Development of tailored gravity model based on global gravitational and topographic models and terrestrial gravity data for geophysical exploration of southern benue trough in southeast Nigeria

Ojima Isaac Apeh, Robert Tenzer

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A major challenge in geosciences is the acquisition of high-resolution geophysical data that could help to better understand the Earth's interior and processes. In this study, we develop a Tailored Gravity Model (TGM) to fit local terrestrial gravity data collected throughout the Southern Benue Trough (situated in southeast Nigeria) by using Global Gravitational Models (GGMs), terrestrial gravity data, and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs). Specifically, we develop the TGM by computing gravity values from the XGM2019e_2159 global gravitational model on the topographic surface generated by using the Multi-Error-Removed Improved-Terrain (MERIT) DEM topographic heights, and algebraically adding the residual gravity effects obtained from the SRTM2gravity global model of spherical gravimetric terrain correction, while removing a detected systematic bias. An independent statistical evaluation of the terrestrial and tailored gravity data shows that most of the differences between these two datasets are within ±10 mGal, while the RMS of differences improved from 16.7 to 6.4 mGal and a systematic bias was removed. We used the tailored gravity data to compile the Bouguer gravity map. The gravity map produced from a high-resolution absolute gravity data reveals the spatial gravity pattern that is likely associated with aquifers and magmatic structures within the Southern Benue Trough. In agreement with published studies, the Bouguer gravity map demonstrates the folding, faulting, and upwelling or uplifting of the crust. Our gravimetric interpretation suggests that the elongated gravity high along the flexurally inverted and circular Abakaliki Anticlinorium in the Bouguer gravity map could indicate a possible existence of a reservoir of mineral ore bodies or mineral-bearing rocks.

Original languageEnglish
Article number104561
JournalJournal of Applied Geophysics
Volume198
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Bouguer gravity map
  • GGM
  • Gravity
  • Gravity interpretation
  • Southern Benue Trough
  • Tailored gravity model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geophysics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Development of tailored gravity model based on global gravitational and topographic models and terrestrial gravity data for geophysical exploration of southern benue trough in southeast Nigeria'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this