Structural Analysis and Interpretation of High Resolution Aeromagnetic data over the Southern Bida basin, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study focuses on the analysis and interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data over the southern part of Bida basin. The study covers an area of 24,200 km2 located between latitude 80 30′N and 90 30′N and longitudes 50 00′E and 70 00′E. Aeromagnetic data in grid format containing eight sheets in 1/2o by 1/2o (55 x 55 km) were analyzed and interpreted. This study employed several magnetic filtering methods to investigate lineaments and other structural features. The filtering methods used are: reduction to the magnetic equator, horizontal derivatives, vertical derivatives, analytical signal, and Centre for exploration targeting grid analysis. The reduced to magnetic equator shows variation in magnetic signatures ranging from-58.65nT-131.44nT. The results from first vertical derivative, second vertical derivative, horizontal derivatives and center for exploration targeting maps reveal that the major structures delineated, trend in NE –SW and NW-SE direction. Since minerals are structurally controlled, these structures delineated might host the economic mineralsin the study area. The second vertical derivative shows a major fault line cutting the area into two parts which is an extension of the Romanche fault. The CET grid analysis map reveals the geologic boundaries and fault lines within the basement rock.