Spectral Depth Analysis of Parts of Borno Basin, Nigeria, Using Aeromagnetic Data

Abstract

Statistical spectral analysis of the residual magnetic field values was employed in this research to determine the depth to the magnetic basement rocks of parts of Borno Basin. The area of study lies between latitude 12oN to 13.50N and longitude 12oE to 13.50E. The first magnetic layer from spectral depth analysis was attributed to lateritic ironstone, ferruginous sandstone and effect of surrounding basement rocks with an average value of 0.283 km. The second layer was attributed to magnetic rocks that intruded onto the basement surface, lateral discontinuities in basement susceptibilities and inter-basement features like faults and fractures. The second layer thus represents the depth to basement in the area and this depth has an average value of 2.99 km. This represents the average thickness of the sedimentary formation overlying the Basement Complex over the area under investigation. The generalized depth to basement map produced reveals that the basin is relatively shallow with a maximum depth (thickness) of 5.34 km at the northeastern part of the study area. This increases the possibility of hydrocarbon accumulation in the area.