Groundwater potential modelling and aquifer zonation of a typical basement complex terrain: a case study

Geophysical exploration utilizing Vertical Electrical Resistivity (VES) techniques was employed to analyze aquifer characteristics and their impact on groundwater potential and vulnerability in the study area. The primary objective was to investigate the nature and groundwater-yielding potential of the area under scrutiny, comprehending the roles played by various aquifer parameters and their influence on the groundwater potential and effective characterization of hydrogeological units. To achieve the defined study objective, the electrical resistivity method was applied, employing Schlumberger electrode arrays with a maximum electrode separation (AB/2) of 50 m across 30 distinct locations for data acquisition. The acquired geoelectrical sections were subsequently utilized to generate contour maps for the aquifer parameters. The comparison of the diverse contour maps, depicting variations in hydrogeological parameters in multiple ways, proved to be insightful. The findings revealed that the overall trend of groundwater potential within the selected area is low, as indicated by Aquifer resistivity (17–678 Ωm), hydraulic conductivity 0.004–0.047 m/s), transmissivity (0.003–1.130 m²/day), and porosity (− 9.71 to 11.73). The groundwater potential Index map produce shows that the area is predominately made up of medium to low groundwater potential. About 56% of the area under investigation falls within the medium groundwater potential, followed by low (32%), High (10%), and very low (2%). The GWPI map created for the area can be instrumental in designing appropriate groundwater exploration and management strategies within the region, serving as a roadmap for the further expansion of research efforts.