Structural architecture of the Middle Niger Basin, Nigeria based on aeromagnetic data: An example of a non-volcanic basin

The Middle Niger Basin is located within the west-central half of Nigeria, as a NW-SE trending Campano-Maastrichtian depo-centre which extends from the southern end of the Sokoto Basin west of Kainji reservoir southwestwards to the convergence of the Benue and Niger Rivers at Lokoja. The aeromagnetic anomaly data of the Middle Niger Basin was interpreted to characterize the structural architecture and depth to the magnetic basement of the basin. This is to expand the current knowledge of the region. The analysis of the data has been facilitated by the application of derivative and source parameter imaging techniques. The results from the application of total gradient to the aeromagnetic data provided here signify a rift origin of the basin and NW-SE trending fault systems in the surrounding basement complex terrain. The absence of magnetic highs on the first vertical derivative of the reduced-to-pole aeromagnetic data reveals lack of volcanic rocks within the sedimentary layers of the basin. Additionally, the consistent NW-SE trending source parameter imaging depth solutions within the basin confirm the internal geometry and NW-SE orientation of the basin with sediments not more than 1100 m thick.

Automated summary

The Middle Niger Basin is a NW-SE trending geological depo-center located in the west-central half of Nigeria. The analysis of aeromagnetic anomaly data confirmed the rift origin of the basin and identified NW-SE trending fault systems in the surrounding basement complex terrain. The sediment thickness within the basin was found to be not more than 1100 meters based on consistent NW-SE trending source parameter imaging depth solutions.