Spectral Depth Analysis of Sokoto Basin

Abstract

Spectral depth analysis of Sokoto basin was carried out to determine the the sedimentary thickness in all parts of the basin, The total magnetic field values, obtained by digitizing the contour maps of the basin, was used to produce the composite map of the area. The Sokoto Basin is situated between latitudes 10 o 30 ″ N to 14 o 00″ N and longitude 3 o 30″ E to 7 o 00″ E with an estimated area of 59,570 km 2 .Spectral depth analysis was carried out on each aeromagnetic sheet to estimate the depth to basement and infer areas of probable hydrocarbon prospects. The results of the spectral studies indicate an increase in sedimentation northwards, with several depressions on the basement rock. Two prominent magnetization layers of depths varying from 0.04 km to 0.95 km and 0.36 km to 2.88 km were observed. The areas, where higher sedimentary thicknesses are observed such as sheets No 28(Argungu), sheet no.12 (Isah) and sheet no. 13(Gandi) are the most probable sites for prospect of hydrocarbon accumulation in the basin.