New Insights into Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data for Distribution of Igneous Rocks in Central Iran

—New insights in the aeromagnetic data over the Central Iranian Microcontinent (CIM) have revealed interesting results for future studies and exploration. This work presents the interpretation of different magnetic analyses and the calculated 3D inversion model to provide important insights into the distribution of igneous rocks in the area that may be traced under significant cover. By analyzing several hundred magnetic susceptibility data points and aeromagnetic anomalies of known igneous rocks over the area, it was determined that mafic–ultramafic intrusive rocks generally have a high magnetic susceptibility and produce a strong magnetic response. Intermediate–felsic intrusive rocks have a low magnetic susceptibility and show a smooth gradient variation and commonly regular shape. Volcanic rocks show a wide range of magnetic susceptibility; therefore, the aeromagnetic anomalies are often random or show strong amplitude with high frequency signals and are rapidly eliminated when an upward continuation is applied. Based on the results of analysis of different magnetic maps and 3D inversion of data, and combining this information with known outcropped of igneous rocks, we revealed 1215 concealed intrusive rocks and 528 volcanic rocks in the area. We also renewed the boundaries of tens outcropped igneous rocks. The known and new mapped igneous rocks can be identified as 12 regions (or zones) for intrusive rocks and 4 regions for volcanic rocks. The results indicate that the mafic–ultramafic rocks are mainly located in the Sistan suture zone of eastern Iran along the Nehbandan fault zone. They also show that the many parts of the Lut block as the main structure of CIM have been under magmatic events, so that most of concealed igneous rocks are distributed in the middle and southern part of the Lut block. Volcanic rocks are widespread in the southeastern and northern parts of the area such as the Urumieh-Dokhtar Magmatic Arc, North Lut, and Bam region.

Delineation of Geothermal Energy Potentials in Parts of Calabar Flank, Southeastern Nigeria Using Aeromagnetic Data

In tackling energy-related challenges in Nigeria; the exploration of an alternative source of energy (Geothermal Energy) comes to the limelight as it is generated below the earth subsurface. This work focuses on the delineation of geothermal energy potentials in parts of Calabar Flank, in southeastern Nigeria using Aeromagnetic Data. The aim is to understand the geothermal energy potentials and structural of parts of the Calabar flank by studying the various geothermal, geological, and structural parameters using Aeromagnetic Data. The methodologies applied are quantitative for structural analysis and qualitative using spectral analysis and 3D Euler Deconvolution. The study area lies between within Latitude 5°30ʹ00ʺ N - 6°30ʹ00ʺN and Longitude 7°30ʹ00ʺE - 8°30ʹ0ʺE respectively. Results from the 3D Euler analysis revealed the depth range of 0.25 Km to 4.018 Km. the spectral Analysis revealed a depth range of Magnetic source (Zt) is (-)0.564 Km to (-)0.828 Km, the Zo is (-)4.261 Km to (-)5.999Km and the average depth to basement thickness is (-)4.825 Km. The Curie Point Depth, Geothermal Gradient, and Heat flow yield an average depth of (-)9.452 Km, a value of 61.893CKm-1, and 154.983 mWm-2 from the Spectral Analysis. Some structural features such as trending faults, and fractured basements was observed at the NE-SW of the study area and this correlated to the relatively high heat flow and geothermal gradient at the NNE-SSW part is associated with thermal structures, mineralogical and tectonic history from the NE-SW trending fault in the study area is suitable for geothermal energy exploitation.