Magnetic rocks distribution and depth to basement analysis on an old Quarry Site, Abeokuta, SW Nigeria

Abstract

Geomagnetic study was carried out to investigate the distribution and depth of formations of different magnetic rocks on an old quarry site, Abeokuta, Southwestern, Nigeria. Eight ground magnetic profiles were established with 10 m spacing intervals orientated in West-East and North-South directions, and ranged between 110 and 190 m. A total of 223 data sets were acquired and corrected for all forms of magnetic variations. The resulting residual anomalies were plotted against distance using Microsoft Excel tool. Also, these anomalies were modeled into 2D and 3D contour sections using Surfer 10. The depth to basement analysis was carried out using Peter’s half slope graphical method. The resulting profiles and contour sections revealed variable anomalies which indicated contrast in the magnetic distributions of the subsurface. Mineral rocks with average (0-150 nT) magnetic susceptibilities dominated the profiles, and this indicated that the study area is on pegmatite or Quartz vein which probably harbored Beryl, Graphite, Sandstone, Quartz, Tantalite and Mica in both massive and disseminated quantities. Regions with high (150-300 nT) and low (0 to -150 nT) magnetic susceptibilities were also observed across the profiles. Mineral rocks with very thin bodies were observed at depths 3.48-17.42 m, intermediate bodies were buried at depths 2.61-13.06 m, while very thick bodies were located at depths between 2.09 and 10.45 m. The depth of the magnetic sources revealed that the major and minor mineral rock contact in the study area.