Depth to Magnetic Sources Using Spectral Analysis of High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data over Machina and Environs, Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Analysis of high resolution aeromagnetic data over Machina and its environment shows areas of low total magnetic intensity contour values are hosts to thicker overburden sediments and near surface intrusive rock bodies reside over high total magnetic intensity contour regions. Positive and negative residual anomaly values depict the presence of basic and acid rock units; however, the acid rocks dominate over the basic components. Major linear features of the residual anomaly are oriented along the NE-SW direction. Some linear features however, cross cut the major lineaments along the NW-SE, N-S, and E-W directions. A NW-SE cross section of the residual anomaly shows irregularity of the bed rock floor. The negative residual anomalies are underlain by granite rocks, while the positive values are within the domain of basic intrusive. Determination of the magnetic source depth revealed depths to the top of the deeper and the shallower sources ranging from 0.6-2.0 km and from 0.4-0.9 km respectively. Thicker sedimentary covers are underlain by basement rocks while; shallower magnetic horizons are composed of intrusive igneous bodies. Maximum sedimentary thickness of 2.0 km in the study area might not be adequate enough for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation. Segment directional histogram data shown on rose diagram exhibits strike directions along the E-W, NE-SW, NW-SE, NNE-SSW and NNE-SSW. Most of the fracture lines dip at angles lower than 10 degrees. The north dipping direction group of lineaments is prevalent. Orientations of the structural elements are in conformity with the dominant regional structural grain of the country. Cross- cutting of the lineaments may be related to the geothermal energy in the area as higher interconnected lineaments are associated with higher geothermal energy. Rugged terrain reliefs might have resulted from the effects of tectonic and structural evolution in the area. Variability of the dip angles is associated with non-uniform framework of the forces of deformation on the rocks and/or differential responses of the rocks to the stress imposed on them.