Geospatial and Aeromagnetic investigation of structural lineaments in the Adamawa/Taraba region, upper Benue trough, NE Nigeria: An Implication for Geo-hazard occurrence

Abstract

This study integrates geospatial and aeromagnetic techniques to delineate structural lineaments within the Adamawa-Taraba region of the Upper Benue Trough, northeastern Nigeria, stressing their implications for geo-hazard occurrence. Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM) was processed using GIS and High-resolution aeromagnetic data advanced filtering techniques including Reduction-to-Equator (RTE), First Vertical Derivative (FVD), Analytic Signal, Tilt Derivative (TDR), Horizontal Gradient Magnitude (HGM), and Source Parameter Imaging (SPI). The results reveal dominant structural trends oriented NE-SW and NW-SE, consistent with the regional tectonic framework of the Benue Trough. Lineament extraction and lineament density analysis indicate zones of intense fracturing, particularly in the central, southern, and northeastern parts of the study area, reflecting significant tectonic deformation. Depth estimates show variations from shallow depth of approximately 98 m to deep magnetic sources of depth of about 2200 m, corresponding to basement uplifts and sedimentary basins respectively. The spatial correlation between structural lineamentsand lineament density patterns highlights their strong control on geo-hazard distribution, including landslides, flooding, erosion, subsidence, and potential fault reactivation. The study demonstrates that integrated aeromagnetic and geospatial analysis provides an effective approach for delineating subsurface structures and identifying geo-hazard-prone zones, thereby supporting sustainable land-use planning and hazard mitigation strategies in structurally complex terrains.