Seismic Refraction Survey of the Area Northeast of Minna, Nigeria

Abstract

Seismic refraction survey was carried out in the area Northeast of Minna to ascertain the suitability the area as a residential area. The survey was carried out along 6 profiles equally spaced out at the interval 100m with each profile a consisting of 16 sub profiles of 60 m. A total area of 1 kilometer by 500m was graded and surveyed. High velocity values were obtained in some part of the area, most especially in the northwestern and southeastern portions of the area. Careful interpretation of the seismic data obtained shows two-layers geologic section within the survey area. The first layer velocity varies between 909.1 m/s and 1538m/s with an average value of 1540m/s. The second layer velocity, otherwise known as the refractor layer velocity ranges between 2169m/s and 8364m/s with an average velocity of 5240m/s. The velocity range for the layer indicates that the topsoil is mainly composed of clay, sand and sites most suitable for the construction of high-rise buildings are found around the northwestern and southeastern portions of the area where high refractor velocities are obtained.