Geoelectrical assessment of groundwater potential and aquifer characteristics in the west region of Cameroon

A geoelectrical survey using Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES) was carried out in some parts of the West region of Cameroon to evaluate the aquifer potential and hydraulic parameters. Sixty-two VES were acquired using the ABEM SAS 1000 resistivity meter, and the data analyzed manually through the Jointem software. The analysis produced model curves showing four distinct geoelectric layers. The curves provided information on the resistivity, thickness, and depth of each identified layer. Aquifer thicknesses exceeding 15 m were classified as thick, while resistivity values below 500 Ω m indicated fractures with the presence of conductive materials. Using the aquifer resistivities and thicknesses, the Dar Zarouk parameters and hydraulic properties were calculated. The transverse resistance range between 38 and 39,000 \(\Omega {\text{m}}^{2}\) $\mathrm{\Omega }{\text{m}}^2$ while the longitudinal conductance varied from 0.002 to 6.41 \(\Omega^{ - 1}\) ${\mathrm{\Omega }}^{-1}$ . The hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity differed from 0.16 to 117 m/day and 0.34 to 2702 \({\text{ m}}^{ 2} /\) ${\text{m}}^2/$ day, respectively. Contour plots were realized using the aquifer parameters, and their distribution helped in delineating zones with varying layer properties. The southern sector of the study area was mainly in the very low aquifer protective capacity range, while the northern regions exhibited high groundwater potential based on transmissivity and hydraulic conductivity.