2D electrical resistivity inversion and ground penetrating radar investigation of near surface cave in New Netim area, southeastern Nigeria

2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data inversion and ground penetrating radar (GPR) techniques were used to investigate a cave in New Netim area, southeastern Nigeria. The aim of the research was to apply the non-destructive geophysical techniques in delineating a cave in New Netim. The Wenner electrode configuration was used during the electrical resistivity tomography data acquisition while the common-offset mode was used in the ground penetrating radar scanning. The ERT inversion and GPR results quantitatively show strong contrast in electrical resistivity and dielectric permittivity between the host rock (i.e., limestone) and the void. The differences in the electrical properties and dielectric permittivities of the top loamy soils, weathered limestone and the host rock (i.e., Mfamosing limestone) observed, in contrast to the response from the void were explored. The two combined geophysical techniques with their inversion results gave a reliable near surface geologic model, where both methods show relatively good correlation with regards to delineating the depth to top of the cave (~2.7 m). The joint interpretation of the ERT and GPR was effective in reducing the uncertainty associated with geophysical methods used in locating cavities on a standalone basis. The low cost, fast, environmental friendly and high resolving abilities though at shallow depths of the ERT and GPR techniques have continued to favour their usage in resolving near surface environmental and engineering problems. Generally, caves provide important geotourism attraction sites, hence certain recommendations were put forward that can guide further studies, like the application of Steiner’s geostatistical inversion techniques and other post-exploration development strategies.