Journal of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering

Self-potential Anomalies Associated with Subsurface Electrokinetic and Electric Current Density Coupling in Parts of Southern Nigeria

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• Abstract

   

  Self-potential (SP) anomalies due to electrokinetic and electric current density coupling were measured and analyzed with the aim of determining associated electrokinetic (EK) coupling coefficient induced by groundwater. The study deployed two non-polarizable Cu/CuSO4 electrodes and high impedance volt meter (Metrix MX-20) connected via reel of insulated wire to measure the subsurface electrical potential anomalies in parts of Southern Nigeria particularly Ikot Umiang Ede catchment plain, Etinan LGA. SP measurements were performed along 4 profiles, where data were collected at sample intervals of 25.0m using total station approach. This was complemented by resistivity and geologic data obtained from VES and dug wells respectively. The result showed strong agreement with the local hydrogeological conditions of the environment. Low subsurface resistivity values were delineated at depth consistent with the local hydrostatics. Also, the amplitude of SP anomalies tends to be antisysmmetric across the survey areas, with places of low resistivity values having weak magnitude potential anomalies. Similarly, places with high resistivity values showed strong amplitude potential anomalies. It was inferred that SP absolute potential anomaly provide information on groundwater flux of an area.

   

  Keywords: Subsurface, Self-Potential Anomalies, Electrokinetic, Hydrostatic pressure, Groundwater flux.