(Zhang et al., 2024). Understanding the spatial extent of these lithologies is therefore critical for sustainable
groundwater development, particularly in regions where groundwater is the main water supply (Kumar &
Patel, 2024).
Engineering and Construction Considerations
From a geotechnical perspective, the dense, high-resistivity sandstone and marl formations represent
competent and stable ground suitable for construction, as also observed by Lee et al. (2024). However, the
presence of shallow weathered zones and clay/shale horizons introduces challenges such as differential
settlement or slope instability. These issues necessitate careful site-specific assessment and, in some cases,
ground improvement measures. The integration of VES data with geotechnical testing has been shown to
enhance the reliability of construction site evaluations (Zhang et al., 2024).
Methodological Advances and Future Directions
Recent developments in geophysical techniques, including multi-electrode resistivity arrays and machine
learning-assisted inversion, have significantly improved the resolution of subsurface models (Zhang et al.,
2024; Kumar & Patel, 2024). Incorporating these methods into future studies will allow for more accurate
characterization of subsurface heterogeneity. Furthermore, combining VES results with borehole logs, remote
sensing, and geotechnical investigations provides a holistic framework for subsurface analysis, as
recommended in recent studies (Ojo & Adeyemi, 2024; Zhang et al., 2024).
CONCLUSION
The VES data across the five locations demonstrate significant lithological variability that has direct
implications for geotechnical, hydrogeological, and engineering applications within the study area. The
presence of shallow weathered zones overlain by deeper, high-resistivity formations suggests suitable zones
for foundation support and groundwater extraction, provided that detailed site investigations are carried out.
The evolving geophysical techniques and integrative approaches documented in recent studies underscore the
importance of comprehensive subsurface evaluation for sustainable development.
REFERENCES
1. Adegoke, O. A., Johnson, T. A., & Oluwadare, O. S. (2022). Sedimentology and stratigraphy of the
Amasiri Sandstone and Ezeaku Formation in southeastern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences,
189, 104585. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2022.104585
2. Ajakaiye, D. E., Abayomi, A. O., & Oladipo, O. D. (1994). Application of electrical resistivity methods
in mineral exploration in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Mining and Geology, 31(2), 115–124.
3. Akinluyi, A. O., Oladipo, O. D., & Akinluyi, O. A. (2020). Geophysical investigation of marl deposits
for industrial applications in southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Geophysical Research, 25(3), 45–58.
4. Akinluyi, A. O., Oladipo, O. D., & Eze, C. C. (2021). Differentiation of lithologies in sedimentary
basins using electrical resistivity techniques: A case study from southeastern Nigeria. Geophysical
Research Letters, 48(8), e2020GL089123. https://doi.org/10.1029/2020GL089123
5. Dahlin, T., & Zhou, B. (2004). The influence of layered earth models on the interpretation of resistivity
data. Geophysics, 69(4), 1141–1150.
6. Enesi, R. O., Dyck, M., Chang, S., Thilakarathna, M. S., Fan, X., Strelkov, S., & Gorim, L. Y. (2023).
Liming remediates soil acidity and improves crop yield and profitability—A meta-analysis. Frontiers in
Agronomy, 5, 1194896. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2023.1194896
7. Eze, C. C., Nwankwo, O. N., & Chukwu, B. C. (2022). Geophysical evaluation of marl deposits for
construction in southeastern Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Geology, 56 (2), 180–195.
8. Eze, C. C., Nwankwo, O. N., & Onyekachi, A. C. (2018). Stratigraphy and sedimentology of the
Afikpo Basin, southeastern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Sciences, 145, 151–165.
9. Eze, C. L., Nwachukwu, M. C., & Ijeoma, O. (2020). Structural features and tectonic history of the
Ezeaku Formation in southeastern Nigeria. African Geosciences Review, 27 (2), 153–167.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S1819720520000110