GEOTHERMAL PROSPECTIVE AREAS IN THE NORTHERN SECTOR OF BIDA BASIN AND ENVIRONS, NORTH-CENTRAL NIGERIA

Abstract

With the deteriorating electrical power supply in Nigeria, it is imperative that more alternative sources are explored. This research work is carried out to assess part of the Bida basin as a possible source of geothermal energy that will help to augment the electric power generation in the country. The study was carried out within the northern sector of the Bida Basin and environs and the area which lies between Longitudes 5⁰00ʹ00ʺ – 7⁰00ʹ00ʺ E and Latitudes 8⁰30ʹ00ʺ – 10⁰30ʹ00ʺ N. Sixteen (16) half degree high resolution aeromagnetic data in a block grid format was utilised for this research. To enhance data for interpretation the total magnetic intensity (TMI) map was subjected to regional-residual separation using Oasis Montaj (version 7.0.1) software. To minimize the effect of frequency noise caused by tiny structures near ground surface, the residual magnetic map was upward continued and further divided into sixteen square blocks with each block windowed and subjected to spectral analysis using Matlab (version R2010a) software. Surfer 11 surface mapping software was used for data contouring. Results obtained from the analysis revealed a Curie point depths ranges from 9 – 17 km over the study area, a geothermal gradient range from 32 – 65 ⁰C km^-1, and heat flow ranges from 83 – 163 mWm^-2. From interpretation of heat flow map, the prospective areas with anomalous geothermal conditions recommended for geothermal exploitation are areas around Masamagu, Mokwa, Bokani,  Lapai, Agaie and Agena.