Investigation of Geothermal Potential in North-Central Nigeria using High-Resolution Aeromagnetic Data

Abstract

This study investigates the geothermal potential of a 24,200 km² region in North-Central Nigeria, encompassing the Younger Granite province, a geologically significant area known for Jurassic granitic intrusions and tectonic activity. The primary goal of this research is to evaluate the geothermal potential of the study area using high-resolution aeromagnetic data. Spectral analysis was employed to estimate Curie Point Depths (CPDs), geothermal gradients and heat flow across the study area to identify zones with high geothermal energy potential. The analysis, based on eight aeromagnetic sheets, specifically Sheet 125 (Dutsin Wai), Sheet 126 (Ririwai), Sheet 146 (Geshere), Sheet 147 (Lere), Sheet 167 (Kafanchan), Sheet 168 (Naragatu), Sheet 188 (Jemaa) and Sheet 189 (Kurra), revealed CPDs ranging from 6.43 km to 20.03 km (average 11.98 km), geothermal gradients ranging from 28.64°C/km to 90.20°C/km (average 52.43°C/km), and heat flow ranging from 71.59 mW/m² to 225.51 mW/m² (average 131.08 mW/m²). High heat flow zones, particularly in the northeastern (Kakwonka) and southwestern (Nok) parts of the study area, correlate with shallow CPDs and elevated geothermal gradients, suggesting possible geothermal reservoirs that are likely linked to Mesozoic granitic intrusions and associated fault networks. These findings indicate that the study area is a promising candidate for geothermal energy exploration and may contribute to addressing Nigeria’s energy deficit. Further geophysical surveys, including subsurface temperature logging and drilling, are recommended to confirm the commercial viability of these geothermal resources and support Nigeria’s renewable energy transition and energy security.