Hydrocarbon Prospect of Nigeria’s Gongola Basin Based on Gravity Data Interpretation

basinal structure. In this study attempt is made to analyze processed gravity maps of the western sector of the Gongola Basin for qualitative interpretation and depth computations. The study area lies between latitude 9 o 57 -10 o 24 N and longitude 10 o 23-10 o 50 E. The geology of the area is dominantly Tertiary sediments of the Kerri Kerri Formation overlying Cretaceous sediments, Precambrian gneisses occur marginally to the west. Gravity data were processed using Winglink (version 2.03.01 ). Residual data were filtered to generate 1 st horizontal and1 st vertical derivatives maps, and upward continued maps. Oasis Montaj software (7.0.1) was used to generate radial spectral graphs for depth computation. Surfer 11 surface mapping software was used for data contouring. The derivative maps show zones of high gradient attributed to basement related faults. Upward continued map indicate anomalies with NW, N-S and ENE trends interpreted as expressions of deep structures of the Basin. Gravity residual profile across the study area presents a horst -graben basement structure. Radial spectral analysis curves yield two segments -D1 and D2 with depths in excess of 4 km, and 0.5-1.5 km respectively. The D1 depths are considered sub-basins which probably have necessary physical condition of temperature and pressure for hydrocarbon generation/accumulation.