Abstract:
This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the geothermal potential in parts of the Central Nigeria Basement Complex by analyzing high-resolution aeromagnetic data. Additionally, the study correlates the results obtained from the analysis of radioactive concentration data in the study area. The research covers a total area of 6050 km2, focusing on the major towns of Kaguru and Geshere, within the latitude range of 100 00′ N to 100 30′ N and longitude range of 7o 30′ E to 8o 30′ E.
The analysis involved applying Fourier analysis and spectrum analysis to 10 blocks of aeromagnetic data to determine the curie depth within the study area. Geothermal parameters were evaluated using the spectral depth method. The findings revealed that the North Central regions and South Eastern parts of the study area had the shallowest and deepest curie point depths, measuring 12 km and 56 km, respectively, with an average value of 30.46 km.
Heat flow values in the study area varied from 30 mW/m2 to 160 mW/m2, averaging 80.60 mW/m2. Particularly, the North-Central region, including Wugana, Kaguru, New Kwasam, and the Western edge of the study area, displayed high and anomalous heat flow values ranging from 105 mW/m2 to 160 mW/m2. Furthermore, the geothermal gradient exhibited values ranging from 8 0C/km to 50 0C/km, with an average of 25.19 0C/km across the study area.
Notably, the regions with relatively high heat flow and geothermal gradient at the North-Central portion of the study area were found to correspond to areas with high concentrations of Potassium, Thorium, and Uranium, as observed in the radiometric analysis from the Ternary map.
Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the geothermal potential of the Central Nigeria Basement Complex and highlights the correlation between radiometric data and geothermal parameters, paving the way for further exploration and development of geothermal resources in the region.
EXPLORING GEOTHERMAL ENERGY POTENTIAL IN A SECTION OF KADUNA STATE THROUGH AEROMAGNETIC AND AERO-RADIOMATRIC DATA ANALYSIS.  GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
