Analysis Of Aeromagnetic Data Research Articles

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis for Sustainable Structural Mapping of the Missiakat Al Jukh Area in the Central Eastern Desert: Enhancing Resource Exploration with Minimal Environmental Impact

This study integrates aeromagnetic data with geological information to develop a consistent interpretation of both shallow and deep structural frameworks at various depths in the Missiakat Al Jukh area, located in the Central Eastern Desert, Egypt. The research begins by processing reduced-to-the-north magnetic pole (RTP) anomalies, using Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) techniques to distinguish between local residual structures and broader regional features. This multi-scale approach enables a more detailed understanding of the geological complexity in the region, revealing its subsurface structures. Advanced geophysical methods such as upward continuation, Euler deconvolution, source parameter imaging (SPI), and global particle swarm optimization (GPSO) were applied to further refine the determination of structural depths, offering critical insights into the distribution and orientation of geological features at varying depths. The study reveals dominant structural orientations aligned in the NNW-SSE, ENE-WSW, north–south, and east–west directions, reflecting the region’s complex tectonic history. This research is of great importance in terms of sustainability. By delivering detailed subsurface maps and providing more accurate depth estimates of basement rocks (between 0.6 and 1.3 km), it contributes to sustainable resource exploration in the region. A better understanding of the geological structure helps minimize the environmental impact of exploration by reducing unnecessary drilling and concentrating efforts on areas with higher potential. Additionally, the use of non-invasive geophysical techniques supports the transition toward more environmentally conscious exploration practices. The integration of these advanced methods promotes a more sustainable approach to mineral and resource extraction, which is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation in geologically sensitive areas. Ultimately, this work provides a thorough geological interpretation that not only aids future exploration efforts but also aligns with the global push for sustainable and eco-friendly resource management.

Application of magnetic data and satellite spectral imaging in identifying gold mineralization zones and its associated subsurface structures at Fawakheir-Attala area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt

The Fawakheir-Attala gold mining zone in Egypt’s Central Eastern Desert features a diverse range of rock formations, including Precambrian crystalline rocks and Phanerozoic sedimentary formations. These formations encompass gneisses, metavolcanics, metasediments, a metagabbro-diorite complex, Dokhan volcanic rocks, and granitic rocks, alongside lower and upper Nubia sandstones. Faults and shear zones are pivotal in controlling gold mineralization within the area, indicative of substantial mineral wealth. This study aimed to map subsurface structural characteristics and investigate gold mineralization zones using aerial magnetic data and ASTER remote sensing, the latter of which played a crucial role in highlighting the surface exposure of alteration zones. Geological surveys combined with remote sensing techniques were employed to identify rock types and mineralization zones, while magnetic methods, including aeromagnetic surveys and ground-based studies, were used to reveal underlying structural properties and fault systems. Analysis of aeromagnetic data revealed a large mineralization zone running from the Fawakhir Gold mine through the Attala Gold mine in a NW–SE direction. Various structural trends and faults, including NW–SE, NE–SW, E–W, and N–S directions, were identified, strongly associated with hydrothermal alteration zones and gold mineralization. Shallow basement relief was observed in the eastern and central regions, contrasting with deeper formations and greater relief in the western section. Land magnetic surveys were utilized to identify new areas for gold mineralization, with geochemical analysis confirming gold content in quartz veins and host rocks. The integration of magnetic and remote sensing techniques effectively highlighted alteration zones indicative of potential mineralization, which could have a subsurface continuation, aiding in the identification of gold occurrences connected to faults, lineaments, and mineralization zones.

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis of Geothermal Energy Potential of a Hot Spring Area in Western Saudi Arabia

Aeromagnetic Data Analysis of Geothermal Energy Potential of a Hot Spring Area in Western Saudi Arabia

Determination of structural lineaments of the mafic-ultramafic belt of the Southern Argentine Precordillera

In central-western Argentina, an Early Paleozoic belt including mafic-ultramafic bodies and marine metasedimentary rocks occurs along the western margin of the Precordillera and in the eastern Frontal Cordillera. In this paper, we present the analysis of aeromagnetic data and its processing focused on mapping geological limits, structures and the relation at depth of the southern Precordillera. With this main objective were applied filtering algorithms, reduction to the pole, tilt derivative, analytic signal, and particularly, the use of Improved Logistic Function (IL) as a new method of edge detection, in combination with the inversion map obtained from the Magnetization Vector Inversion (MVI) method. The results allow us to describe at depth the main trend of the Southern Precordillera Mafic Ultramafic Belt as two separated bocks, one in Peñasco and another in Cerro (Co.) Cortaderas, passing through Cerro (Co.) Pozos with a possible NNE-SSW direction. The combination of this techniques also can be used as prospecting guide to Pb–Zn–Ag vein deposits and High sulfidation Au-Epitermal deposits.

Curie point depth, thermal gradient and heat flow along the Ethiopia Rift System and adjacent plateaus using spectral evaluation approach: implications for geothermal resources

The Ethiopia Rift System (ERS) is a section of the East African Rift System within Ethiopia extending from the Afar in the northeast to the Kenya border in the southwest. It is apparent that magmatism and magmatic intrusions influence the crustal shape in the ERS resulting in its thinning and the shallowing of magmatic sources at various locations within it. As a consequence, more than 31 volcanoes hosting hydrothermal structures with a conceivable potential to generate massive quantities of geothermal energy have been identified along the ERS. In this study, we map the Curie Point Depth (CDP) over the ERS based on the analysis of aeromagnetic data extracted from the World Digital Magnetic Anomaly Map. Spectral evaluation method was used to estimate the boundaries (top and bottom) of the magnetized crust. Reduced-to-pole (RTP) aeromagnetic records have been divided into 105 (50% overlap) square blocks of 200 × 200 km size. The Curie temperature (580 °C) of magnetite was used to determine the thermal gradient and the heat drift in the area. The depths obtained for the bottom of the magnetized crust are assumed to correspond to the Curie Depths, where the magnetic layer loses all its magnetization. The determined values of Curie Point Depth, geothermal gradient and heat flow for the 50% overlapped 105 blocks, respectively, range from 8.85 to 55.85 km, 10.38 to 65.54 °C/km and 25.96 to 163.84 mW/m2. Lower CPD (< 20 km) in the ERS was obtained between Mille and Gewane (southwest Afar), between Adama (Nazret) and Yerer (NMER) and between Wendo Genet and Koti (SMER) localities. These areas, showing low CPD, exhibit excessive geothermal gradient and high heat flow all of which indicate the presence of significant geothermal potential.

Correction to: Mapping of geological structures and sediment thickness from analysis of aeromagnetic data over the Obudu Basement Complex of Nigeria

Correction to: Mapping of geological structures and sediment thickness from analysis of aeromagnetic data over the Obudu Basement Complex of Nigeria

In-situ Location of Precious Stones using Magnetic Data and Pseudo-Gravity Transforms in Parts of the Nupe Basin Area of Nigeria

In-situ location of precious stones from the mineral-rich zones in parts of Lafiagi (Sheet 203) and Pategi (Sheet 204) areas of Bida basin, central Nigeria was carried out. It was aimed at identification of the structures that usually host precious stones and then locating them in these areas. This work involved the qualitative and quantitative analysis of aeromagnetic data and pseudo-gravity transforms using the 3-D Euler Deconvolution subroutine of Oasis MontajTM software and the geological information obtained from reliable sources in the structural interpretation and isolation work. The geological features in the studied region have been connected to the presence of gemstones known to associate with them making their location logical and easier than the hit- or-miss approach adopted by the artesian miners. The results have shown that the abundance of 2D and 3D structures that are commonly associated with precious minerals as well as the persistence and continual activities of artisanal miners explain why the study area is rich in mineral deposits. Keywords: Precious stones, Mineral-rich, aeromagnetic, pseudo-gravity transforms, 3-D Euler.

Delineation of structural features and hydrothermal alteration zones using integrated geophysical data of part of North-central Nigeria

Delination of possible structural features in part of Nigeria Northcentral region has been performed using high-resolution aeromagnetic and aero radiometric data. The objectives of this work are to identify and harness the factors responsible for alteration zones which can serve as a potential mineralized sources for exploration purpose in the area. To achieve this purpose, mathematical techniques such as First Vertical Derivative, Analytic Signal, and Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) grid were performed on the aeromagnetic data analysis and interpretation; in addition, ratios of radioelements were obtained to support the mapping process. The results obtained showed that the area is dominated by structures trending Northeast-Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, Eastwest and Northsouth directions, although the structures trending Northeast-Southwest were found to be most predominant and considered as orientations of mineral deposits in the area. Also, aero radiometric analysis based on the concentrations of Potassium, Uranium, Thorium and their ratios revealed lithological units and hydrothermal alterations of the area. However, this study concluded by identifying and harnessing the factors responsible for alteration zones which can serve as a potential mineralized sources for exploration purpose in the area.

Spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data over parts of Southwestern Nigeria

This study endeavors to assess spectral depths, explore Basement structure variability, and deduce geothermal heat distribution by determining Curie point depth (Zb) through aeromagnetic data analysis across 14 sheets in Southwestern Nigeria. The depths to the shallow magnetic source (Zt) range from 0.14286 km to 1.02632 km, indicating sediment thickness, with the deepest point situated in the Northwestern region and progressively shallower towards the central and Southern portions of the study area. Depths to the deeper magnetic source (Z0) span from 1.08333 km in the North-central part to 3.23529 km in the Southwestern part. The primary sources of the first layer (Zt) depth are intrusions/outcropping Basement rocks, while the second layer (Z0) results from the intrusion of magnetic rocks into the basement, intra-Basement fissures, and deeper magma intrusions below the bedrock. Curie point depth ranges from 1.87380 km to 6.25629 km, with the North-central region exhibiting the shallowest depths, followed by the Northeast, Northwest, and Southeast. Shallow Curie point depth is attributed to magma upwelling and magmatic intrusion in highly fractured quartzite units and older granite units, while deeper Curie point in the Southwestern part may result from isostatic compensation/recovery. Given that Curie point depths are shallower than 10 km, the study area holds geothermal resource potential, particularly in the North-central region. The correlation between estimated spectral depths from aeromagnetic data and observed geothermal signatures in the study area promises to be advantageous in the pursuit of alternative energy generation, potentially mitigating the effects of global warming.

Mapping of geological structures and sediment thickness from analysis of aeromagnetic data over the Obudu Basement Complex of Nigeria

Abstract In this study, geologic structures, as well as attendant orientations and sediment thickness, in the Nigerian Obudu Complex were delineated using the Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET), and depth determination methods such as source parameter imaging (SPI) and standard Euler deconvolution (SED). The CET, SPI, and SED procedures were applied on the total magnetic intensity data. Also, the enhanced TMI data using analytic signal, first-vertical derivative, total-horizontal derivative, and tilt-angle derivative filters were further subjected to CET operation, with the aim of mapping both subtle and prominent lineaments. In general, mapped geologic structures trends in the NE–SW, NNE–SSW, E–W, and N–S directions. Overall, the dominant geologic structural orientations of NE–SW and NNE–SSW reflect the regional strike orientation. The regional striking of the lineation, which is caused by the Pan-African orogeny and subsequent post-orogenic processes, has an impact on these orientations. The N–S and E–W structural deviations from the main NE–SW and NNE–SSW trends are initiated by the YGS of the post-orogenic events. Overall, these complex geologic structures are probable sites for metallogenic minerals.

An attempt to calculate the curie point in the Eastern part of Egypt

A curie point depth (CPD) map of the selected area in Egypt (Safaga–Hurghada area along the Red Sea coast), was constructed from the spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data. It was chosen there because the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez coasts are considered as two of the highest temperature geothermal potential in Egypt. The CPD values were estimated from 10 overlapping blocks, 90 × 90 km in size, using band-pass filtered of aeromagnetic data. The Curie point depth was calculated. The CPD for the region ranges between 26.69 km and 42.69 km.A corresponding heat flow map was also generated from CPD and thermal gradient estimation. The boundaries between the zones of the shallow and deep CPD's coincide well with faults trending NW direction (more or less parallel to the Red Sea) and NE direction. Deepening of CPD's (low heat flows) was detected in two parts, the first one at the northern part of the study area (NW part of Ras Gemsa region). The second, at the southern part (east of Qena).

Curie Point Depth from Spectral Analysis of Magnetic Data in Potiskum and Environs, Yobe State, Nigeria

The area under investigation, is part of Chad basin of northeastern Nigeria, located between latitudes 11o00´ to 12o00´N and Longitudes 11o30´ to 12o30´E, with the objective to discover more about the thermal structure of the crust in the area, a research was carried out over Potiskum and surrounding regions in Yobe State, Nigeria to estimate the curie point depth, geothermal gradient, and heat flow using spectrum analysis and empirical formula of aeromagnetic data. To acquire the regional and residual data, polynomial fitting was applied to the high-resolution digital aeromagnetic data. In order to calculate the depth to the centroid and the depth to the top boundary, the upward continued residual data was processed to produce the upward continued data, that was subjected to spectral analysis. The depth to the centroid is between 10.50 and 11.50 kilometers, the depth to the top boundary is between 5.90 and 7.16 kilometers, the depth to the Curie point is between 14.84 and 16.83 kilometers, the geothermal gradient is between 34.462 and 39.083 oCkm-1, and the heat flow is between 86.135 and 97.707 mWm-2. The Curie point depth inferred from the study indicates that the crust is thinning due to thermal upwhirling of magma and is moderately decreasing toward areas of volcanic activity that occurred in the area during the Tertiary Period. The Geothermal gradient shows that the area is a moderate temperature zone, which could likely result in partial thermal maturation of sediments and hence probable oil generation as time goes on with an increase in temperature. In the research area, the geothermal gradient is proportional to the heat flow, whereas the connection between curie depth and heat flow is inversely linear. These findings are in line with the geotectonic regime that is now in effect in the research area. However, this analysis shows that the heat flow that was obtained from the study is sufficient to be utilized as a geothermal energy source.

Predictive Mapping of Prospectivity for Gold in the Central Portion of the Tapajós Mineral Province, Brazil

This work aims to model mineral prospectivity for intrusion–related gold deposits in the central portion of the Tapajós Mineral Province (TMP), southwestern Pará state. The scope includes experimentation and evaluation of knowledge and data-driven methods applied to multisource data to predict potential targets for gold mineralization. The radiometric data processing allowed to identify a hydrothermal alteration footprint of known gold deposits, providing information in regions with little or no field data available. The aeromagnetic data analysis prompted the identification of high magnetic zones, which are probably related to hydrothermal fluid transport. Linear features extracted from digital elevation data revealed an NNW–SSE general trend, which is consistent with the main structural control of deposits. The data were integrated through three modeling techniques—fuzzy logic (knowledge-driven), weights of evidence (WofE, data-driven), and a machine learning algorithm (SVM, data-driven)—resulting in three prospective models. In all models, the majority of indicated prospective regions coincide with the known deposits. The results obtained in the models were combined to generate an agreement map, which mapped the overlapping of their highest prospective scores, indicating new areas of prospective interest in the central portion of the TMP.

An analysis of aeromagnetic data of the Wulong gold deposit in Liaodong area: guide for structural identification and mineral exploration

An analysis of aeromagnetic data of the Wulong gold deposit in Liaodong area: guide for structural identification and mineral exploration

Subsurface structure of the Tarfaya-Laayoune-Dakhla basin (West African Craton Margin, Morocco) revealed from the analysis of aeromagnetic data

The Tarfaya-Laayoune-Dakhla basin is the largest coastal basin in the Moroccan Atlantic margin. It is filled by a thick Meso-Cenozoic sedimentary cover that overlies unconformably the NW margin of the West African Craton and its Proterozoic to Paleozoic peripheral orogenic belt. In this study, we aim to decipher the structure of hidden part of these terranes and discuss the tectonic evolution of the basin. To achieve these objectives, aeromagnetic data were processed by the application of edge enhancement and depth estimation operators. The combination of their results with geological information and boreholes data allowed the construction of a detailed structural map of the subsurface of the study area. The resulted map delineates three distinct tectonic domains: the Northeastern Domain, the Western Domain and the Southern Domain. These domains exhibit geological evidences of four major tectonic periods: the Eburnean, Pan-African and Variscan orogenies, and the Triassic rifting. The Eburnean dextral transpression event formed a shear-zone with a large magmatic body in the Western Domain. This domain was not affected by the subsequent Pan-African orogeny and the following Ediacaran intracontinental rifting phase. Meanwhile, this event led to the formation of an N- to NNE-trending large half-graben structure in the Northeastern Domain, and an Ediacaran bimodal magmatic series in the Southern Domain. The Paleozoic Variscan orogeny has reactivated the N- to NNE-trending normal faults, allowing thrusting in these domains. Eventually, the Central Atlantic opening event reworked pre-existing reverse faults resulting increases in depth in the Northeastern and Western Domains, meanwhile, the extension was reduced in the Southern Domain.

Favourable IOCG and polymetallic environs in Marwar - Khetri, NW Indian Shield imprints from aerogeophysical data analysis

The analysis of aeromagnetic data reveals two significant broad oval-shaped aeromagnetic anomalies oriented in the NE-SW direction, west of Laxmangarh and east of Fatehpur. These significant anomalies identified beneath sand-alluvium-covered areas of Rajasthan's Marwar region are of a low dominance nature. These magnetic signatures are associated with gravity gradients in the regional Bouguer gravity map. Magnetic anomalies and subsurface modeling revealed that the remanence source had a high magnetic susceptibility. The ground gravity profiles across the Laxmangarh anomaly show a high gravity variation of 5 mGal/km. The integration of geochemical distribution patterns, spectrometric elemental concentrations, different ratios, and composite image maps has brought out alteration/shear zones that are favourable for mineralization. The results of selective 2D-profiles, plate modeling, and 3D-inversion modeling of these anomalies reveal that the depth of the causative source varies from 300 to 1000 m. The higher-order magnetic susceptibilities, geochemical dispersion pattern, and spectrometric ratio maps and composite images distinguished hydrothermal alteration zones characterised by potassium enrichment. The results indicate the possibility of concealed source rocks with high magnetic mineral content (magnetite, maghemite, titanomaghemite, pyrrhotite, and franklinite?) and a relatively high density. The geophysical signatures observed around Fatehpur and Laxmangarh, with high magnetic contrast, low dominance, and remanence coupled with high gravity values, as well as hydrothermal alteration zones, appear to have striking similarities with the geophysical and geochemical scenarios of some of Australia's Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) prospects in the Gawler, Arunta, Tennant, and Mount Isa regions. Therefore, these anomalous areas may be explored for the possibilities of an IOCG or polymetallic type of mineral.

Application of Aeromagnetic Data Analysis and Interpretations to Investigate Solid Mineral Potential in Part of Bauchi, Northeast Nigeria

Abstract: The distribution of surface and subsurface magnetic materials within the study area, the delineation of geologic lineaments, and an estimate of the depth to magnetic sources were all determined by interpreting high resolution aeromagnetic data that covered a portion of Bauchi, northeastern Nigeria, lying between Latitudes 9040'00"N to 10010'0"N and Longitudes 900'0"E to 9040'0'E. The Aeromagnetic map, analytical signal, and horizontal derivative filters used on total magnetic intensity data after reduction to the magnetic equator (RTE) show that the Toro and its environs contain highly magnetic minerals thought to be potential deposits of iron ore. The lithological map and the lineament maps have a good connection. Further examination of the findings reveals that the research area has varying degrees of Ferro-, para-, and diamagnetic mineralization (of the iron and non-iron varieties). The geological source bodies are thought to be located between 177.389 and 991.626 meters deep, according to the Euler depth solution. This shows that during the orogenic process, a sequence of strong deformations were present alongside the Toro.

Detection of potential hydrocarbon accumulations at Qaret El-Soda area, Western Desert, Egypt, based on airborne geophysical survey data

Airborne spectral gamma-ray survey data were processed using Th-normalization technique for oil and gas exploration in the Qaret El-Soda area, Western Desert of Egypt. This technique was applied to suppress the effects of surface lithology, which are the main factors influencing the variation of radioelement content in rocks. Normalization of K and U by thorium yielded residual potassium and residual uranium estimates. Possible occurrences of new hydrocarbon microseepages were determined by mapping low values of residual potassium and high values of residual uranium relative to potassium, which are indicated as DRAD values, which were obtained by subtracting residual potassium from residual uranium values (eUresid – Kresid). Lower residual values of K, which were associated with higher DRAD anomaly values, highlight areas of prospective hydrocarbon accumulations. The obtained results from quantitative analysis and interpretation of aeromagnetic data show sufficiently thick sediments, probably suitable for the accumulation of hydrocarbons. This means that the study area may possess a potential for hydrocarbon exploration if supported by other detailed geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques.

Discussion about “estimation of curie depth, geothermal gradient and near-surface heat flow from spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data in the loum-minta area (centre-east cameroon)”

Discussion about “estimation of curie depth, geothermal gradient and near-surface heat flow from spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data in the loum-minta area (centre-east cameroon)”

EVALUATION OF DEPTH TO BASEMENT, HEAT FLOW, AND LEAD-ZINC MINERALIZATION FROM ANALYSIS OF AEROMAGNETIC DATA IN SOME PARTS OF SOUTHERN BENUE TROUGH

The techniques of aeromagnetic data analysis were employed to elucidate depth to magnetic basement sources, lead-zinc (pb-zn) mineralisation and heat flow in parts of Southern Benue Trough. The study area covers an area extent of about 18,150 sq. Km, latitude 05 0 30’N - 06 0 30’N and longitude 007 0 30’E - 009 0 00’E. The digital aeromagnetic data consisting of Total Magnetic Intensity with geospatial attributes covering six (6) sheets 302 (Nkalagu), 303 (Abakaliki), 304 (Dangha), 313 (Afikpo), 314 (Ugep) and 315 (Ikom) were used in this study. Several magnetic digital filtering methods such as reduce to pole, low/high pass, etc were applied on the data before analysis for lineaments, mineralisation, and depth to magnetic sources. Zones of broad magnetic anomalies were found in the north eastern and south eastern part of the study area like Otam-Izekwe, Enyigba, Uburu, Abakaliki, Ndieze Izzi, Isiagu, Obubra, Oturekpe, Mkpani, Idomi, Enona, Ugep, etc. Depth estimates to the magnetic basement sources from spectral analysis range from 0.65km to 1.155 km, while depth estimate from source parameter imaging (SPI) stretches from 0.679km to 7.723km. The north western part of the study area is the deepest. Pb-zn mineralization within the study area is found to be structurally controlled trending in NE-SW and NW – SE directions. The heat flow values range from 0.65 – 1.95Wm -2 , pb-zn mineralization is within 0.9 – 1.4Wm -2 and Curie point depth range from 0.75km to 2.1km. Keywords: Depth to basement, Heat flow, Lead-Zinc, Mineralization, Aeromagnetic data DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-2-06 Publication date: March 31 st 2023