USE OF POTENTIAL METHODS IN INVESTIGATING FAULTS AND FRACTURES IN KIAMUNYI AREA SOUTH WEST OF MENENGAI IN THE KENYA RIFT

Njeru Rita Mwendia; Antony M. Wamalwa; MSK Kirui

Volume : V, Issue : IV, April - 2016

USE OF POTENTIAL METHODS IN INVESTIGATING FAULTS AND FRACTURES IN KIAMUNYI AREA SOUTH WEST OF MENENGAI IN THE KENYA RIFT

Njeru Rita Mwendia, Antony M. Wamalwa, Msk Kirui

Abstract :

The rapidly growing Nakuru town needs expansion to accommodate the increasing population. This vast expansion can only be done at the outskirts of the town. However, no single research has been done with the aim of checking the geological stability of the regions around Nakuru town; either by mapping new fault lines or by confirming using geophysical methods the presence of fault–lines shown on geological maps. Kiamunyi estate being in the outskirts of the town was therefore chosen for this research; to evaluate the stability of the area for development. The potential methods were employed for this study. Gravity and magnetic data were contoured and interpreted. From the gravity contour map, a gravity low was observed between two gravity highs. A low magnetic intensity zone that occurred between two high magnetic intensity regions was also evident. The location of these anomalies from both the gravity and magnetic contour maps coincides. It is therefore concluded that the observed anomalies indicate the presence of a fault that strikes Northwest–Southeast.