Aeromagnetic Evaluation of Structural Features and Depth to Basement at the Basement-Dahomey Basin Transition Zone, Abeokuta and Environs, Southwestern Nigeria

Authors

Keywords:

Abeokuta, Dahomey Basin, Lineament, Euler Deconvolution, Aeromagnetic

Abstract

This study was aimed at evaluating a contact zone and structural framework between the Basement Complex and the Dahomey Basin of Southwestern Nigeria. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to delineate the geologic structures as well as the sedimentary thickness of 55m to 575m by measurement of depth to magnetic sources. The qualitative analysis on the total magnetic intensity (TMI) data was attained by applying different filters which include reduction to the magnetic equator (RTE), tilt angle derivative (TDR), analytical signal and lineaments extraction to enhance magnetic anomalies. The quantitative analysis which includes Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) and 3D-Euler deconvolution (ED) aided the assessment of structural depth to magnetic sources. The qualitative interpretation revealed the distribution of magnetically susceptible anomalies with varying intensities across the study area. The TMI showed rightly positioned magnetic intensity range of 33,028nT to 33,087nT revealing areas of high and low magnetic intensity. The TDR ranged between -1.4nT to 1.4nT while the Analytic signal ranged between 117nT/m and 8615 nT/m with magnetic peaks in the northeast, west and southwest parts of the study area; interpreted as faulted basement blocks with delineated fault-zones trending northeast. The SPI was used in determining depth to basement and with a range of 54.1m to 599.1m. The 3D-ED ranged between -251.7m to 575.4m with observed anomaly trending in direction of NE-SW implying its conformity to Pan-African Orogeny. The Interpretation of structural features is highly significant for entrapment which can aid accumulation of valuable mineralization and localization of competent areas for proposed engineering construction.

Dimensions

Ajibade, A.C. and Fitches, W.R. (1979): The Nigerian Precambrian and the Pan African Orogeny, Precambrian Geology of Nigeria, pp. 45-53.

Akinduko, O.K., Kazeem, A.S., Usman, D.A., Jane, O.L., Aisha, A., Shakirat, B.A.,

Muhammad, A., Taiwo, A. and Luka, D. (2022): Aero-magnetic and aero-radiometric prospecting for potential gold mineralisation over Ilesha and its environs Southwest, Nigeria.

Asian J. Geol. Res., vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 1-16; Article no. AJOGER.96016.

Anderson, H. and Nash, C. (1997): Integrated lithostructural mapping of the Rössing area, Namibia using high resolution aeromagnetic, radiometric, Landsat data and aerial photographs.

Austin, J.R., Scmidst, P., and Foss, C. (2014). Magnetic modelling of Iron-Oxide Copper Gold mineralization constrained by 3D multiscale integration of petrophysical and geochemical data; Choncurry District, Australia. Interpretation 1(1), pp 63-84. https://doi.org/10.1190/NT.2013-0005-1

Baranov, V. and Naudy, H. (1964): Numerical calculation of the formula of reduction to the magnetic pole. Geophysics Vol. 29: pp. 67–79.

Boyd, D.M. (1967): The contribution of airborne magnetic surveys to geological mapping. In: Morley, L.W. (Ed.), Mining and Ground water geophysics, Geological Survey of Canada, Economic Geology Report, Vol. 26, pp. 213-227.

Carmichael, R.S. (1982): Magnetic Properties of Minerals and Rocks. In: Carmichael, R.S., (Ed.), Handbook of Physical Properties of Rocks, Volume II, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 345 p.

Chouchan, A.K., Chopra, S., Chaube, H., Singh, D. and Mishra, A.K. (2022): Integrated analysis of the gravity and the magnetic data to infer structural features and their role in prospective mineralisation in and around the Ambaji–Deri– Danta–Chitrasani region, NW India. J. Earth Syst. Sci. 131:226. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12040-022-01979-x.

Chukwu, C., Betts, P., Moore, D., Munukutia, R., Armit, R., McLean, M., and Grose, L. (2023). Unsupervised machine learning and depth clusters of euler deconvolution of magnetic data: a new approach to imaging geological structures. Exploration Geophysics. 55(3), pp. 223-245. https://doi.org/10.1080/08123985.2023.2299475

Clark, D.A. (2014): Magnetic effects of hydrothermal alteration in porphyryl copper and Iron-Oxide Copper Gold Systems: A Review. Tectonophysics. 624-625(1), pp. 46-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tecto.2013.12.01

Clark, D.A. (1997): Magnetic Petrophysics and Magnetic Petrology: Aids to Geological Interpretation of Magnetic Surveys. AGSO Journal of Australian Geology and Geophysics, Vol. 17, pp. 83-103.

Dike, E.F.C. (2002): Sedimentation and tectonic evolution of the upper Benue trough and Bornu Basin, ND Nigeria (Abstract), In: Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society Annual International Conference, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Dobrin, M. B. and Savit, C. H. (1988): Introduction to geophysical Prospecting. 4th edition, McGraw Hill, New York.

Edunjobi, H.O., Layade, G.O., Falufosi, M.O. and Olurin, T.O. (2021): Lineament and depth evaluation of magnetic sources in a geological transition zone of Abeokuta and its environs, southwestern Nigeria.

Eldosouky, A.M., Abdelkareem, M., Elkhateeb, S.O. (2017): Integration of remote sensing and aeromagnetic data for mapping structural features and hydrothermal alteration zones in Wadi Allaqi area, South Eastern Desert of Egypt. J. Afr. Earth Sc. Vol. 130, pp. 28–37.

Eldosouky, A.M. and Mohamed, H. (2021): Edge detection of aeromagnetic data as effective tools for structural imaging at Shilman area, South Eastern Desert, Egypt. Arab J. Geosci. 14, 13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-06251-4

Foss, C. (2021): Magnetic data enhancements and depth estimation. In: Gupta, H. K. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of Solid Earth Geophysics. Springer Netherlands, Amsterdam, 736–746. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-8702-7_104

German, C.R and Sayfried, W.E. (2014). Hydrothermal Circulation; earth and planetary sciencs in oceans and marine geochemistry. Treatise in Geochemistry (2nd Edition). 225-278.

Gulraud, M. (1990): Tectono-Sedimentary framework of the early Cretaceous continental Bima Formation (upper Benue trough, NE Nigeria). Journal of African Earth Sciences, Vol. (10): pp. 341- 353.

Gun, P.J. (1975): Linear transformation of gravity and magnetic fields. Geophysical Prospecting, 23(2), pp. 300–312.

Hashim, M., Ahmad, S., Amin, M., Amin, M. J. and Pour, B. (2013): Automatic lineament extraction in a heavily vegetated region using Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+) imagery. Adv. Space Res. 51(5), pp. 874–890.

Hildenbrand, T.G., Stuart, W.D. and Talwani, P. (2001): Geological Structures Related to New Madrid Earthquakes near Memphis, Tennessee, Based on Gravity and Magnetic Interpretations. Environment Geology, 62, 105-121, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0013-7952(01)00056-4.

Ibraheem, I.M., Haggag, M. and Tezkan, B. (2019): Edge detectors as structural imaging tools using aeromagnetic data: a case study of Sohag Area, Egypt. Geosciences. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 9(5):211

Isles, D.J. and Rankin, L.R. (2013): Geological interpretation of aeromagnetic data. The Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicist.

Kaki, C., d'Almeida, G.A.F., Yalo, N. and Amelina, S. (2013): Geology and Petroleum Systems of the Offshore Benin Basin (Benin). Oil & Gas Science and Technology - Rev. IFP Energies nouvelles, 68(2): pp. 363-381.

Kearey, P., Brooks, M. and Hill, I. (2002): An introduction to geophysical Exploration third Edition. T.J. international. pp. 2-160.

Keating, P. and Zerbo, L. (1996): An Improved Technique for Reduction to the Pole at Low Latitudes. Geophysics, Vol 61(1), pp. 131-137.

Lao-Santos, M,. Moraes, R., Li, Y., Raposo. M.I and Zuo, B. (2022). Hydrothermal alteration zones magnetic susceptibility footprints and 3D model of Iron-Oxide Copper-Gold (IOGC) mineralization, Carajas Mineral Province, Brazil. Minerals. 12(12), 1581, pp. 556-578. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121581

Lawal, T.O. (2020). Integrated aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric data for delineating lithologies, structures, and hydrothermal alteration zones in part of southwestern Nigeria. Arabian Journal of Geosciences. 13:775. Pp. 1-19; https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-020-05743-7

Liu, Y.X., Li, W.Y., Liu, Z.Y., Zhao, J.W., Cao, A.Q., Ga, S., Wang, LJ., and Yang, C. (2022). Occurrence of magnetic and aeromagnetic prospecting Northeast of Hebei Province. Minerals. 12(9), pp. 1158. | https://doi.org/10.3390/mm12091158

Marghany, M. and Hashim, M. (2010): Lineament mapping using multispectral remote sensing satellite data. Res. J. Appl. Sci. Vol. 5, pp. 126–130.

Martins, O. (1987): The Ogun river- Geochemical characteristics of a small drainage basin. Mittl. Geol. Palaont. Inst. Univ. Hamb, 72, pp. 113-121.

Masoud, A. and Koike, K. (2006): Tectonic architecture through Landsat-7 ETM+/SRTM DEM-derived lineaments and relationship to the hydrogeologic setting in Siwa region, NW Egypt. J. Afr. Earth Sci. Vol4, pp. 467–477.

Miller, H.G. and Singh, V. (1994): potential field tilt- a new concept for location of potential field sources. Journal of Applied geophysics 32, 213-217.

Milligan, P.R. and Gunn, P.J. (1997): Enhancement and presentation of airborne geophysical data. J. Aust. Geol. Geophys. Vol. 17: pp. 63-75.

Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, MMSD (2010): Airborne geophysical digital data dissemination guidelines. World Bank Assisted sustainable management of Mineral Resources Project. 22.

Mosuro, G.O., Adebisi, N.O., Ariyo, S.O., Omosanya, K.O., Bayewu, O.O. and Oloruntola, M.O. (2021): Redefning the boundary between crystalline and sedimentary rock of Eastern Dahomey Basin. Journal of scientific reports. 11:5016. | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-02184687-8

Murthy, B.S. (2007): Airborne Geophysics and the Indian Scenario.

Nabighian, M.N. (1972): The analytic signal of two dimensional magnetic bodies with polygonal cross-sections: Its properties and use for automated anomaly interpretation. Geophysics. 37 (3): pp. 507-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1440276.

Nabighian, M.N. and Hansen, R.O. (2005): Unification of Euler and Werner deconvolution in three dimensions via the generalized Hilbert transform. Geophysics, 66.

Nigeria Geological survey Agency, NGSA (2006): Geology map of Nigeria. Obaje, N.G. (2009): Geology and Mineral Resources of Nigeria. Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg, pp. 219.

Ogungbemi, O.S., Amigun, J.O. and Olayanju, G.M. (2018): Geophysical characterization of mineralization potential of eastern parts of Ife-Ijesha Schist-Belt, southwestern Nigeria. Int. J. Sc. and Tech. R 7(3): pp. 21–27.

Oladunjoye, M.A., Olayinka, A.I., Alaba, M. and Adabanija, M.A. (2016): Interpretation of high resolution aeromagnetic data for lineaments study and occurrence of Banded Iron Formation in Ogbomoso area, Southwestern Nigeria. J. Afr. Earth Sci. 114, 43–53.

Olurin, O.T., Ganiyu, S.A., Hammed, O.S. and Aluko, T.J. (2016): Interpretation of aeromagnetic data over Abeokuta and its environs, Southwest Nigeria, using spectral analysis (Fourier transform technique). RMZ-M&G. Vol. 63. Pp. 199-0212.

Osinowo, O.O. and Olayinka, A.I. (2013): Aeromagnetic Mapping of Basement Topography around the Ijebu-Ode Geological Transition Zone, Southwestern Nigeria. Acta. Geod. Geophysics, 13(48): pp. 451-470.

Oyebolu, O.O., Ishola, S.A., and Olufemi, S.T. (2025a). Geology Map of Abeokuta and Its Environs in Pictures. Image. Department of Earth Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye.

Oyebolu, O.O., Ishola, S.A., and Olufemi, S.T. (2025b). Location Map of Abeokuta and Its Environs in Pictures. Image. Department of Earth Sciences, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye

Paterson, N.R. and Reeves, C.V. (1985): Applications of gravity and magnetic surveys: the state- of-the-art. Geophysics 50, Pp. 2558-94.

Patra, I., Chaturvedi, A.K., Srivastava, P.K. and Ramayya, M.S. (2013): Integrated Interpretation of Satellite Imagery, Aeromagnetic, Aeroradiometric and Ground Exploration Data-sets to Delineate Favorable Target Zones for Unconformity Related Uranium Mineralization, Khariar Basin. Central India. Journ Geological Society of India. 81, pp. 299-308.

Pour, A.B., Hashim, M., Makaoundi, S. and Zaw, K. (2016): Structural Mapping of the Bentong–Raub Suture Zone using PALSAR remote sensing data, peninsular Malaysia: Implications for sediment-hosted/orogenic gold mineral systems exploration. Resour. Geol. 66(4), pp. 368–385.

Rahaman, M.A. (1976): Review of the Basement Complex Geology of Southwestern Nigeria. Edited by Kogbe, C.A., Elizabethan publisher, Lagos, 4158.

Reid, A.B., Allsop, J.M. and Thurston, J.B. (2014): The structural index in gravity and magnetic Interpretation: Errors, uses and abuses. Geophysics; Vol. 79(4): pp. 61-66.

Reynolds, R.L., Rosenbaum, J.G., Hudson, M.R. and Fishman, N.S. (1990). Rock magnetism, the distribution of magnetic minerals in the Earth's crust, and aeromagnetic anomalies. In: Hanna, W.F. (Ed.), Geologic Applications of Modern Aeromagnetic Surveys: United State Geological Survey Bulletin. 1924, 24-45.

Russ, W. (1957): The geology of parts of Niger, Zaria and Sokoto Provinces. Geol. Surv. Nigeria Bull 27: pp. 1–42.d

Schlegal, T.U., Wagner, T., and Fusswinkel, T. (2020). Fluorite as Indicator mineral from Oxide-Copper Gold-systems; explaining thew IOCG deposit diversing. Chemical Geology, 548(1), pp. 342-443. | https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemgeo.2020.119674

Sehsah, H., Eldosouky, A.M. and El Afandy, A.H. (2019): Unpaired ophiolite belts in the Neoproterozoic Allaqi-Heiani Suture, the Arabian-Nubian Shield: Evidences from magnetic data. Journal of African Earth Sciences 156, pp. 26–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2019.05.002.

Solomon, S. and Ghebreab, W. (2006): Lineament characterisation and their tectonic significance using Landsat TM data and Beld studies in the central highlands of Eritrea. J. Afr. Earth Sci. 46, pp. 371–378.

Spector, A. and Grant, F.S. (1970): Statistical models for interpreting aeromagnetic data. Geophysics 35: pp. 293–302

Telford, W.M., Geldart, L.P. and Sheriff, R.E. (1990): Applied geophysics (2nd edition), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Turner, D.C. (1983): Upper Proterozoic schist belts in the Nigerian sector of the Pan-African province of West Africa. Precam. Res. 21, pp. 55-79.

Wemegah, D., Menyeh, B. and Danuor, S. (2009): Magnetic Susceptibility Characterization of mineralized and non-mineralized rocks of the Subenso Concession of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited. Ghana Science Association Biennial Conference. Accra.

Wemegah, D.D., Preko, K., Noye, R.M., Boadi, B., Menyeh, A., Danuor, S.K. and Danuor, S.K. and Amenyoh, T. (2015): Geophysical Interpretation of Possible Gold Mineralization Zones in Kyerano, South-Western Ghana Using Aeromagnetic and Radiometric Datasets. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection. 2015, 3(4), pp. 67-82.

Published

2026-03-31

How to Cite

Aeromagnetic Evaluation of Structural Features and Depth to Basement at the Basement-Dahomey Basin Transition Zone, Abeokuta and Environs, Southwestern Nigeria. (2026). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 2(1), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v2i1-2026-34

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2026): Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics - Vol. 2 No. 1

Section

Articles
Copyright & Licensing

How to Cite

Aeromagnetic Evaluation of Structural Features and Depth to Basement at the Basement-Dahomey Basin Transition Zone, Abeokuta and Environs, Southwestern Nigeria. (2026). Nigerian Journal of Applied Physics, 2(1), 62-77. https://doi.org/10.62292/njap-v2i1-2026-34

Similar Articles

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.