Evaluation of Structural Framework and Depth Estimates Using High Resolution Airborne Magnetic Data over Some Parts of Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria

Abstract

High-resolution aeromagnetic data of parts of Middle Benue Trough, Nigeria (sheets 212, 213, 233 and 234) was interpreted by applying source Parameter Imaging (SPI) and Spectral Depth analysis with the aim of mapping out the magnetic lineaments and analysing magnetic signals coming from different sources. The results from the derivatives maps show major and minor lineaments trends in the NE-SW and NW-SE directions respectively. Results from SPI show the maximum sedimentary thickness of about −4546.7 m (−4.5467 km) around the region of Awe, Aman, Langtang south, Gassol and the north-eastern part of Donga. Minimum depth of −167.9 m (−0.1679 km) around the region of north of Shendam, north of Wase, north-eastern part of Aman, Bantaji, Donga, Ibi and Bali. The residual map was divided into twenty-five sections. Spectral Depth was run for each of these twenty-five sections, the result shows that the depth to the deep magnetic source ranges between −0.65 km and −3.35 km. The depth to the shallow magnetic sources ranges between −0.03 km and −0.44 km showing the presence of magnetic intrusive bodies within the sediments. Since the sedimentary thickness of 3.0 km and above is only sufficient for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation, then the results from this present study show that the study area might be sufficient enough for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation.

Mapping of geological structures controlling mineralization in parts of the Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria, using high resolution aeromagnetic data

“…While, the areas with low magnetic intensity values has widely spaced contours which signifies that the depth to the basement is relatively deeper. The study area has a major fault that is trending E-W (east-West) and other minor faults that equally trend in similar direction to the major fault according to Usman et al (2023) and Nasir et al (2022). Figure 5 shows the map of the analytical signal amplitude within the study area.…”

The effects of magnetic and radiometric responses on hydrothermal zones and its implication in minerals characterization over part of Nasarawa, North Central Nigeria

“…The output can be interpreted as the one with very little variation and high variation when the values approach zero and large values respectively (Kovesi, 1991). Centre for exploration targeting was carried out to recognise linear structures contained within the aeromagnetic data through a repeated map by product forms that include standard deviation which determines variations in magnetic response (Abdulsalam et al, 2022), and the continues lines can be separated with phase symmetry. Afterwards, the resulting lineaments were enhanced by suppressing noise and background signals using amplitude thresholding (Figure 7).…”

“…Qualitative analysis and interpretation of airborne magnetic and radiometric data have been very useful in identifying anomalous area(s) by delineating geological structures, lithological units, hydrothermal alteration zones and subsurface structures that might host economic and industrial minerals since magnetic minerals are structurally controlled (Abdulsalam et al,, 2022;Ologe et al,, 2018). O'leary et al, (1976), Ananaba & Ajakaiye (1987) concluded in their work that deformations are associated with most mineral deposits concentration.…”

“…O'leary et al, (1976), Ananaba & Ajakaiye (1987) concluded in their work that deformations are associated with most mineral deposits concentration. Some lineament patterns have been defined to be the most favorable structural conditions in control of various mineral deposits (Megwara & Udensi, 2013;Ananaba 1991, Abdulsalam et al, 2022Ajakaiye et al, 1986). They often indicate the general geometry of subsurface structures of an area thereby providing a regional structural pattern (Abdulrahaman et al, 2022;Onyewuchi et al, 2012;Ajakaiye et al, 1991).…”