article · Journal of Engineering Advancements
Aeromagnetic survey data from the Upper Benue Trough in northeastern Nigeria were analysed to determine subsurface magnetic sources and Curie isotherm depths. By processing Total Magnetic Intensity and residual magnetic anomaly maps, the investigation identified two distinct magnetic source layers. Shallow magnetic sources, attributed to near-surface intrusions, range from 0.16 to 1.13 kilometres deep. Deeper sources, associated with the crystalline basement and maximum sedimentary thickness, range between 0.2 and 4.04 kilometres. The Curie isotherm depth across the trough varies from 16.55 to 23.05 kilometres, with deeper points identified in Biu, Dumne, Shani, Yola, and Mayo Belwa. These thermal variations suggest active metasedimentary volcanic activity and crustal thinning beneath the sub-basin, highlighting the role of mantle plume dynamics during the initial rifting stages of the Upper Benue valley.
Determining subsurface structure and thermal gradients is essential for understanding regional tectonic evolution. Mapping the depth to basement rocks and the Curie isotherm provides geoscientists with valuable insight into regional crustal thinning, deep volcanic processes, and geothermal conditions, establishing foundational geophysical baseline data for northeastern Nigeria.
The abstract does not indicate an explicit commercialisation pathway, representing early-stage academic geophysical research. Nevertheless, the identified sediment thicknesses and subsurface thermal boundary data could be utilised by exploration geologists in energy, geothermal, and mineral exploration sectors to calibrate regional geological models and evaluate prospective areas.
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Data corresponding to high-resolution Aeromagnetic surveys obtained at the various positions across the upper Benue trough in northeastern Nigeria have been used to estimate Curie isotherm depth, and to create the radially averaged power spectrum. Processing and management of data were performed in Oasis Montaj TM software, which allowed obtaining the Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) and the residual magnetic anomaly maps. These maps formed an approximation to estimating the depth to the Curie isotherm and analyzing the radially averaged power spectrum. The depth extent is shown on the power spectrum analysis as shallow magnetic sources are between 0.16 and 1.13 kilometers, and deeper sources between 0.2 an+d 4.04 kilometers. The deep source, which displays the maximum thickness of sediments in the area, is caused by a deep-seated basement, whereas the shallow source depth is most likely the result of near-surface or shallow intrusions. The Curie depth result, which varies from 16.55 to 23.05 kilometers, represents the average local Curie temperatures recorded throughout the study area. The regions of Biu, Dumne, Shani, Yola, and Mayo Belwa were found to have high curie depths, respectively. It is thought that active metasedimentary volcanic activity and crustal thinning beneath the sub-basin are the causes of the Curie isotherm's change across the trough. The variation of the Curie shows how important mantle plume activity is at the beginning of rifting in the upper Benue valley isotherm across the trough.
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DOI: 10.38032/jea.2025.03.007
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