Determination of Basement Depth Using Aeromagnetic Source‎Parameter Imaging Constraints on The StructuralFramework and ‎its Implications for Geo-Hazard Occurrence in The Upper Benue ‎Trough, NE Nigeria

Authors

  • Sebastian Abraham Sunu Department of Petroleum Chemistry & Physics American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola and Department of Physics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
  • Adetola Sunday Oniku Department of Physics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
  • Bello Yusuf Idi Department of Physics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
  • Osita Chukwudi Meludu Department of Physics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria
  • Abbey Chukwuemeka Patrick Department of Petroleum Chemistry & Physics American University of Nigeria (AUN) Yola
  • Lucky Peter Kenda Department of Physics, Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria and Department of Physics, Taraba State University, Jalingo
  • Beatrice Humphrey Bomki Department of Physics, Federal University of Agriculture Mubi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14419/24s4as93

Published

27-05-2026

Keywords:

SPI; Geo-Hazards; Basement Depth; Upper Benue Trough; Lineaments

Abstract

This study investigates the basement depth and structural framework of the Upper Benue Trough, ‎northeastern Nigeria, using high-resolution aeromagnetic data integrated with Source Parameter ‎Imaging (SPI) techniques to assess their implications for geo-hazard occurrence. The aeromagnetic ‎data were processed using Oasis Montaj software 8.9 through standard procedures, including ‎reduction to the equator and regional-residual separation, to enhance subsurface structural features. ‎The SPI method, based on the analytic signal of magnetic sources, was employed to estimate ‎depths to magnetic sources, revealing significant spatial variability ranging from approximately 98 ‎m shallow depths to over 2200 m deeper depths. The results indicate a structurally complex terrain ‎characterized by NE-SW and NW-SE trending fault systems, with deeper sedimentary depocenters ‎concentrated in the central and southern parts of the study area and shallower basement highs along ‎the margins. Integration of SPI-derived depths with lineament density analysis highlights zones of ‎intense fracturing, deformation and structural weakness, which correspond to areas prone to geo-‎hazards such as flooding, subsidence, landslides, and erosion. The findings reveal that basement ‎configuration and fault-controlled structures play a critical role in controlling geo-hazard ‎susceptibility, providing a critical geophysical framework for improved risk assessment, land-use ‎planning, and sustainable infrastructure development in the Upper Benue Trough‎.

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How to Cite

Sunu , S. A. ., Sunday Oniku, A. ., Yusuf Idi, B., Chukwudi Meludu, O. ., Chukwuemeka Patrick, A. ., Peter Kenda , L. ., & Humphrey Bomki, B. (2026). Determination of Basement Depth Using Aeromagnetic Source‎Parameter Imaging Constraints on The StructuralFramework and ‎its Implications for Geo-Hazard Occurrence in The Upper Benue ‎Trough, NE Nigeria. International Journal of Physical Research, 14(1), 9-20. https://doi.org/10.14419/24s4as93

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