Simulation of the Impact of Crustal Structure on Hydrocarbon Exploration from Aeromagnetic Data

Abstract

The implications of the increased number of intrusives is that generated hydrocarbons might be converted to gas, this is more likely in areas around Calabar Flank, Mamfe basin and Anambra basins, given the high number of occurrence of intusives within these areas. whereas areas around the Niger Delta and Lower Benue Trough with significantly increased depth and lower number of intrusive are less proned to excessive heat from the intrusive and may produce more oil. The study support futher exploration activities within the Niger Delta and Lower Benue Trough areas. The significance of this study is the wide range appraisal of the basin architecture and configuration of the offshore and inland basins in Southern Nigeria. The Niger Delta basin areas of Portharcourt, Bonny with sediment thickness of about 8.0km and less intrusives remains the most viable area for exploration of hydrocarbons. The Bansara area within the Mamfe basin has (2.6km) sediment thickness that could generate hydrocabonsgiven that other condition are favourable, but the presence of numerous intusives may makes the area prone to excessive heat and may produce more gas than oil. The Anambra basin and the Lower Benue Trough have moderate depth of sediments thickness (2.5km) and less number of intrusives, this make these areas second to the Niger Delta among the studied basins for good prospects in hydrocarbon exploration investigations.