A detailed analysis of hydro-parameters of the Adamawa Plateau watershed derived from the application of geoelectrical technique

• Published in: Environmental earth sciences 2021-12, Vol.80 (23), Article 774
• Main Authors: Aretouyap, Zakari, Bisso, Dieudonné, Assatse, William Teikeu, Kana, Janvier Domra, Ghomsi, Franck Eitel Kemgang, Nouayou, Robert, Nouck, Philippe Njandjock, Asfahani, Jamal
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aquifer systems; Aquifers; Biogeosciences; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Electrical resistivity; Empirical analysis; Environmental Science and Engineering; Extremum values; Geochemistry; Geoelectricity; Geology; Hydraulic conductivity; Hydrogeology; Hydrology/Water Resources; Original Article; Parameters; Plate tectonics; Pumping tests; Sedimentary rocks; Stratigraphy; Terrestrial Pollution; Thickness; Transmissivity; Watersheds
• ISSN: 1866-6280; 1866-6299
• DOI: 10.1007/s12665-021-10080-3

This research revises and improves previous studies conducted in the Adamawa region regarding aquifer characterisation. Linear regression technique is used to predict hydrogeological parameters from electrical data, where different empirical relationships are established on the basis of geological settings. Hence, for each parameter to be predicted, there are two relationships, the equal number of geological groups encountered in the study area, namely metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. For this, electrical data were interpreted using conjointly curve-matching method and inverse slope method to improve the previous results, taking into account geological inhomogeneities of the region. Hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity values are determined from pumping tests conducted on 13 VESs out of a total of 50. From those experimental values, strong relationships are established between these hydrogeological parameters and electrical data, with regard to the two main geological settings existing within the region. Aquifer parameters are consequently improved. Hydraulic conductivity, transmissivity, resistivity, thickness and transverse resistance changed in their mean values, respectively, as follows: 2.74–0.3 m/day, 31.15–31 m 2 /day, 225–30.8 Ω m, and 31–4.9 m. Same change trends are also noted in the extremum values. Major changes are observed in aquifer resistivity and thickness. In addition to those changes, “Pan-African” syntax does no more fit to design this aquifers system because it refers to a regional stratigraphic and plate tectonic setting which does not have strong impact on the major aquifer parameters.