Earth and Planetary Science

Curie Depth and Surface Heat Flow Estimation from Anomalous Magnetic Blocks in the Lower and Part of Middle Benue Trough and Anambra Basin

Mukaila Abdullahi

Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Modibbo Adama University, P.M.B. 2076, Yola, Nigeria

Yunis B. Valdon

Department of Geology, Modibbo Adama University, P.M.B. 2076, Yola, Nigeria

Fartisincha P. Andrew

Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Modibbo Adama University, P.M.B. 2076, Yola, Nigeria

Bello Yusuf Idi

Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Modibbo Adama University, P.M.B. 2076, Yola, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/eps.v2i1.821

Received: 28 February 2023; Revised: 7 April 2023; Accepted: 18 April 2023; Published Online: 23 April 2023

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Abstract

Estimation of the bottom (Curie) depths and SHF values on blocks (A, B, C, …, Y) of magnetic anomalies in the lower and part of the middle Benue trough and Anambra basin have been presented. A Map of the result shows a shallow Curie depth of about 11 km around the area of Abakaliki with the deepest Curie depth of about 27 km obtained around Utukpa region. The overriding bottom (Curie) depth of 18 km is calculated around Iku mbur, Arufu and Igumale regions. Heat flow has also been calculated from the Curie depth results. The SHF vary from 54 mWm^–2 around Utukpa to the highest value of 132 mWm^–2 around Abakaliki. The obtained high SHF value could be of sufficiently good prospects for the exploration of geothermal energy resources in the region.

Keywords: Curie depth; Surface heat flow; Geothermal energy; magnetic data; Benue trough

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