Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Aniekan E. Ekpo, Nsikak E. Bassey, Nyakno J George, Itoro C. Udo

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.01.2024.74.79

The Niger Delta Basin is a prolific hydrocarbon region characterized by complex geological structures such as shale diapirs, faults, fractures, and various hydrocarbon traps. This study uses Euler Deconvolution method to analyze aeromagnetic data over the southeastern Niger Delta, identifying key subsurface features critical for hydrocarbon exploration. Several geological zones with varying exploration potential are revealed. The central basin zone (latitudes 4˚50’–5˚10’N and longitudes 7˚40’–8˚20’E) shows sparse Euler solutions at depths of 2 to 5 Km, indicating a deeper basement with limited near-surface faulting. This stable zone, with its deep sediment deposits, is favorable for deep-seated hydrocarbon accumulations, particularly within the Akata Formation. In the lowland zone (latitudes 4˚50’–5˚00’N and longitudes 7˚00’–7˚40’E), fewer solutions are detected at depths of 3 to 7 Km, suggesting deeper faults or basement structures that may serve as hydrocarbon traps. The study also identifies significant shale diapirs in the western part (latitudes 5˚00’–5˚30’N and longitudes 7˚30’–8˚00’E), where clusters of solutions at 1.5 to 3 Km indicate over-pressured shales from the Akata Formation intruding upwards, creating structural traps. Additionally, several fault and fracture zones in the northwestern and eastern parts (latitudes 5˚10’–5˚50’N and longitudes 7˚20’–7˚50’E and 8˚20’–8˚50’E) provide potential migration pathways and trapping mechanisms. The findings suggest that targeted exploration in areas with high hydrocarbon potential, such as fault zones, shale diapirs, and structural closures, could lead to significant hydrocarbon discoveries. This study provides insights that enhance understanding of the Niger Delta Basin’s complex geological framework, guiding more efficient exploration strategies in this prolific region.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Haidar Salim Anan

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.108.111

The present study deals with the modern taxonomical consideration of the Neogene smaller Rotaliid benthic foraminiferal species of Uvigerina from Eastern Niger Delta Nigeria, west Africa, central Atlantic Ocean which represent good example of the Southern Tethyan assemblage. This assemblage indicates an open marine environment, which represents outer neritic-Bathyal environment(~200-2000m). The wide paleogeographic distribution of this assemblage in different localities in the Northern and Southern Tethys: USA, Mexico, Caribbean, Peru, Venezuela, Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Sweden, Austria, Hungaria, Italy, Ivorian Basin, Angola, Libya, Egypt, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan, New Zealand. indicate that the ancestral Tethys is connected with the ancestral Atlantic with Indian-Pacific, via Mediterranean Sea.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Adegoke Hezekiah Blessing, Osisanya Olajuwon Wasiu, Saleh Alhaji Saleh, Eyankware Oghenenyoreme Moses, Ojo Gift Folashade

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.98.107

In the “HONYX” Field, Niger Delta, Gulf of Guinea, seismic attributes were employed to analyze the structural trend and identify regions that are favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation. Nestled in the Niger Delta basin, the ‘HONYX’ field spans approximately 75,000 km2 and is situated between latitudes 4°N and 6°N and longitudes 3oE and 9°E. One of the petroleum companies in Nigeria provided the data set, which included the Base map of the study region, well logs (LAS format), 3-D seismic data (SEG-Y), and Check shot survey used for this work. Faults picking, horizon mapping, and structural map production were the techniques employed to accomplish this goal. The DHIs (Sweetness and Instantaneous frequency), RMS Amplitude, and Variance were the seismic properties that were employed. In the research area, the Sweetness exhibits a strong amplitude in regions where there are isolated sand bodies surrounded by shale. On the Sweetness time slices, they appeared as brownish patches. From the seismic data, the instantaneous frequency parameter was also produced. On the sweetness time slice, however, the zone or zones with strong amplitude match the instantaneous frequency, which displays low frequency anomalies suggestive of cracked and hydrocarbon zones. The Variance Trends Analysis showed the two main faults in an east-west orientation. Following that, structural maps of depth and time were created for three defined horizons. Finally, this study demonstrated that the application of seismic attribute analysis has uncovered several hydrocarbon prospective zones that could be further revalidated and evaluated to a hydrocarbon prospect, away from the producing zone (which is common to all three reservoir tops). These prospect areas were identified on the three depth maps. The “HONYX” Field is effective for accumulating hydrocarbons, according to the observed data.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Haidar Salim Anan

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.95.97

This study describes a new Eocene Lagenid genus Marginulinoides from the Eocene of many localities in the Northern and Southern Tethys. The test close coiled has early stage test, later elongate uncoiled uniserial and rectilinear, 3-5 chambers semiglobular, periphery rounded, surface ornamented by heavily spinose, aperture terminal with neck, may be shifted slightly to the dorsal angle. This new genus differs from the other related genera (e. g. Marginulina, Marginuliopsis, Percultazonaria, Percultalina) by its heavily hispid to spinose ornamented surface.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Egbelehulu Priscillia and Abu Mallam

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.01.2024.67.73

The ground magnetic survey provides detailed information on subsurface magnetic structures for mineral exploration. This method was carried out within 2.3km by 1.5km of Gwagwalada, Abuja Nigeria bounded by longitude 7°5 ′20′′E to 7°6 ′40′′E and latitude 8°57′50′′N to 8°58′40′′N in the basement complex of north- central Nigeria. Twenty-five (25) profiles were established over the area at 100m intervals. Data was obtained from the field using a GSM-19 overhauster magnetometer at a time interval of 2s. It was corrected for Diurnal correction and analyzed using Oasis Montaj 8.4 software. The TMI value obtained from the field ranged from 33940.67 nT to a maximum value of 34056.67 nT, and was reduced to the equator. Application of the derivative filters delineated structures that trend NE – SW, E – W, and NW – SE, analysis from the analytic signal filter revealed that the area of study was characterized by varying anomalous magnetic amplitude also it picked up on the magnetic bodies’ edges. The location and depth of the structure were determined using the modified dataset and the Euler deconvolution algorithm. The estimated depth of the magnetic source body was about 16.88m to 74.99 m. Rock samples collected during the fieldwork were analyzed; geochemical analysis revealed the possibility of minerals in the area. The result showed that samples are rich in mineral oxides such as iron oxide, titanium oxide, aluminum, and potassium oxides. Samples with the highest silicate value such as quartz as regards the analysis was generally low in other oxides of Fe2O3, Al2O3, K2O compared to other samples. This analysis provides vital information on the mineral deposit and structural setting of the study area for possible mineral exploitation.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: A. Mamudu, E.S. Akanbi, and S.C. Odewumi

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.90.94

The present study focuses on the Mapping of Mineral Potential Zones of the Bauchi area in Northeastern
Nigeria from Aeromagnetic Data. The aeromagnetic data was enhanced using the first vertical derivative, horizontal derivative, analytic signal and centre for exploration targeting (CET) techniques. The software used to process the data are ArcGIS, Oasis montaj® andRockworks. The total magnetic anomalies ranged from -29822 to 508.9 nT. The high magnetic anomalies could be from underlying ferromagnesian rocks while the low magnetic anomalies could be from granitic intrusions in the Bauchi area. The first vertical derivative and horizontal gradient map revealed short wavelength anomalies with relatively high frequency caused by shallow seated features assigned to igneous intrusions. The analytic signal map revealed clusters or high amplitude of analytic signals which is an indication of shallow seated intrusions of different shapes that could be associated with mineralization. The lineament map shows linear structures that could be faults, joints and dyke that indicated the study area has undergone structural deformation and the corresponding rose plot reveals linear structures that trend in ENE–WSW, ESE–WNW, NE–SW, SE–NW, N-S and E-W directions. This shows that minerals in the study area are structurally controlled. The mineral potential map shows that Jimbin, Jangu, Kafi Madaki, Rauta, Nasarawa, Dabin-Kasa, Waya, Tsakani, Gidajo, Tafawa Balewa, Balowa, Bagoro, Dull, Bala and Kanam areas have mineral potential zones.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Fadiminiyi Gbenga Stephen, Aladin Anthony Ese and Maju-Oyovwikowhe G.E

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.83.89

Feldspar minerals are essential industrial minerals that have varied applications depending on their mineralogical and chemical compositions. This project aims to evaluate the geochemical properties of Feldspar deposits around Dagbala area to determine their suitability for ceramic production. The study combines field and laboratory analysis of the samples collected. Fieldwork was carried out in Dagbala area, Akoko-Edo, Southern Nigeria, where ten (10) rock chip samples were collected from six different locations during the dry season. The chemical and mineralogical properties of the Feldspar materials were determined using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis. The major mineral phases identified in the Feldspar samples from the studied areas were Muscovite, Quartz, Plagioclase, Albite, Microcline/Orthoclase, and Zircon. Geochemical analysis of the Feldspar deposits showed that they contained high Silica, SiO2 (72.71 – 74.97%; average: 73.11%) and Alumina, Al2O3 (15.05-15.16%; average 15.12%) with significant amounts of Potash (K2O) content (3.53 – 8.20%; average: 7.00%) and Soda (Na2O) content (3.37 – 5.56%; average: 4.94%), which are essential oxides for ceramic production. The ceramic suitability of these materials was assessed using the Bureau Indian Specification (BIS) and data from relevant literature. The results revealed that these raw materials are suitable for the production of ornamental ceramic ware.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Muhammed Salam Abubakar, Abdulrahman Muhammad, Ismail Bala Jibril

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.75.82

This study investigates the geochemical characteristics and potential contamination of groundwater within the Kaduna Polytechnic Main Campus. Piper plot analysis reveals that the water samples predominantly exhibit a Ca²⁺–Mg²⁺–Cl⁻—SO₄²⁻ type, indicating a mixture of alkaline earth and strong acid anion concentrations. Electrical conductivity (EC) values in the samples ranged from 365 to 1790 μS/cm, reflecting variations in ion concentrations. Nitrate levels in some samples were alarmingly high, ranging from 27.20 mg/l to 131.00 mg/l, surpassing the WHO permissible limit of 45 mg/l. Arsenic concentrations varied between 0.015 and 0.125 mg/l, with certain samples exceeding the WHO guideline of 0.01-0.05 mg/l. Cadmium concentrations were particularly concerning, ranging from 0.604 mg/l to 0.766 mg/l, significantly above the WHO limit of 0.03 mg/l. Chromium concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 0.25 mg/l, with some samples exceeding the WHO limit of 0.05 mg/l. Nickel concentrations ranged from 0.078 mg/l to 0.128 mg/l, surpassing the WHO limit of 0.01 mg/l in all samples. Mercury concentrations were exceptionally high, ranging from 2.357 mg/l to 3.807 mg/l, far exceeding the WHO limit of 0.02 mg/l. These findings suggest that the groundwater quality within the Kaduna Polytechnic Main Campus is compromised by a range of emerging contaminants, likely stemming from anthropogenic activities such as improper waste disposal, agricultural practices, and nearby mechanical operations. Urgent intervention is required to mitigate potential health risks and protect the groundwater resources of the area.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Adedokun Damilola Rukayat, Ishola K.S., Ilugbo Stephen Olubusola, Alli Adnan Karram, Ibitomi Michael Adewale

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.01.2024.57.66

Groundwater assessment methods have evolved significantly, revealing the effectiveness of various techniques and emphasizing the necessity of an integrated approach for a thorough understanding of groundwater resources. This review highlights Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) as a foundational tool, which provides valuable insights into subsurface resistivity and aquifer characteristics. Despite its utility in profiling vertical resistivity, VES is limited in depth penetration and lateral variation capture. To address these constraints, the review explores advanced techniques such as Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT)
and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). ERT enhances spatial resolution by offering detailed views of resistivity variations, which improve the understanding of aquifer boundaries and subsurface structures. GPR, with its high-resolution imaging capabilities, excels in shallow investigations, complementing VES data with detailed insights. Additionally, Seismic Refraction provides complementary information on subsurface layers and aquifer depths, adding another dimension to resistivity-based methods. The integration of these techniques, along with hydrogeological methods like drilling and well logging, offers a comprehensive framework for groundwater assessment. Remote sensing technologies, including satellite imagery and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), contribute valuable spatial and temporal data for understanding groundwater recharge areas and monitoring land use impacts. Hydrological modeling further supports predictive insights into groundwater flow and future scenarios. For Nigeria, applying these integrated methods is crucial due to its diverse geological and climatic conditions. Utilizing VES, ERT, GPR, Seismic Refraction, remote sensing, and GIS will enhance the understanding of groundwater resources, facilitate effective management strategies, and address issues such as over-extraction and contamination. Effective groundwater management policies should be informed by these comprehensive assessments and supported by research, development, and public awareness efforts to ensure sustainable use of groundwater resources.

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Geology (PJG)
Author: Ese Anthony Aladin and Andre-Obayanju O

This is an open access journal distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

DOI: 10.26480/pjg.02.2024.66.74

This research is to determine the engineering index properties of soil for suitable foundation design in Ajah, Southwestern Nigeria. Three samples were acquired from a well bore in the area at depth of 1m, 3m and 5m. The following laboratory tests were carried out on the soil samples collected from the study area (Particle size analysis, Specific gravity, Atterberg limit, Triaxial test, and Compaction). The particle size analysis test revealed the predominance of granular materials ranging from fine to coarse sands in the sample. The specific gravity of the soil shows a gradual increase with depth, from 2.41 (at 1m), 2.50(at 3m) and 2.57(at 5m). The results from the Atterberg limit test showed that the three samples have liquid limit of 20.44%, 23.27%, and 25.61% respectively. The samples are also non plastic in nature, having neither plastic limit nor plastic index. The samples are almost cohesionless, having cohesion of 0.17, 0.95 and 0.76; and having angle of internal friction of about 13.73º, 11.62º, and 11.36º. Further analysis of the soil samples revealed that the optimum moisture content for the samples are 12.4%, 14.2% and 13.2% respectively, from top to bottom, while the maximum dry density for the samples are 1.75g/cm3, 1.68g/cm3 and 1.76g/cm3. The aforementioned properties of the soil proves that the soil is suitable for foundation, having low retention water capacity and relatively high specific gravity and permeability; high percentage of coarser grained fraction and very low percentage of clay minerals.