Geological Behavior (GBR)

This study presents a gravity-based investigation of sedimentary thickness and structural trends within the Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria, bounded by latitudes 13°00′N–13°30′N and longitudes 4°30′E–5°30′E. Bouguer anomaly values in the area range from 66.16 mGal to 93.08 mGal, with lower values associated with thick sedimentary cover and higher values indicating basement uplift or intrusions. The regional Bouguer anomaly map shows gravity values between 64.07 mGal and 93.77 mGal, highlighting a north–south gradient likely related to basement relief and tectonic influence. The residual Bouguer anomaly map isolates local features, with anomalies ranging from approximately -5.98 mGal to +5.65 mGal, corresponding to variations in sedimentary thickness and shallow intrusions. Spectral enhancement through upward continuation to 1 km suppressed shallow noise and emphasized deep-seated structures, while the First Vertical Derivative (FVD) map revealed tectonic trends in SW–NE, NW–SE, and N–S directions, indicating active faulting and lithologic boundaries. Structural analysis using CET lineament mapping confirmed regional fault alignments and deep-seated fractures acting as potential hydrocarbon migration pathways. Depth estimations using Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) indicated basement depths ranging from 0.931 km to 5.174 km. Power Spectral Analysis revealed two depth layers: a deeper layer (D1) with depths from 0.92 km to 5.02 km (average: 2.505 km), and a shallow layer (D2) with depths from 0.132 km to 1.178 km (average: 0.568 km). Euler Deconvolution with Structural Index (SI) = 1 yielded depths between -683 m and 5078 m, while SI = 2 gave a broader range from -832 m to 5474 m. The central-western zone near 13.2°N and 4.8°E was identified as a major sedimentary trough, marked by the deepest basement relief and highest sediment accumulation. These findings underscore the Sokoto Basin’s resource potential and demonstrate the utility of gravity methods in characterizing sedimentary basins.