Determination of Depth to Magnetic Sources using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) of High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data of Esie, North central Nigeria: An Investigation tool for Geothermal Exploration

Abstract

The High-Resolution Aeromagnetic data of Ilorin (sheet 223) and Osi (sheet 224) of Esie, North central Nigeria was analyzed using source parameter imaging (SPI). The aim of the analyses were to determine the depth to magnetic sources which is based on the total magnetic intensity (TMI) map of the study area and to ascertain whether the study area has a good geothermal potential. The area under study is situated between latitudes 8.0833 and longitudes 4.7333 and it covers an area of 43 km2. The results of the analysis indicate that the deepest and the shallowest magnetic sources are about 1250 m and 20 m respectively. The deepest magnetic sources represent the magnetic basement, and the shallow magnetic sources represent sedimentary layer. A significant variation is observed in the sedimentary thickness, and this is shown to be dipping almost parts of the study area, thereby gives the basement a rugged topography. The interpreted SPI showed that the study area is a shallow depth to basement sedimentary basin area. Hence, further exploration of geothermal potential is recommended.