International Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Journal

Investigation of Solid Mineral Deposit in Gubio, Nigerian Sector of Chad Basin Using Aeromagnetic and Aerogravity Forward and Inverse Modelling

M. Akiishi

Department of Physics, College of Education, Oju, Benue State, Nigeria.

G. O. Ankeli *

Department of Physics, College of Education, Oju, Benue State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

The issue of diversification of economy in Nigeria has become a necessity, following the drop in the price of crude oil, which is the major source of revenue, as a result of closure of many industries/companies worldwide, due to the effect of Covid-19. Therefore there is need for an alternative source of revenue generation such as revenue generation from the sale of mineral deposits, which is commonly found in the Nigeria territory. Hence, this research work used some geophysical approach and investigated economy mineral deposits in Gubio area, which is part of the Nigerian sector of Chad basin, which falls within latitudes 12°00′ to 13°00′ North and longitudes 12°30′ to 14°00′ East. Qualitatively and quantitatively interpretations of aeromagnetic and aerogravity data had been carried out. Regional and residual anomalies were separated using polynomial fitting (first order), which was fitted by least square method. The residual values of both magnetic and Bouguer anomalies obtained were used to produce the residual magnetic intensity and residual gravity maps respectively. Forward and inverse modeling was carried out using aeromagnetic data and it estimated the basement depth for P1-P6 as 877, 1836, 4365, 2052, 722 and 709 m respectively with corresponding magnetic susceptibility values of 0.001, 0.0250, 0.0002, 0.0400,0.0170, 0.0003,which indicate economy mineral deposits such as: Kaolinite, Marble, Clay, Granite, Sandstone and Limestone could be found in the area. Similarly, the aerogravity forward and inverse modeling estimated basement depth for P1 and P2 as 3460 and 1250 m, with respective density values of 2.700 and 2.630 ug/cm³. This shows that Marble and Granite could also be located in the area. These economy mineral deposits, when properly harnessed could be commercialized and thus could improve the economic statue of the nation. With the availability of these solid mineral deposits, it is recommended that industries such as cement and ceramic should be sited in this area this could provide employment opportunity and hence reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Keywords: Mineral deposits, forward and inverse modeling, aeromagnetic and aerogravity.

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