Geothermal Potential Assessment and Subsurface Structural Mapping of the Southern Bida Basin, Nigeria Using Aeromagnetic Dataset

A magnetic dataset over some portions of the southern Bida Basin, Nigeria, has been evaluated using spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution techniques. The geothermal potentials and the subsurface structures of the region are delineated from the data. Qualitative assessment of the total magnetic intensity (TMI) and first vertical derivative maps of the region reveal evidence of intrusion around the northeastern and southeastern portions of the research area. The entire region is greatly faulted, with the major fault trending east west (E-W). The Euler deconvolution map reveals clusters of different rock bodies in contact with each other delineated as dyke and sill structures. These structures have depth range values between 01 and 1917 m. The results from the spectral analysis reveal two depth source models in the region, namely the high sedimentary pill region ranging from 1.79 to 3.30 km, and the low sedimentary pill region ranging from 0.41 to 1.45 km. The 3D real-view map of the sedimentary infilling within the mapped area shows that the sedimentary pills are undulating and structurally controlled within the research area. The geothermal gradient and the Curie isotherm depth are estimated to range from 19.10 to 32.10 C/km, and this is not sufficient for geothermal energy exploitation. The current investigation has been able to pinpoint the igneous intrusive zones that should be avoided when investigating hydrocarbons. It also yields a model that makes identifying possible geologic structures that control magnetic ore mineral deposits in the region easier.