Applying Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) to Aeromagnetic Data to Estimate Depth to Magnetic Sources in the Mamfe Sedimentary Basin

Abstract

Aeromagnetic data over the Mamfe Basin have been processed. A regional magnetic gridded dataset was obtained from the Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) data grid using a 3 × 3 convolution (Hanning) filter to remove regional trends. Major similarities in magnetic field orientation and intensities were observed at identical locations on both the regional and TMI data grids. From the regional and TMI gridded datasets, the residual dataset was generated which represents the very shallow geological features of the basin. Processing this residual data grid using the Source Parameter Imaging (SPI) for magnetic depth suggests that the estimated depths to magnetic sources in the basin range from about 271 m to 3552 m. The highest depths are located in two main locations somewhere around the central portion of the study area which correspond to the area with positive magnetic susceptibilities, as well as the areas extending outwards across the eastern boundary of the study area. Shallow magnetic depths are prominent towards the NW portion of the basin and also correspond to areas of negative magnetic susceptibilities. The basin generally exhibits a variation in depth of magnetic sources with high, average and shallow depths. The presence of intrusive igneous rocks was also observed in this basin. This characteristic is a pointer to the existence of geologic resources of interest for exploration in the basin.