Euler Deconvolution and Source Parameter Imaging of Aeromagnetic Data to Delineate Sedimentary Thickness over Lower Part of Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Quantitative interpretation of aeromagnetic data was carried out over the lower part of Sokoto basin northwestern Nigeria in order to determine the sedimentary thickness for possible hydrocarbon potential. The study area lies between latitude 10.5oN to 11.5oN and longitude 04oE to 05oE with an estimated total area of 12,100km2. Four (4) high resolution aeromagnetic data were acquired from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and were processed in to total magnetic intensity (TMI) map using Oasis Montaj. The composite total magnetic intensity (CTMI) map revealed heterogeneity in the magnetic signature, ranging from -64.1nT to 123.6nT. Regional-residual separation was performed on the composite total magnetic intensity map using polynomial fitting. The residual map was subjected to Euler deconvolution and source parameter imaging. The result obtained from the Euler deconvolution revealed a maximum depth of 2015.9m around Kao’je and some parts around of Konkweso and Yelwa and a minimum depth of 3.1m occurring majorly around Shanga, Konkweso and some parts of Yelwa while the result from source parameter imaging revealed a maximum depth of 91.9m. Hence, the sedimentary thicknesses obtained from both the two techniques are insufficient for hydrocarbon maturation. Seismic reflection may further be employed in order to authenticate the result.