Euler Deconvolution Research Articles

Internal structure of the volcanic island of Surtsey and surroundings: Constraints from a dense aeromagnetic survey

Surtsey, a young basaltic island off the south coast of Iceland, was built by volcanic activity in 1963–1967 from a pre-eruption oceanic seafloor depth of 130 m. An aeromagnetic survey was carried out in October 2021 over a 60 km2 area covering Surtsey and its surroundings. It aimed to explore the internal structure and the possible existence of basaltic intrusions associated with the five vents active at different times over the 3.5 years of eruptive activity. The survey line spacing was 200 m and the flying altitude was generally 90 m a.s.l. The strongest anomalies (amplitude ∼700 nT) are caused by the 30–100 m thick subaerially erupted lava field on the southern part of Surtsey, formed in two episodes of effusive activity:1964–1965 and 1966–1967. 2D spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution indicate that the causative bodies of anomalies outside the island of Surtsey are located within the uppermost 300 m of the seafloor and their horizontal dimensions are similar to or smaller than their depth. 3D forward modeling of the island and its surroundings, constrained by observations during the formation of the island and drill cores extracted in 1979 and 2017, is consistent with an absence, at all vents, of pillow lava and therefore effusive activity in their opening phases. However, the data support the existence of a 10–20 m thick pillow lava field on the seafloor, 2.5–3 km2 in area, extending about ∼1 km to the south of Surtsey. The field is considered to have been fed by magma reaching the seafloor via channelized intrusive flow through the foreset breccia constituting the submarine part of an emerging lava delta during the early stage of effusive eruption in May–July 1964. The general scarcity of significant magnetic bodies within the edifices is consistent with magma fragmentation dominating the submarine eruptions from the onset of activity. A small magnetic anomaly is observed over the submarine edifice of Surtla, built during short-lived activity over ∼10 days in 1963–1964. This anomaly is consistent with observed subaqueous weak or moderate explosive activity that may have allowed a dyke to be preserved within the submarine tephra mound. More violent Surtseyan activity was observed at other vents, however, and may have destroyed any initial dykes that, if preserved, might have been resolved magnetically. Indications of magnetized volcanic rocks of unknown age predating the Surtsey eruption are found beneath the flank of the ephemeral island of Jólnir, the southernmost of the Surtsey vents.

Selection of Euler deconvolution solutions using the enhanced horizontal gradient and stable vertical differentiation

Abstract Euler deconvolution is widely used for interpreting magnetic anomalies as it estimates the edges and depths of magnetic sources. Since this method was proposed, there has been an intensive effort to mitigate its primary deficiencies, namely, the generation of many spurious solutions and the high noise sensitivity. To select the most significant solutions, we adopt the strategy of constraining the moving window to the source edges, whose locations are estimated using the enhanced horizontal gradient amplitude method. On the other hand, we reduce noise propagation by performing a stable calculation of the vertical derivatives. For this purpose, we use the β-VDR method, a finite-difference method that yields a robust approximation of the vertical derivatives of magnetic data. The accuracy of the proposed technique is demonstrated on synthetic magnetic anomalies, providing the depths more precisely and being insensitive to noise. Application of this technique is also demonstrated on aeromagnetic anomalies from the Olympic Peninsula (USA), where the obtained result is in good agreement with known information of the study region.

Application of Euler and Werner deconvolution techniques in delineating tin deposit in Okeso area, Southwestern, Nigeria

The Okeso pegmatites field was evaluated using magnetic method within abandoned mining site close to the southeastern region of Ojoku area. The study aims to delineate, identify geological boundaries and determine depth of tin deposits in the area. The acquired magnetic data was enhanced with the combination of 3D Euler and Werner deconvolution methods. Five magnetic profiles were selected and carried out on the residual anomalies around the abandoned mine site at Okeso with three of the profile lines were in the NW-SE direction and two in the NE-SW direction. The residual magnetic anomalies showed the magnetic susceptibilities of ≤ 4.5118 × 10−3 nT in the ore bearing pegmatite within the basement rocks. Results from profiles of Werner deconvolution identified some shallow tectonic structures like fractures, pegmatites and faults which are capable of hosting metallic tin deposits. The depth to the magnetic source varies from a minimum to a maximum of 300 m to 1200 m below the subsurface in all selected profiles, suggesting the shallow nature of the magnetic source in the area. Additionally, the dip angle ranges from 5.60 to 81.20, potentially attributed to Pan-African shallow structures according to the contact model. Solutions obtained from the structural index of contact and dyke reveals the presence of dyke formation and boundaries which separate rocks from one another. The trend of the lineaments/ fractures which were likely established during the Pan-African orogeny is dominant in the NE-SW direction, conforms with the trends obtained for basement structures in previous studies. Depth range produced by 3D Euler deconvolution is from 50 - 1000 m for all the lineaments. This gives an insight of approximate depth range of all the lineaments/ fractures across the whole map in the study area unlike, Werner deconvolution which is profile biased. The identical signature from all profiles implies that the tin deposit is relatively uniform, extending to a great depth in the area. This represents economically viable quantity and makes it a worthy target for investors.

Application of Euler and Werner deconvolution techniques in delineating tin deposit in Okeso area, Southwestern, Nigeria

The Okeso pegmatites field was evaluated using magnetic method within abandoned mining site close to the southeastern region of Ojoku area. The study aims to delineate, identify geological boundaries and determine depth of tin deposits in the area. The acquired magnetic data was enhanced with the combination of 3D Euler and Werner deconvolution methods. Five magnetic profiles were selected and carried out on the residual anomalies around the abandoned mine site at Okeso with three of the profile lines were in the NW-SE direction and two in the NE-SW direction. The residual magnetic anomalies showed the magnetic susceptibilities of ≤ 4.5118 × 10−3 nT in the ore bearing pegmatite within the basement rocks. Results from profiles of Werner deconvolution identified some shallow tectonic structures like fractures, pegmatites and faults which are capable of hosting metallic tin deposits. The depth to the magnetic source varies from a minimum to a maximum of 300 m to 1200 m below the subsurface in all selected profiles, suggesting the shallow nature of the magnetic source in the area. Additionally, the dip angle ranges from 5.60 to 81.20, potentially attributed to Pan-African shallow structures according to the contact model. Solutions obtained from the structural index of contact and dyke reveals the presence of dyke formation and boundaries which separate rocks from one another. The trend of the lineaments/ fractures which were likely established during the Pan-African orogeny is dominant in the NE-SW direction, conforms with the trends obtained for basement structures in previous studies. Depth range produced by 3D Euler deconvolution is from 50 - 1000 m for all the lineaments. This gives an insight of approximate depth range of all the lineaments/ fractures across the whole map in the study area unlike, Werner deconvolution which is profile biased. The identical signature from all profiles implies that the tin deposit is relatively uniform, extending to a great depth in the area. This represents economically viable quantity and makes it a worthy target for investors.

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.

Submarine cable detection using an end-to-end neural network-based magnetic data inversion

Abstract To process magnetic anomaly data, appropriate parameters for field separation, denoising, and Euler deconvolution have to be manually selected. The traditional workflow is inefficient and cannot fulfill the rapid detection of submarine cables due to the complex processing and manual parameter tuning. This study presents an end-to-end deep learning approach for the identification and positioning of submarine cables based on magnetic anomalies. The proposed approach effectively establishes a direct mapping correlation between the magnetic field data and the position of the submarine cable. Synthetic tests suggest that our method has a better performance in terms of positioning accuracy than the conventional Euler method. Our results for the field data are comparable to those obtained using conventional techniques. Furthermore, the proposed method achieves an optimal solution by employing clustering technique and selecting the solution with the maximum confidence, which avoids spurious solutions associated with traditional methods. The proposed method can directly determine the position of the submarine cables using the raw magnetic field data. Contrary to the traditional processing workflow, field separation and denoising are not necessary in this novel approach, resulting in higher processing efficiency and a simpler processing process.

Using Euler Deconvolution as Part of a Mineral Exploration Project

Mineral exploration projects can make considerable use of a variety of geophysical techniques and datasets, including magnetic and gravity data. The interpretation of large quantities of data can be very time consuming, so semi-automatic interpretation techniques are often used to provide initial estimates of the parameters (primarily the location and depth) of the sources of anomalies. Euler deconvolution is a commonly used interpretation method for potential fields which has a number of advantages over many other techniques, such as working in the presence of remanent magnetisation, and not being restricted to a particular model such as a contact. A second-order version of Euler’s equation is introduced here, which is much less affected by trends in the data than the standard method and additionally produces depth parabolas, which simplify the interpretation of results. The method was applied to aeromagnetic data from a mineral exploration project in Southern Africa and provided plausible results.

Mapping subsurface structural lineaments using the tilt angle map from gravity gradient data and Euler deconvolution, Lakouat–Aksab region, Northwestern Tunisia

Mapping subsurface structural lineaments using the tilt angle map from gravity gradient data and Euler deconvolution, Lakouat–Aksab region, Northwestern Tunisia

Unsupervised machine learning and depth clusters of Euler deconvolution of magnetic data: a new approach to imaging geological structures

We present a novel approach that determines the location and dip of geologic structures by clustering Euler deconvolution depth solutions using Density-Based Spatial Clustering Applications with Noise (DBSCAN). This method and workflow rely on the association of changes in the location and relationships between Euler depth clusters and cluster boundaries with changes in rock susceptibility. We applied our method to global magnetic and high-resolution aeromagnetic datasets over Phanerozoic-Precambrian zone-bounding faults in west and central Victoria. The architecture of these structures at different scales from this imaging technique is comparable to interpreted 2D seismic reflection data. The results from the global magnetic data resolved the architecture of these structures below 5 km, while the aeromagnetic data used were limited to structural information of faults above 2 km depth. Therefore, this method shows the structural relationship of the west-dipping Avoca Fault that soles into the east-dipping Moyston Fault at a depth of ∼22 km in central Victoria and at a shallower depth of ∼15 km southward beneath the Quaternary basaltic rocks of the Newer Volcanic Province. In the vicinity of the Heathcote Zone, the method resolves the location, dip, and overprinting relationship between faults and extrusive rocks, such as the relationship between the Heathcote and Mount William Faults and the granitic Cobaw Batholith. We show how combining magnetic data at various scales can track faults from the near-surface to deeper roots while avoiding possible over-interpretation. We demonstrate how to optimise the DBSCAN parameters and a sensitivity analysis of how to determine clusters and cluster boundaries that are geologically relevant in the absence of geological constraints. Our technique provides an effective and rapid tool for imaging structures and can supplement complex and expensive imaging techniques to resolve the architecture of structures in complex geologic terrains.

Magnetic data modelling of salt domes in Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt

We analyzed magnetic data of a deep-water area in the Eastern Mediterranean, offshore Egypt where there are numerous salt domes. Regional-residual separation of the reduced to pole (RTP) magnetic anomalies was performed with the discrete wavelet transform, and the residual magnetic anomalies were interpreted as mainly due to the susceptibility contrast between sediments and salt bodies. A multiscale boundary analysis of the anomalies yielded meaningful lineaments at both large and short scales. Salt bodies lineaments are very well defined in the short-scale map. Then, we inverted the data by a nonlinear and non-iterative 3D inversion technique, to delineate the salt bodies and estimate their magnetization contrast. We used the depths obtained from the Euler deconvolution to form a set of maxima and minima constraints in the inversion. Our procedure yielded an interesting map of the top of salt in the deep-water region, entirely based on the magnetic data, which agrees well with the seismic top of salt. This is a somewhat surprising result, in some respects not obvious, demonstrating that magnetic prospecting can be an important and low-cost tool for the exploration of salt diapirs, especially when seismic data are partially or completely inaccessible or of poor quality.

The Studying of Magnetic Anomalies Due to Shallow Underground Targets and the Environmental Applications.

The magnetic method of investigation is a well-known and dependable technique for detecting underground ferro-materials. However, the application of the magnetic method to identify the exact position of underground targets such as buried explosive devices (BED), illegally buried waste (IBW), metallic storage tanks, utility pipes, and communication cables is quite challenging in both civil and environmental engineering. This article presents the results of the investigation performed at a 55m by 55m area within the Ahmadu Bello University Geophysical Test Site (ABUGTS) to study the signals generated by similar buried targets to simulate situations encountered in environmental engineering. The total magnetic intensity (TMI) of the site without buried targets was obtained to identify the possible existing underground materials or faults that could generate false geophysical data. The magnetic susceptibility of the buried targets was determined in the laboratory before the burial to validate the field results. The influence of the buried materials over the magnetic signature of the site was examined, showing the TMI values vary between 34966 nT and 44510 nT before burial and 351607 nT to 49795 nT after burial. The Euler deconvolution (ED) and residual maps alongside the signal enhancement maps like analytical signal and first vertical derivative (FVD) were employed to study the magnetic anomalies due to buried targets. The results of the data interpretation confirmed the existence of cluster anomaly source bodies due to buried targets. The ED delineates the depth of the buried targets varying between 0.7m – 3.3m corresponding with the actual depth of burial. The analytical signal map produced a perfect behaviour of the magnetic anomalies to buried targets, capturing all the buried targets buried at the site. However, the shape of the anomaly signal is almost independent of the buried target orientation with a spherical pattern of anomalies. However, the exact size and shape of the buried targets were not achieved. Nevertheless, the FVD and analytical signal maps perform better than the residual and TMI maps due to the substantially smaller magnetic anomalies of the buried targets similar to expected. In addition, stronger magnetic anomaly signals occur maximally around buried larger ferro-materials with precise prediction of the buried target position. The magnetic method is a very powerful, convenient, cheap, and time-saving geophysical tool for investigating underground targets, which is highly applicable in engineering and environmental contexts.

Joint interpretation and modeling of potential field data for mapping groundwater potential zones around Debrecen area, Eastern Hungary

The Debrecen area, as part of the Great Hungarian Plain (GHP), is associated with a multi-aquifer system that is overly exploited to fulfill the development plans. This research aims to jointly interpret and model gravity and magnetic data to map the subsurface geology and structures that govern groundwater occurrence. Various potential field techniques, including spectral analysis, anomaly derivatives, analytical signal, and Euler deconvolution were employed to map the distribution and depth of the buried geological structures. The combination of the potential field techniques enabled the construction of a detailed lineament map, providing valuable insights into the distribution of the subsurface structural features. It was indicated that the main structural trend is NW–SE and NE–SW, that coincides with the main structural trends in Hungary. Subsequently, a lineament density map is derived, indicating that the eastern, central, and northwestern parts of the area form the most promising zones for groundwater prospection. The joint inversion of gravity and magnetic data has further enhanced the understanding of subsurface geology. The depth to the basement rock varied between 1.18 and 2.2 km. The highest depth to the basement meets with thick sedimentary sequences bounded by normal faults forming graben and horst structures. Moreover, the distribution of these sediments is investigated using lithological logs indicating the thickness of the main hydrostratigraphic units in the Debrecen area. These units include Nagyalföld Aquifer, Algyő Aquitard, Endrőd Aquitard, and Miocene Badenian Aquifer units, which mainly consist of sand, silt, marl, and gravel. The recent study demonstrated the effectiveness of the joint interpretation in enhancing the knowledge of lithology and geological structures. However, a detailed geophysical survey is recommended to characterize the hydrostratigraphic units in the Debrecen area.

Economic feasibility of Gabal Um Takha leucogranitic intrusion, South Sinai, Egypt: Integrated remote sensing, geochemical, aeromagnetic, and geotechnical approach

Variable granitic rocks are widely used as decorative stones. The present work conducted accurate mapping and the utilization of a large leucogranitic intrusion (Um Takha area) as a decorative stones through physico-mechanical tests, mineralogical and geochemical compositions. These leucogranites are medium-grained, classified as syenogranites, peraluminous, calc-alkaline, and highly evolved granites developed during the post-collisional setting. This study utilized various remote sensing techniques to identify the Um Takha leucogranitic using ASTER and Landsat-9 data. A novel FCC band ratio of the ASTER image (RGB: b1+b3/b2, b2/b1, b7+b9/b8) was created, along with the Landsat-9 FCC band ratio of (4/7, 3/4, and 2/1) in the RGB, to effectively map the distribution of in the study area. These results, combined with field observation, led to the creation of a new modified geological map of the Um Takha area. The analysis of magnetic data reveals that the depth of magnetic sources under the study area ranges between 170 m and 2215 m, as calculated by source parameter image and Euler deconvolution techniques. The application of horizontal gradient, tilt derivatives and improved logistic techniques reveals that the major structural trend affecting the study area is in the N–S, NNE-SSW and NNW-SSE direction. The physico-mechanical properties of leucogranitic rocks (M13) fulfilled the requirements of dimension stone in terms of bulk density, compressive strength, and to some extent water absorption. Therefore, they could be acceptable for interior use and the light-duty purposes of exterior use, such as facades and cladding. This suggest that a large resources of leucogranitic can be used as a decorative stones.

3-D probability density imaging of Euler solutions using gravity data: a case study of Mount Milligan, Canada

Euler deconvolution is a widely used automatic or semi-automatic method for potential field data. However, it yields many spurious solutions that complicate interpretation and must be reduced, eliminated, recognized, or ignored during interpretation. This study proposes a post-processing algorithm that converts Euler solutions produced by tensor Euler deconvolution of gravity data with an unprescribed structural index into probability values (p values) using the B-spline series density estimation (BSS) method. The p values of the Euler solution set form a probability density distribution on the estimation grid. The BSS method relies on the fact that while spurious solutions are sparse and ubiquitous, Euler deconvolution yields many similar or duplicate solutions, which may tightly cluster near real sources. The p values of the Euler solution clusters form multi-layered isosurfaces that can be used to discriminate neighboring target sources because the p values of spurious solutions are vanishingly small, making it simple to remove their interference from the probability density distribution. In all synthetic cases, the geometric outlines of anomaly sources are estimated from probability density isosurfaces approximating synthetic model parameters. The BSS method was then applied to airborne gravity data from Mount Milligan, British Columbia, Canada. Subsequently, results from synthetic models and field data show that the proposed method can successfully localize meaningful geological targets.

Subsurface geology detection from application of the gravity-related dimensionality constraint

Geophysics aims to locate bodies with varying density. We discovered an innovative approach for estimation of the location, in particular depth of a causative body, based on its relative horizontal dimensions, using a dimensionality indicator (I). The method divides the causative bodies into two types based on their horizontal spread: line of poles and point pole (LOP–PP) category, and line of poles and plane of poles (LOP–POP) category; such division allows for two distinct solutions. The method’s depth estimate relates to the relative variations of the causative body’s horizontal extent and leads to the solutions of the Euler Deconvolution method in specific cases. For causative bodies with limited and small depth extent, the estimated depth (z^0) corresponds to the center of mass, while for those with a large depth extent, z^0 relates to the center of top surface. Both the depth extent and the dimensionality of the causative body influence the depth estimates. As the depth extent increases, the influence of I on the estimated depth is more pronounced. Furthermore, the behavior of z^0 exhibits lower errors for larger values of I in LOP–POP solutions compared with LOP–PP solutions. We tested several specific model scenarios, including isolated and interfering sources with and without artificial noise. We also tested our approach on real lunar data containing two substantial linear structures and their surrounding impact basins and compared our results with the Euler deconvolution method. The lunar results align well with geology, supporting the effectiveness of this approach. The only assumption in this method is that we should choose between whether the gravity signal originates from a body within the LOP–PP category or the LOP–POP category. The depth estimation requires just one data point. Moreover, the method excels in accurately estimating the depth of anomalous causative bodies across a broad spectrum of dimensionality, from 2 to 3D. Furthermore, this approach is mathematically straightforward and reliable. As a result, it provides an efficient means of depth estimation for anomalous bodies, delivering insights into subsurface structures applicable in both planetary and engineering domains.

Construction and interpretation of high-order image information based on NV optical magnetic vector detection.

Tensor imaging can provide more comprehensive information about spatial physical properties, but it is a high-dimensional physical quantity that is difficult to observe directly. This paper proposes a fast-transform magnetic tensor imaging method based on the NV magnetic detection technique. The Euler deconvolution interprets the magnetic tensor data to obtain the target three-dimensional (3D) boundary information. Fast magnetic vector imaging was performed using optical detection of magnetic resonance (ODMR) to verify the method's feasibility. The complete tensor data was obtained based on the transformation of the vector magnetic imaging data, which was subsequently solved, and the contour information of the objective was restored. In addition, a fast magnetic moment judgment model and an angular transformation model of the observation space are developed in this paper to reduce the influence of the magnetic moment direction on the results and to help interpret the magnetic tensor data. Finally, the experiment realizes the localization, judgment of magnetic moment direction, and 3D boundary identification of a micron-sized tiny magnet with a spatial resolution of 10 µm, a model accuracy of 90.1%, and a magnetic moment direction error of 4.2°.

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.

Delineating geological structure utilizing integration of remote sensing and gravity data: a study from Halmahera, North Molucca, Indonesia

Halmahera Island is the result of the interaction between the Indo-Australian Plate, the Molucca Sea Plate, and the Philippine Plate, which gave rise to many active geological structures that are vulnerable to seismic activity around the island. The complexity of this geological structure makes Halmahera Island very interesting to study. This study aims to identify geological structures by integrating remote sensing and gravity satellite data. Surface lineament analysis using the remote sensing method was carried out based on Sentinel-1A imagery data. The gravity method uses GGMPlus satellite data to clarify the continuity of geological structures that cannot be clearly mapped on the surface. Lineament analysis on gravity data uses techniques such as fast sigmoid edge detection (FSED) and Euler deconvolution. The results of lineament interpretation based on integrating remote sensing and gravity satellite data show that the NE-SW structure controls the northern and northeastern arms of Halmahera.
 In contrast, the southern arm is dominated by the NW-SE structure. The Euler depth estimation shows that the Halmahera area contributes to having geological structures at various depths. Deep structures reach 4 km, while shallow structures are found at depths of up to 2 km. Earthquake hypocenter data strengthen the interpretation of this geological structure. This comprehensive study yields an excellent correlation between gravity and remote sensing techniques in describing the general structural framework of the area. The new finding is an NE-SW trending geological structure on the northern Halmahera arm, which may be caused by two different tectonics first, the subduction of the Molucca Sea Plate with the Halmahera Plate in the west. Second, the strike-slip movement is trending NE-SW, which cuts the northern and northeastern arms due to the rotational movement of the thrust fault with the Philippine Plate to the west.

Solid mineral potential evaluation using integrated aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets

The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was employed to delineate the mineralisation potential across the notable schist belts in northwestern Nigeria. High-resolution aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric datasets were taken into consideration. This was achieved by using advanced signal enhancement techniques to study the structures, identify the hydrothermal alteration zones (that could serve as a pathway for mineralisation), and understand the geologic settings. Amongst the enhancement techniques are first vertical gradient, analytic signal, CET grid analysis and porphyry, Euler deconvolution, and K/Th ratio. The analytic signal reveals lithologic contact, structures and anomalous occurrences that aided the classification of the site into three magneto-lithologic zones: high (> 0.094 nT/m), intermediate (0.028 to 0.094 nT/m), and low magnetic zones (< 0.028 nT/m). The high magnetic zones (HMZ) were considered the main magnetic source outlines, which are inferred to be dominantly intrusive zones for hydrothermal activities. The 3-dimensional Euler deconvolution reveals highly magnetic and intrusive depth sources to be within the range of < 100 to 500 m. The Centre for Exploration Targeting (CET) grid technique revealed the structural distribution from which the lineament density map was produced. The orientations of the prevalent structural anomalies are E-W, NE-SW, WNW-ESE and NW–SE, with similar orientations observed from the first vertical gradient and the analytic signal. The highly dense structural zones coincide with the high magnetic zones and high-frequency amplitudes of the analytic signal and the vertical gradient map, respectively. Additionally, the CET porphyry detects the centres of the intrusive porphyries to be within zones of high lineament density. This reveals that the mineralisation potential of the area is structurally controlled. On the other hand, radioelement maps (eU, eTh, and K%) and ternary maps were used for lithological classification. The radiometric ternary map revealed the highly radioactive zones and the superior concentration of individual radioelements in their respective areas. The K/eTh ratio map delineates highly potassic alteration zones. The AHP model and weighted overlay tool were employed to integrate the analytic signal, lineament density, and K/Th ratio. Consequently, the mineralisation potential of the study site was revealed and classified into high, moderate, and low. This result was validated using known mine sites. There was a total agreement, with 87.5% of mines plotting within the high mineralisation potential class and 12.5% in the moderate class. Promising targets were identified for development.

Investigation into a deep-rooted crustal framework deduced from potential field data in Cretaceous and Tertiary strata, Sokoto Basin NW, Nigeria

The Paleocene sediments from the Sokoto Group, which comprises of the Gamba, Dange, and Kalambaina formations, were covered by Maastrichtian sediments from the Rima Group, which includes the Wurno, Dukamaje, and Taloka formations. High-resolution aeromagnetic and satellite gravity measurements were used to study these sediments. The aforementioned strata correspond to the Cretaceous and Tertiary strata in this research area and are situated in the south-eastern part of the Iullemmeden Basin. Our aim is to determine and explain the horizontal variation in density and magnetization using the whole regional satellite gravity and aeromagnetic data. The deeper magnetic and density sources were scanned using a two-dimensional (2D) radially averaged power spectrum analysis to produce the NE to SW and E to W trending models for the Moho, lower, and upper lithosphere under the study area. The results were further assessed using upward continuation, derivative analysis, and two-dimensional gravity and magnetic modeling. Numerous important structural trends (i.e., NE-SW, E-W &amp; ENE-WSW), have been identified as a result of the vertical gradients for the potential field data. Spectral analysis and Euler deconvolution can be used to calculate the depths to the lower and upper mantle crust boundaries as well as the depth to Moho. The findings of a qualitative analysis point to an intrusion of the Gundumi and Illo Formations that has a northeast orientation as the primary cause of the significant gravitational and magnetic interaction. The differences in the deep-seated crustal structures and mineralized anomalous bodies with depth were visible on anomaly maps with an upward continuation of 5 km, 7 km, 20 km, and 30 km. Quantitatively, the 2D regional models along the selected profiles (L1, L2, L4, L6 and L7) display a typical lithostratigraphic succession of the Gundumi and Illo Formation (Continental Intercalaire, CI) type of crust, which is subdivided into the lower and upper mantle crust as well as the Moho. The sediment thickness by surface depth ranges from ∼4.06 km and ∼23.31 km. The Moho interface, lower and upper mantle crusts, and magnetic crust are all located at depths of around ∼10.23 km. The distance between the local models of the foundation rocks to the north and south of the Sokoto Group was approximately ∼6 to ∼8 km and ∼4.5 km, respectively.