Delineating structure elements and depth of sources using an aeromagnetic data set in the Tarhona region, Nortwest Libya

Abstract

The Tarhona region, which is situated within the northwestern part of Libya, is a part of Jabal Nafusah (eastern Jabal) due to its geographic location and the character of the escarpment. It is restricted to the east by longitudes 13.00⁰ to 14.00⁰ east and to the north by latitudes 31.45⁰ to 32.25⁰ north. The analysis and interpretation of magnetic data can depict previously unknown regions and improve scientific knowledge of the study area. However, the geological ambiguity of the study area makes it challenging to figure out the geological interpretation within and around the area. Therefore, this study aims to delineate structural elements and depths of sources using an aeromagnetic dataset in the Tarhona region in northwest Libya. Magnetic dataset is reduced to the pole (RTP) within Oasis Montaj. Different filters were utilised to magnetic data, including Total horizontal gradient (THG), CET grid analysis, Power spectrum analysis (PS), Analytic signal (AS), 3D Euler deconvolution (ED), and Tilt derivative (TDR). The result shows various fault tendencies in the N-S, NNW-SSE, and NW-SE directions. The depth of faults was determined from 2000 to above 8000 m after applying 3D Euler deconvolution with the TDR derivative. In addition, a rose diagram was prepared for delineating the trend of the faults using edge detection techniques (THG, CET grid analysis, AS, Euler deconvolution, and TDR). The delineation of subsurface structures in the region is helpful for further hydrocarbon exploration.