Mapping of geological structures and sediment thickness from analysis of aeromagnetic data over the Obudu Basement Complex of Nigeria

Abstract

In this study, geologic structures as well as attendant orientations, and sediment thickness in the Nigerian Obudu Complex, were delineated using the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET), and depth determination methods like source parameter imaging (SPI) and standard Euler deconvolution (SED). The CET, SPI and SED procedures were applied on the total magnetic intensity (TMI) data. Also, the enhanced TMI data using analytic signal (ASIG), first-vertical derivative (FVD), total-horizontal derivative (THD), and tilt-angle derivative (TDR) filters were further subjected to CET operation, with the aim of mapping both subtle and prominent lineaments. In general, mapped geologic structures trends in the NE-SW, NNE-SSW, E-W, and N-S directions. Overall, the dominant geologic structural orientations of NE-SW and NNE-SSW reflect the regional strike orientation. The regional striking of the lineation, which is caused by the Pan-African orogeny and subsequent post-orogenic processes, has an impact on these orientations. The N-S and E-W structural deviations from the main NE-SW and NNE-SSW trends are initiated by the YGS of the post-orogenic events. Overall, these complex geologic structures are probable sites for metallogenic minerals.