Application of Magnetic Method in Grouundwater Exploration

APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC METHOD IN GROUUNDWATER
EXPLORATION
In a typical basement terrain, groundwater is located in weathered and fractured aquifers
and in the transition zone (partly weathered basement) between the weathered rock and the fresh
bedrock. Unlike in the sedimentary environment, aquifer lateral and depth extents vary
considerably. While some areas are associated with relatively high overburden thicknesses and
high fracture densities with consequently high groundwater potential, other areas could be
devoid of subsurface structures (fault, fracture and shear zones) with basement outcropping in
most places with tendency for very low groundwater potential.
The main application of the magnetic method in groundwater investigation had been in
defining large-scale basin structures and regional aquifer used the method to map bedrock
topography, basement faults/fractures and the location of crustal weakness that may represent
preferential fluid flow paths. The technique entails taking measurements of changes in the Earth's
magnetic field brought on by variations in the magnetic properties of the subsurface materials,
such as variations in the magnetic susceptibility and the existence of magnetic minerals.
By using a magnetometer to gauge the magnetic field's strength and direction, the
magnetic technique can be applied to groundwater exploration. The resulting magnetic anomaly
map can identify areas with possible groundwater resources after the data has been processed and
interpreted.
A detailed ground magnetic survey was conducted in a basement complex underlain
Modomo community in southwestern Nigeria with the goal of delineating subsurface structures,
estimating overburden thicknesses, and evaluating the geophysical method's relevance in
groundwater investigation in the area.
The Modomo community can be found in Ile-Ife, a part of Osun State's Ife Central Local
Government Area in southwest Nigeria. The study area is underlain by the Precambrian
basement complex rocks that form the foundation of the study region. The Ife-Ilesha Schist Belt's
granite gneiss and pegmatite are among the underlying minerals. Granite gneiss is seen as low-
lying outcrops throughout the study area, and pegmatite veins can be seen along road cuts and
channels formed by weathering in the southwest corner of the study area. Clay and
comparatively thin clayey sand make up the overburden.
Preliminary studies were conducted, which included a review of previous works. A
ground magnetic survey was conducted along all access roads in the study region. Total field
magnetic intensity (TMI) data were gathered at 10-100 m station intervals (but generally at 50
m). Before beginning data collection, a base station was established in a magnetically quiet
environment within the study area, and repeated readings were taken at intervals of about 30
minutes to monitor the trend of the time varying component of the earth's total magnetic field
(Diurnal variation), which were used to correct the field data for diurnal variation and offset by
subtracting the base station magnetic measurement from a time-synchronized magnetic
measurement along the occupied traverses.
In order to identify subsurface structures, calculate overburden thicknesses, and evaluate
the applicability of the geophysical technique for groundwater exploration in the area, the total
field component of the earth's magnetic field was measured at station intervals of 10-100 m
along access routes within the research region. The measurements were adjusted for diurnal
variation and offset before being reduced to the magnetic equator (RTE). To map edges and
estimate depths to the structures, RTE data was enhanced using methods such as the second
vertical derivative, total horizontal derivative, and Euler deconvolution. The thicknesses of
overburden were determined using 2D magnetic subsurface modeling along eight profiles.
Magnetic survey lineaments (structures) and overburden thicknesses were validated using
resistivity survey 2D structures and overburden thicknesses, as well as borehole log data from
the study region.
Variations in magnetic strength within the study area could be due to basement relief and
discontinuities (fractures, faults, and joints) in the rocks beneath the study area rather than
geology (lithological variation). The data can then be used to better understand groundwater flow
paths, recharge zones, and possible groundwater contamination pathways, which is critical for
long-term groundwater resource management.
A detailed ground magnetic survey conducted in the study region identifies geologic
structures that are supported by 2D resistivity images. The research also demonstrated that
magnetic surveys can estimate overburden thicknesses that are comparable to 1D VES-derived
overburden thicknesses. As a result, it is concluded that the magnetic technique can be used for
overburden thickness estimation and structure mapping, and is thus very relevant in groundwater
investigation in a typical basement complex terrain.

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APPLICATION OF MAGNETIC METHOD IN GROUUNDWATER

In a typical basement terrain, groundwater is located in weathered and fractured aquifers

most places with tendency for very low groundwater potential.

A detailed ground magnetic survey was conducted in a basement complex underlain

groundwater investigation in the area.

comparatively thin clayey sand make up the overburden.

Preliminary studies were conducted, which included a review of previous works. A

subtracting the base station magnetic measurement from a time-synchronized magnetic

measurement along the occupied traverses.

In order to identify subsurface structures, calculate overburden thicknesses, and evaluate

the study region.

long-term groundwater resource management.

investigation in a typical basement complex terrain.

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