An estimate of the depth to the basement underneath the Benue trough from a study of aeromagnetic anomalies

Abstract

From a study of aeromagnetic anomalies over parts of the Benue Trough, Nigeria, an attempt is here made to estima te the depth to the basement underneath the Benue Trough and consequently the thickness of sediments in the area. Several aeromagnetic profiles have been taken across the trough and two-dimensional interpretation of these carried out using non-linear optimization and interactive techniques in an effort to estímate the nature and depth to the basement underneath the Benue Trough. The results of this interpretation show that the Benue Trough is underlain by a basement of variable topography. The depth to the basement and consequently the thickness of sediments filling the trough is estimated to vary between about 0.5 km and about 7 km.