Re-Evaluation of Hydrocarbon Potentials of Eastern Part of the Chad Basin, Nigeria: An Aeromagnetic Approach*

The hydrocarbon potentials of parts of the Nigerian sector of the Chad Basin have been re-evaluated from the interpretation of aeromagnetic anomalies. Nine aeromagnetic maps located between latitudes 11 o 00 min - 12 o 30 min N and longitudes 12 o 30 min - 14 o 00 min E were assembled and analyzed to determine the structural pattern and the sedimentary thickness variations within the basin. The qualitative interpretation indicates that the area is intensely fractured with major faults trending in a NE-SW direction. The aeromagnetic data were subjected to Fourier analysis and results show two depth sources in the study area; the shallower sources have a average value of 1.8 km while the deeper ones have an average value of 4.3 km. The sedimentary thickness of the area ranges from 1.0 to 5.8 km. Based on the computed sedimentary thicknesses and the temperature at depth (125-228 o C), some parts of the study area have been demarcated for detail hydrocarbon exploration.