Geological Behavior (GBR)

Borehole failure poses significant challenges in various industries, including oil and gas exploration, geothermal energy extraction, and groundwater resource management. The method leverages on the principles of aeromagnetic survey, to assess borehole failure in Ilawe and environs in Nigeria. The first vertical derivative with a range of -0.28 to 0.29nT/m. This range suggests moderate enhancement of shallow magnetic sources, indicating noticeable but not extreme near surface contrast. This often correspond to mildly fractured zones, weathered layers or subtle lithological boundaries. In terms of borehole stability, such conditions imply a moderate risk of failure, particularly, if the borehole intersects these weak or discontinuous formations. In terms of susceptibility distribution, across the studied area; North of Irorin, Aaye, and Oke-emo are low to moderately susceptible to borehole failure while Okepa, Iro, and Okeleye have the lowest chances for borehole failure, due to its lowest magnetic susceptibility values. The assessment of borehole failure using the aeromagnetic techniques provided valuable insights into the subsurface conditions and help identify potential issues related to borehole integrity.

The purpose of present study is to assess the physicochemical characteristics of bloated basalt for its sustainability in cement industry. Data reveal that the silica content in bloated sample is 66.82% which is 6% higher than the silica reported in an unbloated sample. Decreasing sulphur trioxide (SO3) content in bloated basalt samples reduced the chances of internal sulfate attack. All chemical parameters of bloated basalt are within permissible limits and follow the corresponding standards. LOI and density of unbloated basalt is 2.9% and 0.1% that after heating reduced to 0.41% to 2.41 respectively. The compressive strength of the bloated sample shows slightly greater strength on 2, 7 and 28 days as compared to unbloated. By the addition of 5% bloated basalt sample in OPC the initial and final setting time increased from 15 to 20 minutes and from 5 to 10 minutes, respectively. Specific gravity shows a continuous decrease in the mass with the increase in temperature. The comparison of 5% bloated basalt powder by their replacement in OPC as a Pozzolanic cementitious material reveal that there is no major effect on the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the cement.

Ten types of dispersed organic matter and palynomorphs were identified from outcrop samples of the Nkporo, Mamu and Nsukka formations including spores and fungi (SP), pollen (PO), freshwater algae (FWA), microforaminiferal inner linings (FL), dinoflagellates (DFL), structured phytoclasts (STPH) (wood, cuticles, parenchyma), unstructured phytoclasts (UNPH) (communited and degraded fragments), black debris (BD) and amorphous organic matter (AOM). The identified palynofacies were analyzed using principal component and cluster analysis (PCA). From the scatter plot, three groups are recognized as indicated by loops namely group A (SP and PO) group B (UNPH, STPH and BD), group C (AOM, FL, ACR and FWA). The heatmap dendogram enabled the definition of four main palyno-ecological groups forming the 1″ order cluster namely Cluster 1A comprising (SP and PO). Cluster 1B comprise of (UNPH, STPH, BD). Cluster 1C comprise of (AOM and FWA). Cluster 1D comprise of (FL, DFL and ACR). The palyno-ecological clusters were grouped according to their environmental significance, Subcluster 1A palyno-ecology is comprised of Pollen (PO) and Spores (SP) while subcluster 1C is made up of Amorphous organic matter (AOM) and Fresh water algae (FWA) These two sub clusters implicated the rainforest and savanna palyno-ecologies as the major prevalent ecologies during the time of sediments deposition. The 1B subcluster indicates palynofacies typical of swamp constituted by structured and unstructured phytoclast and black debris (STPH, UNPH and BD) which was pronounced in Mamu Formation. Cluster 1D comprising of Dinoflagellate (DFL), Foram linings (FL) and Acritarch (ACR) indicated marine palyno-ecologies. Dinoflagellates constitutes a major part of the modern oceanic planktonic distribution. The presence of a wide variety of palynomorphs indicated that the environment supported a rich and diverse tropical flora. Furthermore, the pattern represented on the heatmap pointed to an alternation of ecologies from one with a greater marine influence to swamp/forest and Savanna Palyno-ecological Communities. Moreover, the observed progressive decrease in the abundance of spores and fungi, and the steady increase in the abundance of foraminiferal lining, dinocysts and marine indicator palynomorphs (acritarchs and dinoflagellates) up the stratigraphic column from Nkporo to Nsukka Formation points to greater marine influence and a deepening basin with paludal conditions more evident in Mamu Formation.

The study was initiated to address the need for accessible spatial data on pothole locations, which is crucial for road maintenance efforts aimed at reducing accidents, preventing loss of life, and protecting property. Its goal was to conduct a spatial analysis of pothole locations and their geometrical features, providing essential information for policymakers, road construction companies, and road users in Yenagoa City Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. The research objectives included identifying the spatial locations of potholes, analyzing their geometrical characteristics, calculating the total volume of potholes on the roads, and producing a geospatial map of potholes in the study area. The study examined twenty internal roads, including Opolo Road, Ebi’s Mechanic Road, Amarata, Goodnews Road, and Azikoro. A combination of ground survey methods, remote sensing, and geospatial information systems was used. Data were collected using a Differential Global Positioning System with Real-Time Kinematics and drone technology, which provided both three-dimensional and aerial views of the potholes. Data processing was conducted using ArcGIS 10 and Drone-Deploy software. The findings included the coordinates, surface areas, volumes, imagery, and digitized maps of the potholes in the study area. A total of 239 potholes were identified, with varying surface areas and volumes across the roads. Ebi’s Mechanic Road in Amarata had the highest percentage of potholes, accounting for 21% of the total with 51 potholes covering 11,958.901m2. Azikoro Road was found to be the longest and widest road, while Nepa Road was the shortest. Notably, Opolo Road, which is the  only interlocked road, had the fewest potholes and the smallest surface area affected by them. The deployment of Geospatial techniques in this study underscored the capability of the approach to delineate and generate the geometrical attributes of these potholes in the study area.

Mine tailings and waste, a by-product of mineral extraction, represent both an environmental challenge and a potential resource for secondary mineral recovery and further use. In response to increasing global demand for critical raw materials and the drive toward sustainable mining practices, this study evaluates the economic and technological feasibility of tailings reprocessing. The research focuses on maximizing the recovery of residual minerals, repurposing tailings for industrial applications, and minimizing environmental impact. Key areas explored include the commercial viability of tailings utilization, cost-effective technological techniques, and a proposed processing scheme aimed at optimizing mineral recovery while reducing operational costs. Market analysis suggests strong demand for processed tailings in the production of whiteware ceramics, bricks, pipes, tiles and other materials essential for sustainable infrastructure. Hypothetical data indicate that approximately 70,000 tons of tailings could be repurposed annually, generating estimated cost savings of up to $5.5 million. These findings underscore the potential for transforming mine tailings from waste into a commercially viable and environmentally sustainable resource. The study contributes to ongoing discourse on responsible resource management and circular economy strategies in the mining sector.

Exploration success in hydrocarbon-rich provinces like the Niger Delta Basin is often constrained by subsurface uncertainties, particularly in structurally complex regions. In the onshore Niger Delta, fault seal behavior remains underexplored compared to offshore areas. This study investigates fault seal characteristics in the Akos Field, onshore Niger Delta, with the aim of mitigating exploration risk and improving hydrocarbon prospectivity. The analysis integrates 3D seismic interpretation, petrophysical data, and Shale Gouge Ratio (SGR) modelling to evaluate fault sealing capacity and the likelihood of cross-fault hydrocarbon migration. Two major faults (F1 and F2) were analyzed in detail. Fault F1 exhibited partial sealing with SGR values between 35–40%, suggesting a moderate barrier to fluid flow, while fault F2 showed enhanced sealing potential with SGR values exceeding 40%, indicating a more effective trap. These variations suggest significant implications for hydrocarbon entrapment, reservoir compartmentalization, and field development planning. Comparative insights from analogous offshore fields further highlight the structural dependence of hydrocarbon accumulation in Akos. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating fault seal analysis in exploration workflows to reduce risk and enhance predictive models in similar tectonically influenced basins.

An integrated electrostratigraphic investigation was conducted to assess the intrinsic vulnerability of the coastal aquifer at the Federal College of Education, Omoku, Rivers State. Twenty Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) stations were employed, revealing a heterogeneous subsurface composed of four distinct geoelectric layers. The resistivity and thickness of the topsoil and unsaturated vadose zone were identified as the primary controls on vulnerability. The study utilized three vulnerability models: GOD, GLSI, and DRASTIC. The GOD index classified the area into low (33.3%) and moderate (66.7%) vulnerability classes. In contrast, the GLSI index, derived directly from VES data, provided a higher-resolution assessment, identifying two high-risk points (10%), a majority of moderate vulnerability (80%), and two low-vulnerability points (10%). The DRASTIC model consistently rated the entire area as moderately vulnerable, reflecting the inherent risk of the coastal hydrogeological setting. The comparative analysis concluded that the aquifer system is predominantly moderately vulnerable with localized zones of high vulnerability, particularly where protective layers are thin and conductive. The GLSI model proved most sensitive for pinpointing these high￾risk areas. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted groundwater protection strategies, land-use regulations, and continuous monitoring in the identified vulnerable zones to ensure sustainable water resource management in this coastal environment.

This study evaluates the petrophysical characteristics of Ogba Field in the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria, using well log data (gamma ray, resistivity, neutron, and density logs) from two wells (Ogba-1 and Ogba-2) and core data from Ogba-4ST. The research quantifies key petrophysical parameters including shale volume, total porosity, water saturation, permeability, and net-to-gross ratios to understand reservoir properties. Results show that Ogba-1 generally exhibits lower shale content (Vsh 0.19–0.21), higher porosity (0.17–0.22), lower water saturation (0.02–0.14), and higher permeability (1851–2931 mD) compared to Ogba-2, indicating high reservoir quality. Well correlations reveal laterally continuous sand bodies interbedded with shale layers typical of a fluvio-deltaic depositional environment. Integration of well log and core data confirms distributary channel to mouth bar systems with periodic tidal influence. The study provides a practical workflow for reservoir characterization in data-limited siliciclastic settings of the Niger Delta.

This study integrates Lithostratigraphic descriptions, palynological analyses and gamma-ray wireline data from Uduak-1well at (340–3,510 ft) interval to characterize the lithofacies, establish palynostratigraphy and reconstruct depositional setting and paleoclimate of the Benin Formation in the Greater Ughelli depo-belt. Forty-three ditch-cutting samples were collected at ~60 ft intervals and were examined and combined with GR-log motifs and sand/shale ratios. Two principal lithofacies packages were identified: a sand-dominated continental unit (340–2,600 ft; sand:shale ≈ 98:2) and a continental–transitional unit (2,600–3,510 ft; ≈85:15). GR logs are generally low with intermittent peaks reflecting thin shaly interbeds/paleosols, while cylindrical and bell-shaped motifs indicate stacked channel and point-bar architectures. Palynological assemblages are dominated by freshwater-swamp taxa (e.g., Retitricolporites irregularis, Pachydermites diederixi) and Botryococcus, with only sporadic dinoflagellate occurrences near the base. Three palynozones/subzones (P624, P580, P560) were recognized and dated to the Rupelian–Chattian (Early–Late Oligocene), supporting a tentative Benin/Agbada boundary near ~3,490 ft. The sequence records a shift from marginal-marine/deltaic to fully continental, high-energy fluvial deposition under a warm, humid tropical climate. Integration of these data refines local biostratigraphy, improves lithofacies correlation for reservoir prediction, and enhances understanding of late Oligocene depositional dynamics in the onshore Niger Delta Basin.

The global energy transition is driving growing demand for critical minerals, especially manganese, important for both storing energy and making steel. With-in the DRC, the new discovery of minerals in the Luozi territory (part of Kongo Central province) exposes the country to big international economic worries and raises concerns about environmental damage, sharing mine income with the community and ensuring proper governance. This study investigates what is needed for the responsible, open and fair use of the Luozi deposit. It looks at the chance to use this resource thoughtfully, in light of history filled with over-harvesting by large corporations. Three areas were indicated to prevent similar errors, including: (1) making regulations and contracts clearer with the EITI (Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative); (2) ensuring ESG (environmental, social and governance) guidelines are followed in mining; and (3) forming a lasting partnership with different local and national stakeholders. For the DRC, the Luozi deposit is an important chance, but it also puts the country’s mining management practices to the test. It can succeed only if this resource becomes a driver of sustainable development, equality and national financial independence, using a responsible model of mining that benefits everyone.