INTERPRETATION OF AEROMAGNETIC DATA OVER PARTS OF BIDA BASIN, NORTH CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

Interpretation of Magnetic Signatures over parts of central Bida Basin, Nigeria was carried out to highlight linear structures and to suggest the viability of the basin for hydrocarbon potentials in the survey area. Aeromagnetic data over the study area bounded by latitudes 8.500N to 10.000N and longitudes 5.000E to 6.000E was interpreted with a view to study the magnetic trends and to estimate the sedimentary thickness within the study area. Trend characteristics of magnetic lineaments were analyse using First Vertical Derivative. Source Parameter Imaging was used to estimate the sedimentary thickness. The Lineaments from the First Vertical Derivative trends majorly in NE-SW direction. The occurrence of subsurface linear structures may be due to discontinuities caused by faulting of country rock and this is in conformity with the history of the formation of the Bida Basin. The result of Source Parameter Imaging shows that depth to magnetic sources has its maximum sedimentary thickness of about 3.0 km in the south and central part of the study area. The sedimentary thickness of about 3.0 km might be sufficient for hydrocarbon maturation in the area