Abstract
The high resolution aeromagnetic data over part of middle Benue trough was interpreted quantitatively using Spectral depth analysis and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) of the magnetic source rocks to determine the sedimentary thickness for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation. The study area is bounded with longitudes 09°00′ - 10°00E and Latitudes 08°30′ - 09°30′N with an estimated total area of 12,100 km2. The regional/residual separation was carried out using polynomial fitting with order one. The pre-process grids dx, dy and dz from residual grid was used as an input grid to calculate the source parameter imaging. The same residual map was subdivided into nine blocks for spectral analysis. The result from source parameter imaging reveals maximum sedimentary thickness of 2.21 km at the extreme southern part of the study area which corresponds to part of Kwolla and Shendam. Minimum depth of 0.05 km is obtained at the northwestern part of the study area which corresponds to Pankshin. The result from spectral analysis also shows similar maximum depth of 2.54 km in the same area as SPI and minimum depth of 0.51 km area as SPI and minimum depth of 0.51 km. Since the sedimentary thickness of 3.0 km and above is only sufficient for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation, then the result from this present study might not be sufficient enough for hydrocarbon maturation and accumulation but might be good for hydrocarbon gas accumulation. Key words: Aeromagnetic data, hydrocarbon, maturation, polynomial fitting, spectral analysis.
Highlights
Recent interest in the inland basins in Nigeria for petroleum and mineral deposits necessitated the need to study one of the prominent basins which has received little attention from researchers, for some time
In view of increased efforts to explore for new reserve, the high resolution aeromagnetic data over part of Middle Benue Trough was used to evaluate the depth
This present study is based on reconnaissance survey and two depth estimating methods were adopted to determine the sedimentary thickness over part of middle Benue Trough for possible hydrocarbon potential in the area
Summary
Recent interest in the inland basins in Nigeria for petroleum and mineral deposits necessitated the need to study one of the prominent basins which has received little attention from researchers, for some time now. This present study is based on reconnaissance survey and two depth estimating methods were adopted to determine the sedimentary thickness over part of middle Benue Trough for possible hydrocarbon potential in the area. The Asu-River Group of marine origin is the oldest deposited sediment in this area followed by Ezeaku Formation, keana/Awe Formation, Awgu Formation and Lafia Sandstone which is the youngest sediment (Obaje, 2004) More on this geology could be found in the work of Cratchley and Jones (1965), Burke et al (1972), Offodile (1976), Osazuwa et al (1981), and Offoegbu (1985).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
