Geothermal parameter assessment in the Southwestern Sokoto Basin, Nigeria, using spectral analysis (centroid method)

Abstract

This study utilized spectral analysis (centroid method) to assess geothermal parameters in the southwestern part of the Sokoto Basin, Nigeria. The high-resolution airborne data comprised forty-nine (49) overlapping blocks, and each block was divided into 55x55 km to evaluate essential parameters such as depth to the top boundary (Zt ), centroiddepth (Zo), and magnetic source bottom (Zb = 2Zo-Zt ). The analysis revealed variable Curie points depths (CPD), ranging from 3.89 km to 26.56 km. The lowest CPD is primarily associated with basement rocks within anomalies A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I, with an average CPD of 9.16 km. Furthermore, the thermal gradients ranged from 21.84 ◦C/km to 149.10 ◦C/km, with an average thermal gradient of 73.30 ◦C/km. The heat flow exhibited variations between 54.81 mW/m² and 374.24 mW/m², with average heat flow of 180.4 mW/m², indicating significant geothermal potential zones. The high thermal gradients and heat flow regions were identified, around anomalies A, B, and C. Additionally, temperature gradients identified at shallow depths ranged from 110 ◦C/km to 150 ◦C/km. The results reveal the presence of high-temperature points and anomalous geothermal potentials, particularly within anomalies A, B, and C, thus requiring further for sustainable geothermal energy generation in the study area.