GEOLOGY AND HYDRO-GEOLOGY OF ABAKALIKI METROPOLIS

           The Abakaliki metropolis is geologically, underlain by the Abakaliki Shale Formation of the Asu River Group . The Asu River Group sediments are predominantly shales, and localized occurrences of sandstone, siltstone and limestone intercalations. It was generally believed to have started depositing in the mid-Albian period and was deposited within the lower (or southern) Benue Trough, southeastern Nigeria. 

The geology of the Abakaliki metropolis is shown in our previous post Emplaced in these Asu River Group sediments are intermediates to basic intrusive, extrusives and pyroclastics. The group has average thickness of about 2000m and rests unconformably on the Precambrian Basement. The Abakaliki Shale Formation, which has an average thickness of about 500 m, is dominantly shale, dark grey in colour, blocky, and non-micaceous in most locations. It is calcareous (calcite-cemented) and deeply weathered to brownish clay in the greater part of the formation.  
Aghamelu et al. (2011) note that the major part of the Abakaliki metropolis is underlain by aquiclude; except in locations or zones where secondary aquiferous conditions were made possible by syn- and post depositional circumstances. The syn-depositional circumstance is the occurrence of lenses of sandstone or siltstone beds, while the post depositional circumstances include weathering, fracturing or shearing, and volcanic intrusions. The zones are recharged mostly in the peak of rainy season and by surface waters in the area. The major river that drains the area is the Ebonyi River and its tributaries; Udene and Iyiokwu Rivers. Both tributaries are perennial and usually overflow their banks at the peak of the rains.
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