The Application of Airborne Geophysical and Satellite Imagery Data in the Delineation of Rock Boundaries and Structural Lineaments in Anka Sheet 52, Northwestern, Nigeria

Abstract

The understanding of different lithologies and geological structures is a major task of geologists for accurate geological map during geological mapping exercise. In doing so, geologist must be able to cover broad areas of the surface or subsurface of the earth through collection of reliable remote sensing data over a wide region.  The Landsat ETM⁺ from Global Land Cover Facility (GLCV), Shuttle Radar Thematic Mapper- Digital Elevation Model (SRTM, DEM) data from Global Mapper version 14, Airborne Magnetic and Radiometric data from Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) was acquired and interpreted with the help of computer-image processing technology such as Oasis Montaj and ArcGIS software to process, display and represent results covering the study area (Anka sheet 52). The basis of this technology is the representation of the radiometric data in a digital raster format that contain both amplitude and spatial information.  In this format, the data was analyzed, enhanced for visual inspection and combined with other types of data to form colour composite images that clearly subdivide the Basement complex rocks into Pan-African Granites from the Metasediments and the most eye-catching feature is the basement-sedimentary contact. Also, a major NE–SW trending structural lineament referred to as the Anka Fault trends for almost 25km and other subsidiary lineaments trending NW–SE with few E–W trends.

Keywords: Landsat ETM⁺, Magnetic, Radiometric, Structural Lineament, Satellite Imagery.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/10-1-05

Publication date: January 31^st 2020