Determination of the Geotechnical Condition of the Subsurface of Ekowe Using Integrated Methods of Geomatics and Geoelectric Survey

Abstract

Ekowe a littoral community accessible only by water transport is bewildered with basic environmental issues as getting clean portable underground water as the quality of water is poor and require massive investment for purification and treatment, structural failures like potholes on the few rural roads, cracks in buildings and sinking of buildings in some cases. This study set out to douse mystical beliefs as it relates to these solvable issues by employing Geomatics and Geoelectric methods to ascertain the subsurface condition of the area, so as to prescribe recommendations on reversing the negative trends. The results showed the lithology of the Study area being mainly consisting of clay soil with sandy soil identified at two points within the study area. The identified sandy soil points are viable for borehole citing. The results showed clay soil thickness of 18 – 30 m in line with chargeability results proving that the overburden stratigraphy of the study area consists mainly of clay soil whose porosity is very poor making it impossible to have clear underground water in most parts and the reason the annual flood in the area can only be abated by run off to the nearby rivers. This study is meant to set out a blueprint for further geotechnical investigation for engineering construction and agro–geophysical studies to enhance agricultural revolution in the area.