Mapping Ground Water Potential Recharge Zones in Parts of Akwa Ibom State Using Geographic Information System (G.I.S)

The study was conducted to map ground water potential recharge zones based on physical parameters in southern parts of Akwa Ibom State using Geographical information system (GIS). The aim was to produce ground water recharge potential map for the protection of water quality and the management of ground water systems. Thematic maps of lithology, land cover/ land use, lineaments, drainage, and slope of the study area were produced from various sources. The influence of each factors to groundwater recharge and interaction between the factors were examined and ranks were assigned. Weighting values were assigned according to the degree of the Multiple Influencing Factors (MIF). All the thematic maps or layers were integrated applying weighted overlay analysis in a GIS environment (Arc Map 10.5 software) to produce the resultant map. The study produced a ground water recharge potential map of parts of Akwa Ibom State. The resultant map indicated that the most effective groundwater recharge potential zone was trending in the NW – SE direction. In this region, the coastal plain sands of the Benin Formation, the agricultural land and forest possesses high infiltration ability. Additionally, the concentration of drainage also indicates the ability of stream-flow to recharge the groundwater system. The downstream region is least effective for groundwater recharge, mainly due to its elevation being as low as sea level. Keywords: Mapping, Groundwater, GIS, Lineament, Drainage, Recharge DOI: 10.7176/CER/12-2-08 Publication date: February 29th 202