Use of Magnetic anomaly data to delineate subsurface structures and depth characterization of Lafiagi and its environs, Northcentral Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACT As part of the effort to have updated knowledge about the metallic source location, subsurface structures and depth information responsible for mineralization in Lafiaji and its environs, North-central Nigeria, a magnetic data of the area has been analyzed using combinations of mathematical techniques. These techniques include Total Horizontal Derivatives (THD), Tilt Derivatives (TD), CET grid technique, Euler Deconvolution (ED), and Fourier technique. Reduction to equator (RTE) was performed on the magnetic data and subjected to the mathematical techniques. The TD, THD and CET techniques revealed various striking subsurface structures moving in NE, SW, NW SE, EW direction and forms banded gneisses and muscovite schist that are intimately linked through the crustal progress going on in the basement rock of the area. The ED solutions did not only reveal various structural sources but also determines the best index with the average depth values of various metallic sources. Also, the result from the spectral analysis ranges from 1.40 km - 3.50 km. In conclusion, this study did not only demonstrate the usefulness of HRAM data in revealing the nature and extent of subsurface structural features and depth information but also shows intense tectonic deformation of the basement structures responsible for mineral exploration.