Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Estimation of radiogenic heat production of the Adamawa region in Cameroon, Central Africa: an insight from spectral analysis of EMAG2 data

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Arabian Journal of Geosciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Geothermal energy is one of the solutions for energy issues in sub-Saharan countries such as Cameroon, while addressing the environmental issues of the Paris Agreement. This study provides a new database on heat flow, radiogenic heat production, and geothermal gradient for the Adamawa region in Central Cameroon, which suffers from energy issues. This database serves as a framework for future research on geothermal energy for this region. Specifically, the study uses spectral analysis of Grid Earth Magnetic Anomaly (EMAG2) to present an overview of the thermal structure anomaly from surface events related to the volcanic activity of the Adamawa region. This spectral method has been applied to the magnetic data from the equator. The magnetic map was obtained from the correction of the reduction at the equator divided into 17 overlapping blocks of 100 × 100 km in order to estimate the Curie point depth (CPD), which allowed us to obtain the values for the heat flow, radiogenic estimate, and P-wave velocity (Vp). The depths vary from 16 and 41 km, while the heat flow varies from 91 to 98 mW m-2. The Adamawa region is characterized by low Curie point depth values due to the identified geothermal gradient regime that reveal the influence of near-surface mantle convection. In this region, the radiogenic heat production ranges from 0.024 to 0.303 μW m-3, with the low radiogenic heat values being related to heat flow. The seismo-tectonic activity in the region only involves high-intensity earthquakes produced along the Cameroon Volcanic Line as a subduction zone more precisely in the locality of Woulndé. The heat flow observed from the data may suggest the existence of an anomalous heat source in the crust due to radiogenic heat results.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Artemieva IM, Money WD (2001) Thermal thickness and evolution of Precambrian lithosphere. J Geophys Res 106:16387–16414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bilim F, Akay T, Aydemir A, Kosaroglu S (2016) Curie point depth, heat-flow and radiogenic heat production deduced from the spectral analysis of the aeromagnetic data for geothermal investigation on the Menderes Massif and the Aegean Region Western Turkey. Geothermics. 60:44–57

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolt BA, Tsai YB, Yeh K, Hsu MK (1982) Earthquake strong motions recorded by a large near-source array of digital seismographs. Earthq Eng Struct Dyn 10(4):561–573

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • bp Statistical Review of World Energy (2021) Statistical Review of World Energy, 70th edition. Whitehouse Associates, London, 69P

  • Carslaw HS, and Jaeger JC (1959) Conduction of heat in solids. Oxford University Press. 510P

  • Chambefort I, Buscarlet E, Wallis IC, Sewell S, Wilmarth M (2016) Ngatamariki Geothermal Field. New Zealand: geology, geophysics, chemistry and conceptual model. Geothermics 59(Part B):266–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2015.07.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Correia A, Ramalho EC (1999) One dimensional thermal models constrained by seismic velocities and surface radiogenic heat production fort two main geotectonic units in southern Portugal. Tectonophysics 306:261–268

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Condie KC (1970) Plate Tectonics and Crustal Evolution. Pergaman Press Inc., New York

    Google Scholar 

  • David B, Potsdam GFZ (2006) Geophysical exploration methods at European sites. Section 5.2 Geothermics. Germany

  • Dorbath L, Dorbath CW, Fairhead JD (1984) Structure de la croûte sous le plateau de l’Adamaoua (Cameroun). C R Acad Sci 298(12):539–542

    Google Scholar 

  • Dorbath L, Dorbath CW, Fairhead JD, Stuart GW (1986) A teleseismic delay time study across the Central African Shear Zone in the Adamawa region of Cameroon, West Africa. Geophys J R Astron Soc 86(3):751–766

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dolmaz MN, Hisarli ZM, Ustaömer T, Orbay N (2005) Curie point depths based on spectrum analysis of the aeromagnetic data, West Anatolian Extensional Province Turkey. Pure Appl Geophys 162(3):571–590

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dupavillon PR (2015) Metamorphic evolution of the western Gawler Craton. Thèse de Doctorat, University of Adelaide 73P

  • Ellabban O, Abu-Rub H, Blaabjerg F (2014) Renewable energy resources: current status, future prospects and their enabling technology. Renew Sust Energ Rev 39:748–764

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fossi DH, Ganno S, Nzepang Tankwa M, Soh TL, Ayonta KP, Kouayep CL, Kankeu B, Nzenti JP (2022) Petrogenesis and tectonic setting of the Pan-African Deng-Deng granitoids in the Lom Series, Eastern Cameroon. J Afr Earth Sci 188:104484

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ganwa AA, Frisch W, Siebel W, Ekodeck GE, Shang CK, Ngako V (2008) Archean inheritances in the pyroxene–amphibole-bearing gneiss of the Méiganga area (Central North Cameroon): geochemical and 207Pb/206Pb age imprints. Compt Rendus Geosci 340(4):211–222

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ghomsi FEK, Kana JD, Aretouyap Z, Ribeiro-Filho N, Pham LT, Baldez R, Nzeuga A (2022) Main structural lineaments of the southern Cameroon volcanic line derived from aeromagnetic data. J Afr Earth Sci 186:104418

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gulec N, Hilton DR (2006) Helium and heat distribution in western Anatolia, Turkey: relationship to active extension and volcanism. Geol Soc Am Spec Pap 409:305–318

  • Hagen D, Wolfgang B, Steffen AHFG, Ulrich S (2018) Geophysical green field exploration in the permo-carboniferous Saar-Nahe basin-The Wiesbaden Geothermal Project. Germany Geophys Prosp 66(S1):144–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamdja Ngoniri A, Soh Tamehe L, Ngnotue T, Ganno S, Chen ZX, Li H, Ayonta Kenne P, Nzenti JP (2021) Geochronology and petrogenesis of the Pan-African granitoids from Mbondo-Ngazi Tina in the Adamawa-Yadé Domain, Central Cameroon. Int J Earth Sci 110:2221–2245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • He L, Hu S, Yang W, Wang J (2009) Radiogenic heat production in the lithosphere of Sulu ultra-high-pressure metamorphic belt. Earth Planet Sci Lett 277:525–538

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Honda H (1962) Earthquake mechanism and seismic waves. J Physi Earth 10(2):1–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaupart C, Sclater JG, Simmons G (1981) Heat flow studies: constraints on the distribution of uranium, thorium and potassium in the continent d crust. Earth Planet Sci Lett 52:328–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jaupart C (1986) On the average amount and vertical distribution of radioactivity in the continental crust. In: Burrus J (ed) Thermal Modeling in Sedimentary Basins. Editions Technip, Paris, pp 33–47

    Google Scholar 

  • Kande HL (2008) Étude géophysique de la structure de la croûte le long du fossé tectonique de la Mbéré (Sud Adamaoua-Cameroun) (Doctoral dissertation, Thèse de Doctorat, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, 120P).

  • Kasidi S, Kamureyina E, and Joshua PT (2018) estimation of Curie depths. Heat flow and geothermal gradient of mubi and environs north eastern nigeria. Journal of Geography Environment and Earth Science International.1-8

  • Lachenbruch AH (1968) Preliminary geothermal model of the Sierra Nevada. J Geophys

  • Le Maréchal A (1976) Géologie et géochimie des sources thermo minérales du Cameroun. Thèse Université. Paris VI 107-108pp

  • Lowrie W (1997) Fundamentals of geophysics,2nded. Paperback. Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press, 368p

  • Marcel J, Abate Essi JM, Meli’I JL, Njandjock Nouck P, Mahamat A, Manguelle-Dicoum E (2018) Geodynamic insights of the cameroon volcanic line (western Africa) from isostatic gravity anomalies. J Geodyn 121:36–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jog.2018.07.002

  • Martínez-Garzón P, Kwiatek G, Sone H, Bohnhoff M, Dresen G, Hartline C (2014) Spatiotemporal changes, faulting regimes, and source parameters of induced seismicity: a case study from The Geysers geothermal field. J Geophys Res Solid Earth 119(11):8378–8396. https://doi.org/10.1002/2014jb011385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maus S, Barckhausen U, Berkenbosch H, Bourna N, Brozena J, Childer V, Dostaler F, Fairhead JD, Finn C, Von Frese RRB, Gaina C, Golynsky S, Kucks R, Lühr H, Milligan P, Mogren S, Müller RD, Olesen O, Pilkington M, Saltus R, Schreckenberger B, Thébault E, and Caratori Tontini F (2009) EMAG2: a 2-arc min resolution Earth Magnetic Anomaly Grid compiled from satellite, airborne, and marine magnetic measurements. Geochem Geophys Geosystem. https://doi.org/10.1029/2009GC002471

  • Mickus K, Hussein M (2015) Curie depth analysis of the Salton Sea Region, Southern California. Pure Appl Geophys 172:1383–1780

    Google Scholar 

  • Mono JA, Ndougsa-Mbarga T, Tarek Y, Ngoh JD, Amougou UIOA (2018) Estimation of Curie-point depths geothermal gradients and near-surface heat flow from spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data in the Loum-Minta area (Centre-East Cameroon). Egypt J Pet 27(4):1291–1299

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreau C, Regnoult JM, Déruelle B, Robineau BA (1987) New tectonic modèle for the Cameroon Line Central Africa. Tectonophysics 141(4):317–334

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Muh E, Fouzi T (2019) Comparative analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems for off-grid applications in Southern Cameroons. Renew Energy 135:41–54

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ngako V, Affaton P, Njonfang E (2008) Pan-African tectonics in northwestern Cameroon: implication for the history of western Gondwana. Gondwana Res 14(3):509–522

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ngako V, Njonfang E, Aka FT, Affaton P, Nnange JM (2006) The North-South Paleozoic to Quaternary trend of alkaline magmatism from Niger-Nigeria to Cameroon: Complex interaction between hotspots and Precambrian faults. J African Earth Sci 45:241–256

  • Ngoh JD, Mbarga TN, Mickus K, Tarek Y, Tabod TC (2020) Estimation of Curie Point Depth (CPD) across the Pan African Belt in Northern Cameroon from Aeromagnetic Data. Open J Earthq Res 9(03):217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ngounouno I (1998) Chronologie, pétrologie et cadre géodynamique du magmatisme cénozoique de la ligne du Cameroun. Geosc. Au Cameroun, Eds., Collect. Géocam, 1(1998), 169-184

  • Njeudjang K, Abate EJM, Domra KJ, Teikeu AW, Njandjock NP, Djongyang N, Tchinda R (2020a) Gravity investigation of the Cameroon Volcanic Line in Adamawa region: geothermal features and structural control. J Afr Earth Sci 165:103809

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Njeudjang K, Domra KJ, Ahmat T, Abate Essi JM, Djongyang N, Tchinda R (2020b) Curie point depth and heat flow deduced from spectral analysis of magnetic data over Adamawa volcanic region (Northern Cameroon): geothermal implications. SN Appl Sci 2(8):1–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Njeudjang K, Yandjimain J, Bouba A, Kanouo Djousse BM, Teikeu Assatse W, Djongyang N, and Ndougsa-Mbarga T (2022) Subsurface Tectonic Inferences of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon from EMAG2 Magnetic Data. Hindawi, International Journalof Geophysics, Volume 2022, Article ID 8451725, 13p. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8451725

  • Nnange JM, Ngako V, Fairhead JD, Ebinger CJ (2000) Depths to density discontinuities beneath the Adamawa plateau region, Central Africa, from spectral analyses of new and existing gravity data. J Afr Earth Sci 30(4):887–901

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Noutchogwe TC (2010) Investigation géophysique dans la région de l’Adamaoua par les méthodes gravimétriques et magnétiques : implications structurales et hydrogéologiques, Thèse de Doctorat/PhD Université de Yaoundé I

  • Nwankwo LI (2015) Spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data for geothermal investigation of Wikki warm spring, North-East Nigeria. Geothermics 55:207–208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nzenti JP, Kapajika B, Wörner G, Lubala TR (2006) Synkinematic emplacement of granitoids in a Pan-African shear zone in Central Cameroon. J Afr Earth Sci 45(1):74–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Okubo Y, Graf JR, Hansen RO, Ogawa K, Tsu H (1985) Curie point depths of the Island of Kyushu and surrounding areas Japan. Geophysics. 50(3):481–494

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ojo AO, Ni S, Xie J, Zhao L (2019) Further constraints on the shear wave velocity structure of Cameroon from joint inversion of receiver function, Rayleigh wave dispersion and ellipticity measurements. Geophys J Int 217(1):589–619

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pearson-Grant SC, Franz P, Clearwater J (2018) Gravity measurements as a calibration tool for geothermal reservoir modelling. Geothermics 73:146–157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2017.06.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poudjom-Djomani YH, Nnange JM, Diament M, Ebinger CJ, Fairhead JD (1995) Effective elastic thickness and crustal thickness variations in West Central Africa inferred from gravity data. J Geophys Res 100(B11):22047–22070

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pollack HN, Hurter SJ, Johnson JR (1993) Heat flow from the Earth’s interior: analysis of the global data set. Rev Geophys 31(3):267–280. https://doi.org/10.1029/93RG01249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ramotoroko C, Shemang E, Lushetile B, Sitali M (2021) Curie point depth analysis of aeromagnetic data of Kasane region in northwest Botswana and surrounding regions for geothermal investigation of Kasane Hot Spring. J Afr Earth Sci 180:104214

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Raouf A, Yue JH, Njeudjang K, Soh Tamehe L, Oluwaseum OO (2023) Integrated remote sensing and geophysical techniques for delineating geological and hydrogeological environments of the subsurface in the Adamawa Yadé region, Central Cameroon. Egypt J Remote Sens 26:217–230

    Google Scholar 

  • REN21 (2021) Renewables 2021 Global Status Report, 370 p. ISBN 978-3-948393-03-8

  • Rybach L (1978) The relationship between seismic velocity and radioactive heat production in crustal rocks:an exponential law. Pure Appl Geophys 117(75-82):1979

    Google Scholar 

  • Rybach L, Buntebarth G (1982) Relationship between the petrophysical properties density, seismic velocity, heat generation and mineralogical constitution. Earth PlanetSciLett 57(367):376

    Google Scholar 

  • Rybach L, Buntebarth G (1984) The variation of heat generation, density and seismic velocity with rock type in the continental crust. Tectonophysics 103:309–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salem A, Ravat D, Gamey TJ, Ushijima K (2002) Analytic signal approach and its applicability in environmental magnetic investigations. J App Geophys 49:231–244

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saibi H, Nishijima J, Ehara S, Aboud E (2006) Integrated gradient interpretation techniques for 2-D and 3-D gravity data interpretation. Earth Planets Space 58:815–821

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sedara SO, Asere AM (2020) Review of variability of radiogenic heat properties of some rock types as a basis for geothermal characterization in Nigeria. Integ Res J 5:82

    Google Scholar 

  • Şen Z (2004) Solar energy in progress and future research trends. Prog Energy Combust Sci 30(4):367–416

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Springer M (1999) Interpretation of heat flow density in the Central Andes. Tectonophysics 306:377–395

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tanaka A, Okubo Y, Matsubayashi O (1999) Curie point Depth based on Spectrum Analysis of the Magnetic Anomaly Data in East and Southeast Asia. Tectonophysics 306:461–470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tchouatcha MS, Njoya A, Ganno S, Toyama R, Ngouem PA, Njike NPR (2016) Origin and paleoenvironmental of Pleistocene-Holocene Travertine deposit from the Mbéré sedimentary sub-basin along the Central Cameroon Shear Zone: Insights from petrology and palynology and evidence for neotectonics. J Afr Earth Sci 118:24–34

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Temdjim R, Tchoua FM (1999) Etude de l’altération palagonitique dans les hyaloclastites du district volcanique de Ngaoundéré (Nord-Cameroun) In: Vicat, JP, Bilong, P.(Eds.). Géologie et environnements au Cameroun 2:285–292

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiabou AF, Temdjim R, Wandji P, Bardintzeff JM, Che VB, Tibang EEB, Mebara FXO (2019) Baossi-Warack monogenetic volcanoes, Adamawa Plateau, Cameroon: petrography, mineralogy and geochemistry. Acta Geochimica 38(1):40–67

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tissot B (2001) Quel avenir pour les combustibles fossiles ? Les avancées scientifiques et technologiques permettront-elles la poursuite d'un développement soutenable avec les énergies carbonées ?" Comptes Rendus de l’Académie des Sciences-Series IIA-Earth and Planetary Science 333.12: 787-796

  • Tokam APK, Tabod CT, Nyblade AA, Julia J, Wiens DA, Pasyanos ME (2010) Structure of the crust beneath Cameroon, West Africa, from the joint inversion of Rayleigh wave group velocities and receiver functions. Geophys J Int 183:1061–1076

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toteu S, Van Schmus W, Penaye J, Michard AJPR (2001) New U-Pb and Sm-Nd data from North-central Cameroon and its bearing on the Pre-Pan African history of central Africa. 108(1-2): 45-73

  • Toteu SF, Penaye J, Deschamps Y, Maldan F, Nyama Atibagoua B, Bouyo HM, Sep NJ, Mbola NSP (2008) Géologie et ressources minérales du Cameroun 1/1.000.000. In: 33rd International Congress, Oslo, Norway, pp 6–14

  • Toteu SF, Penaye J, Djomani Y (2011) Geodynamic evolution of the Pan-African Belt in Central Africa with special reference to Cameroon. Can J Earth Sci 41:73–85

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tselentis GA (1991) An attempt to define Curie point depths in Greece from Aeromagnetic and heat flow data. Pure Appl Geophys 136:87–101

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turcotte DL, Schubert G (1982) Geodynamics: Applications of Continuum Physics to Geological Problems. John Wiley, New York, p 450

    Google Scholar 

  • Vallier B, Magnenet V, Schmittbuhl J, Fond C (2019) Large scale hydro-thermal circulation in the deep geothermal reservoir of Soultz-sous-Forêts (France). Geothermics. 1:78

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou B, Wu Y, Zhou B, Wang R, Ke W, Zhang S, Hao J (2016) Real-world performance of battery electric buses and their life-cycle benefits with respect to energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Energy 96:603–661

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the National Center for Environmental Information (NCEI) for providing the geophysical data used for this work. We thank two anonymous reviewers and the Chief Editor for their constructive comments that substantially improved the manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Quality Industrial Safety and Environment, National Advanced School of Mines and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, PO. Box: 46, Maroua, Cameroon

    Kasi Njeudjang

  2. Department of Rural Engineering, Faculty of Agronomy and Agricultural Sciences, University of Dschang, PO. Box: 222, Dschang, Cameroon

    Boris Merlain Djousse Kanouo

  3. Department of Physics, Higher Teacher Training College, University of Maroua, PO. Box: 46, Maroua, Cameroon

    Apollinaire Bouba

  4. Department of Basic Scientific Teaching, School of Geology and Mining Engineering, University of Ngaoundéré, PO. Box: 115, Meiganga, Cameroon

    Madeleine Nitcheu

  5. Laboratory of Geophysics and Geoexploration, Department of Physics, University of Yaoundé I, PO. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon

    William Assatse Teikeu & Philippe Njandjock Nouck

  6. China Nonferrous Metal (Guilin) Geology and Mining Co. Ltd., Guilin, 541004, China

    Landry Soh Tamehe

  7. Department of Renewable, National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua, PO. Box: 46, Maroua, Cameroon

    Noël Djongyang

Authors
  1. Kasi Njeudjang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Boris Merlain Djousse Kanouo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Apollinaire Bouba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Madeleine Nitcheu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. William Assatse Teikeu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Landry Soh Tamehe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Noël Djongyang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Philippe Njandjock Nouck
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kasi Njeudjang.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Responsible Editor: Narasimman Sundararajan

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Njeudjang, K., Kanouo, B.M.D., Bouba, A. et al. Estimation of radiogenic heat production of the Adamawa region in Cameroon, Central Africa: an insight from spectral analysis of EMAG2 data. Arab J Geosci 16, 442 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11533-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12517-023-11533-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation