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Airborne magnetic and radiometric mapping for litho-structural settings and its significance for bitumen mineralization over Agbabu bitumen-belt southwestern Nigeria

Research Authors
Ajibola Richard Faruwa, Wei Qian, Oladotun Seyi Obafunmilayo, Babatunde Bunmi Daramola, Mosaad Ali Hussein Ali, Claire Dusabemariya, Uti Ikitsombika Markus
Research Member
Research Date
Research Year
2021
Research Journal
Journal of African Earth Sciences
Research Publisher
Elsevier
Research Vol
180 (2020) 104222
Research Rank
SCIE
Research_Pages
13
Research Website
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1464343X21001230?via%3Dihub#!
Research Abstract

Interpretation of the aeromagnetic and radiometric data over the Agbabu bitumen-belt reflects the litho-structural features affecting the area and its significance over bitumen mineralization. The orientations of lineaments from magnetic images are predominantly ENE-WSW/W-E. Magnetic sources from Euler and SPI depth estimations compare reasonably well and range from 76 m to 1395 m and 217 m–731 m respectively. The shallow depths coincide with the depth at which bitumen deposit was detected in geological boreholes within Agbabu and Ilubirin. This suggests that the bitumen mineralization is structurally controlled and hosted by shallow sources. Radiometric maps have been used to delineate the boundaries of lithologies, especially basement-sedimentary boundaries and the rise of the basement. It appears that the key factor influencing the distribution of bitumen deposits is the ENE-WSW/W-E trend corridor, lithological boundaries, and basement rise. These results will provide a valuable framework for guiding further research and bitumen mineral exploration within the study area.

Research Rank
International Journal