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Structural features derived from a multi-method approach and 2.75D modelling of aeromagnetic data: a case study of the Pitoa–Figuil area (Northern Cameroon)

  • Research Article - Solid Earth Sciences
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Abstract

An interpretation of aeromagnetic data was conducted in the Pitoa–Figuil area (Northern Cameroon). The aim of this investigation was the first to emphasise lineaments hidden under geological formations and secondly to propose two 2.75D models of the subsurface structures. Different magnetic data processing techniques were used, notably horizontal gradient magnitude, analytic signal and Euler deconvolution. The application of these techniques made it possible to map a certain number of lineaments representing discontinuities of magnetic susceptibility, mainly oriented NE–SW, NW–SE, E–W and ENE–WSW. The predominant direction for major lineaments is NE–SW and NW–SE. The major NE–SW trends have been attributed to the consequences of the Benue trough set-up due to the Atlantic opening. The lineaments map associated with the Euler solutions permits us to highlight and characterise 18 faults and some intrusive bodies. Euler solutions indicate depths down to 5.3 km for anomaly sources. The 2.75D modelling from the aeromagnetic anomaly reduced to the equator permits to understand the stratification of the deep and near-surface structures, which are sources of the observed anomalies. The sediment thickness values (3.5–4 km) combined with the presence of numerous deep faults make this area a potential site for hydrocarbon accumulations.

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Acknowledgements

The University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon is the institution in which this work was done, counting for the first author’s PhD thesis work. The authors are grateful to the reviewers for their valuable observations and constructive criticism making the manuscript clear.

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No funding was received for conducting this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Postgraduate School of Science, Technology and Geosciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 47, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    G. Voltaire Souga Kassia, T. Ndougsa Mbarga, J. Daniel Ngoh & S. Ngoa Embeng

  2. Department of Physics, Advanced Teacher’s Training College, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 47, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    T. Ndougsa Mbarga

  3. School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 115, Meiganga, Cameroon

    A. Meying

Authors
  1. G. Voltaire Souga Kassia
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  2. T. Ndougsa Mbarga
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  3. A. Meying
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  4. J. Daniel Ngoh
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  5. S. Ngoa Embeng
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Contributions

Georges Voltaire Souga Kassia contributed to data processing, interpretation and writing. Théophile Ndougsa Mbarga contributed to supervisor, methodology, materials and data supplier. Arsène Meying contributed to geological analysis. Jean Daniel Ngoh contributed to geodata analysis and interpretation. Steve Ngoa Embeng contributed to geophysical data management software.

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Correspondence to G. Voltaire Souga Kassia.

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Edited by Prof. Teresa Grabowska (ASSOCIATE EDITOR) / Prof. Ramón Zúñiga (CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF).

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Kassia, G.V.S., Mbarga, T.N., Meying, A. et al. Structural features derived from a multi-method approach and 2.75D modelling of aeromagnetic data: a case study of the Pitoa–Figuil area (Northern Cameroon). Acta Geophys. 71, 587–600 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00987-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11600-022-00987-1

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