Determination of Depth to Magnetic Source over part of Mongunu and Environ Using Source Parameter Imaging of High Resolution Aeromagnetic Data

Abstract

This study focuses on determination of sedimentary thickness using source Parmaeter 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 (Dumbulbali), 46 (Monguno), 67 (Masu) and 68 (Marte), bounded by latitude 12.000 N- 13.000 N and longitudes 13.000 E – 14.000 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 dy from the 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 corresponds to Marte town and maximum sedimentary thickness of 3.50 km which could also be found at the south-western part of the study area around Masu town. The maximum sedimentary thickness of 3.50 km around Masu town, south-western part of the study area may be sufficient for the presence of hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation in the study area.