International Journal of Physics | Vol. 2, No. 12, December 2011 | pp. 92–100
DOI: 10.46882/2011/IJP/000024
Article Type: Original Research Paper
Title: Gravity Anomalies and Structural Interpretation of the Benue Trough Basins Using High-Resolution Satellite GOCE Data
Names of Authors: M. N. Obi¹, H. J. Fischer²
Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria; ²Department of Geosciences, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
Abstract: The Benue Trough of Nigeria is a major geological structure whose tectonic evolution and sedimentary thickness are critical for regional mineral and hydrocarbon prospecting. This study presents a structural interpretation of the Upper Benue Trough using high-resolution gravity field gradients gathered by the Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite. The raw gravity markers were processed to generate Bouguer and residual gravity anomaly maps of the basin. Forward and inverse modeling configurations were executed along three transverse profiles to estimate the basement depth and trace hidden fault networks. The Bouguer anomaly values ranged from -45 mGal to +25 mGal, outlining a series of prominent sub-basins. Our structural models indicate that the sedimentary thickness peaks at 5.8 km within the Lau Basin, decreasing towards the structural flanks. The residual gravity field highlighted a network of parallel lineaments oriented in an NE-SW direction, consistent with a strike-slip tectonic origin. Spectral analysis confirmed a two-tier depth model, with deep crustal anomalies seated around 18 km and shallower volcanic intrusions at 2.4 km. This satellite-derived structural frame enhances our understanding of rift dynamics across West Africa.
Keywords: Gravity anomalies; Benue Trough; GOCE satellite; Bouguer anomaly; Sedimentary basin; Structural modeling; Tectonic lineaments; Hydrocarbon exploration.
Manuscript Timeline: Received: September 12, 2011; Revised: October 24, 2011; Accepted: November 18, 2011; Published: December 11, 2011.
Citation: Obi, M. N., & Fischer, H. J. (2011). Gravity Anomalies and Structural Interpretation of the Benue Trough Basins Using High-Resolution Satellite GOCE Data. International Journal of Physics, 2(12), 92–100.
Subscribe to read the full article: https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/subscribe-to-read