International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2572

Full Length Research Paper

Estimation of sedimentary thickness using spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data over Abakaliki and Ugep areas of the Lower Benue Trough, Nigeria

Alasi T. K.
  • Alasi T. K.
  • Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Ugwu G. Z.
  • Ugwu G. Z.
  • Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
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Ugwu C. M.
  • Ugwu C. M.
  • Department of Industrial Physics, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 21 August 2017
  •  Accepted: 29 September 2017
  •  Published: 16 November 2017

Abstract

Aeromagnetic data over Abakaliki and Ugep areas of the lower Benue Trough were interpreted to determine the depth to magnetic source rocks of the area. The study area covered latitudes 5° 30' and 6° 30'N and longitudes 8° 00' and 8° 30'E with an estimated total area of about 6000 km2. Quantitative interpretation was carried out using spectral analysis method to compute for depth to basement while the polynomial fitting method was adopted for the regional-residual separation of the total magnetic intensity. Interpretation of the total magnetic intensity (TMI) over the area showed NE and NW main trends in the study area. The 3-D surface map also showed a linear depression with sedimentary accumulation trending E-W. The spectral analysis over the area showed a sedimentary thickness that ranged from 0.64 to 4.25 km. High sedimentary thickness of over 4 km was obtained at the central part of the study area while the minimum sedimentary thickness of about 0.60 km was obtained at the southern part of the study area which is around Ugep. The maximum sedimentary thickness of about 4.25 km could be capable of hydrocarbon accumulation prospect.

 

Key words: Aeromagnetic data, spectral analysis, magnetic anomaly, intrusions and sedimentary thickness.