Analysis of Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric Datasets for Geothermal Exploration, in North Central Nigeria


Authors : J.M., Sawuta; A.U., Sadiq; A.A. El-Mansur; M.A. Nyabam; E.E. Udensi; A.A., Adetona; C.I., Unuevho; O.S., Ayanninuola

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 2 - February

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25feb581

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Abstract : This study uses high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric datasets to assess Nasarawa State's geothermal potential. Analysis was done on six 55 km by 55 km aeromagnetic data sheets. Heat flow, the geothermal gradient, and Curie point depth (CPD) were among the geothermal depth parameters that were determined in the study. The average CPD value was 21.22 km, with a range of 10.14 km to 86.75 km. Heat flow estimates ranged from 62.66 mW/m2 to 211.64 mW/m2, with an average of 125.12 mW/m2, while the geothermal gradient varied from 6.6°C/km to 57.19°C/km, averaging 33.18°C/km. Geothermal energy sources that have shallower CPD and higher heat flow are probably promising. The average radiogenic heat value was 1.87 μW/m3, with a range of 1.48 to 2.32 μW/m3. Overall, the study suggests that geothermal potential is high in the central basement region, where alteration zones appear more concentrated in the northeastern and northwestern parts. Generally, from the analysis of this research, Geothermal potential are promising around central basement of the area where there are likely of higher alteration zones located around the north eastern and north western region.

Keywords : Geothermal, Airborne Radiometric, Airborne Magnetic, Radiogenic and Geothermal.

References :

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This study uses high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric datasets to assess Nasarawa State's geothermal potential. Analysis was done on six 55 km by 55 km aeromagnetic data sheets. Heat flow, the geothermal gradient, and Curie point depth (CPD) were among the geothermal depth parameters that were determined in the study. The average CPD value was 21.22 km, with a range of 10.14 km to 86.75 km. Heat flow estimates ranged from 62.66 mW/m2 to 211.64 mW/m2, with an average of 125.12 mW/m2, while the geothermal gradient varied from 6.6°C/km to 57.19°C/km, averaging 33.18°C/km. Geothermal energy sources that have shallower CPD and higher heat flow are probably promising. The average radiogenic heat value was 1.87 μW/m3, with a range of 1.48 to 2.32 μW/m3. Overall, the study suggests that geothermal potential is high in the central basement region, where alteration zones appear more concentrated in the northeastern and northwestern parts. Generally, from the analysis of this research, Geothermal potential are promising around central basement of the area where there are likely of higher alteration zones located around the north eastern and north western region.

Keywords : Geothermal, Airborne Radiometric, Airborne Magnetic, Radiogenic and Geothermal.

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