Geothermal Resources Exploration in Kerang Highland, Jos Plateau, Nigeria Using Aeromagnetic and Aero-Radiometric Data

Abubakar I Abubakar, Cyril G Afuwai, Abdullahi N Khalid, Auwal Nuhu, Raudha A Girka, Mshelia Abdulra
2026-01-08 69 views 2 downloads

 

This study investigates the geothermal energy potential of the Kerang Highland, Jos Plateau, Nigeria, using high-resolution aeromagnetic and aero-radiometric datasets: Sheet 168 (Naraguta), 169 (Majuju), 189 (Laura), and 190 (Pankshin), obtained from the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The research applies spectral analysis of aeromagnetic data to estimate Curie Point Depths (CPD), geothermal gradients, and subsurface heat flow, while aero-radiometric data are analyzed to determine radiogenic heat production based on uranium (U), thorium (Th), and potassium (K) concentrations. The Curie Point Depths in the study area vary from 6.83 km to 14.39 km, corresponding to geothermal gradient values ranging from 40.3 °C/km to 84.9 °C/km, and heat flow values from 100.8 to 212.3 mW/m², and Radiogenic heat generation ranging between 2.6 and 3.8 µW/m³. The results reveal shallow CPDs, high heat flow, high geothermal gradient, and high radiogenic heat in Blocks (4, 9, 13, 14, 20, 21, 24, and 25 ), indicating geothermally active zones. The dominant NE–SW structural trend, derived from magnetic lineament analysis, correlates with the regional tectonic fabric of the Younger Granite Complex. The integration of aeromagnetic and radiometric datasets demonstrates a strong correlation between high radiogenic heat zones and high heat flow. This suggests that both crustal radioactive decay and mantle upwelling contribute to the anomalous geothermal regime. The study concludes that Kerang Highland possesses high geothermal energy potential suitable for direct-use applications and binary-cycle power generation. Further geophysical, geochemical, and drilling investigations are recommended to validate and quantify the resource.

 

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