article · Scientific Reports
Geological structures beneath the surface of the Centre Region in Cameroon have been mapped using satellite aeromagnetic data from the Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid 2. By applying a Reduction to Magnetic Equator filter, data asymmetries were removed to place anomaly peaks directly above their sources. The resulting maps reveal distinct geological zones: low magnetic intensity indicates sedimentary intrusions, moderate intensity points to metamorphic formations, and elevated responses in the north-east correspond to basement rocks. Further enhancement using derivative filters and Euler deconvolution identified structural lineaments, contacts, and fractures at depths of approximately 2.0 kilometres. These linear features follow a north-east to south-west orientation aligned with the Pan African Orogeny, highlighting potential zones for subsurface resource and mineral entrapment.
Mapping hidden geological formations helps identify where valuable natural resources might be concentrated underground. By using satellite-derived magnetic measurements, researchers can detect deeply buried rock types, faults, and fractures across large territories without initial disruptive digging. This provides crucial structural baselines for regional planning and targeted geological investigations.
This work represents early-stage exploration research that could assist mineral exploration companies and government geological surveys. The structural mapping identifies target fault lines and predicted mineral entrapments, enabling exploration teams to focus follow-up ground surveys and drilling programmes more efficiently. However, further on-the-ground geophysical and geochemical validation is required before any commercial extraction or development can occur.
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This study made use of aeromagnetic data analysis to identify potential geological structures in the magnetic field and map subsurface geological structure, which could serve as potential resources in the Centre Region of Cameroon. The satellite aeromagnetic dataset used was acquired from the Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid 2 (EMAG2). The application of Reduction to Magnetic Equator (RTE) filter was to remove asymmetries in the data and position the peaks of magnetic anomalies directly over their sources. Low magnetic zones indicated by blue colours from the total magnetic fields possibly reveal the sedimentary intrusions into the area, moderate magnetic regions having green, yellow and red colourations suggest metamorphic rocks and the Northeastern portion of the maps indicated with pink colours correlate to the basement rocks in the study area. Derivative filters and Euler deconvolution technique were applied as enhancement techniques to accentuate the inferred linear subsurface structures interpreted as contacts, fractures, lineaments, as well as their depths using a structural index of N = 0. These structures served as predicted mineral entrapments or contact/fault lines whose NE-SW orientation conforms to the Pan African Orogeny with depths of around 2.0 km.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-08077-0
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