ESTIMATION OF DEPTH TO BASEMENT, HEAT FLOW AND HYDROCARBON POTENTIALS FROM ANALYSIS OF AEROMAGNETIC DATA IN SOME PARTS OF BIDA BASIN

Abstract

This study investigated the thickness of sedimentary pile, hydrocarbon potential and heat flow in Central Bida Basin using aeromagnetic data. The study area covers about 12,100 km2, between latitude 8030?N to 9030?N and longitude 5000?E to 6000?E. Digital magnetic data consisting of Total Magnetic Intensity TMI with geospatial attributes covering four (4) sheets were used in this study. Data enhancement operations were applied to the TMI maps to improve interpretation. Depth estimates to the magnetic basement from power spectrum analysis and source parameter imaging methods showed that the thickness of the sediments range from 1.47 km to 2.95 km. Estimated geothermal gradient ranges from about 10.0 - 16.5 0C/100m (100-1650C/km), while heat flow values ranges from 2.50 – 4.10 Wm-2. Two prominent structural trends in the Northeast – Southwest and Northwest – Southeast directions were identified. Mineralization within the study area seems to be structurally controlled. This study suggests that most parts of the study area will not be favourable for hydrocarbon generation because of the high geothermal gradient and heat flow.