International Journal of
Physical Sciences

  • Abbreviation: Int. J. Phys. Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1992-1950
  • DOI: 10.5897/IJPS
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 2575

Full Length Research Paper

Investigation of possible cause of gravity anomalies in parts of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

David Mbah
  • David Mbah
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Daniel N. Obiora
  • Daniel N. Obiora
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Andrew I. Oha
  • Andrew I. Oha
  • Department of Geology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Bem S. Terhemba
  • Bem S. Terhemba
  • Department of Physics, Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria.
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Cornelius O. Ossai
  • Cornelius O. Ossai
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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Emmanuel A. Igwe
  • Emmanuel A. Igwe
  • Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 07 April 2017
  •  Accepted: 19 May 2017
  •  Published: 21 May 2017

Abstract

Possible cause of gravity anomalies in parts of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria was investigated using three methods of gravity data interpretation; Euler-3D deconvolution, source parameter imaging (SPI) and forward and inverse modeling. The estimated depths from the interpretation techniques used show much similarity. Quantitatively, the results obtained from the SPI method showed a minimum to maximum depth of 1264.11 to 9354.57 m to the anomalous body. The results obtained from Euler-3D deconvolution method showed a depth range of 2136.40 to 9167.57 m to the anomalous body using a structural index of 3. The results from the forward and inverse modeling revealed a depth range of 793 to 7586 m to the anomalous body. Qualitatively, the gravity signatures in profiles 1, 2 and 3 possibly depict antiformal geologic features whereas the gravity signatures in profiles 4 and 5 possibly depict synformal features/basin geometries.

 

Key words: Gravity data, Niger Delta, source parameter imaging, Euler deconvolution, forward and inverse modeling, anomalous body.