation suggest three (3) layers in most parts of the study area. However, there is a case of two (2) layers at a station (VES A6). The resistivity value for the topsoil varies from 10 to 751m with thickness ranging from 0.98 to 4.23m (except for VES A6 where the topsoil has been probably washed off by erosion). The weathered basement has resistivity values ranging from 9 to 968m and thickness of between 0.67 and 24.50m. The fresh basement (bedrock) has resistivity values as high as 2718m. The topsoil is characterized by a top lateritic soil underlain by a silty/sandy clay soil.