Full Length Research Paper

Hydrodynamic characterization of the Paleocene aquifer in the coastal sedimentary basin of Togo

Gnazou M. D. T.¹*, Bawa L. M.¹, Banton O.² and Djaneye-Boundjou G.¹

¹Laboratoire de Chimie de l’Eau, Faculté Des Sciences, Université de Lomé, B.P 1515, Lomé, Togo.

²Laboratoire d’Hydrogéologie, Université d’Avignon et des Pays du Vaucluse, France.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: mgnazou@yahoo.fr.  Tel : (228) 225 50 93.

Accepted 15 May, 2009

Abstract

The intense exploitation of shallow aquifers in the coastal basin of Togo provokes a rapid depletion of these reservoirs. The confined paleocene aquifer represents potential reserves that are yet little exploited. This paper presents the hydrodynamic characterization of this aquifer. Piezometric data established from 80 wells fluctuate between 1.17 and 3.42 m; and demonstrate the effect of pumping on groundwater level with a depression located in South-West of the study area. Major fluctuations higher than 2 m, are observed in some wells located in the North of the basin. These are a result of the recharging of the Paleocene by the shallow aquifer of the Continental terminal in the North of the basin where the two aquifers are in contact.

Key words: Water table, aquifer, Paleocene, fluctuations, Togo.