Determination of depth to magnetic source over part of Mongunu and Environ using source parameter imaging from high resolution aeromagnetic data

Abstract

This study focuses on determination of sedimenatary thickness using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) to interpret high resolution aeromagnetic data over part of Mongunu and environ northeast Nigeria for possible hydrocarbon presence. The study area is covered by four aeromagnetic data sheets 45 (Dubumbali), 46 (Monguno), 67 (Masu) and 68 (Marte), bounded by latitude 12oN-13o N and Longitudes 13o E-14o E with an estimated total area of 12,100 km2. Polynomial fitting method was adopted for the regional-residual separation of the total magnetic intensity. The pre-processed grids dx, dy and dz from residual grid were used as input grids to calculate the depth to magnetic source point (SPI). The result of the study shows a minimum sedimentary thickness of 1.5 km and this could be found at the extreme south-eastern part of the study area which correspond to Marte town and maximum sedimentary thickness of 3.50 km which could also be found at the Southwestern part of the study area around Masu town. The maximum sedimentary thickness of 3.50 km around Masu town, southwestern part of the study area may be sufficient for the presence of hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation in the study area.