Preliminary Assessment of Structural Controls in the Sokoto Basin, Northwestern Nigeria Using Non-Evasive Techniques

Preliminary assessment of the structural controls of the Nigerian sector of the Iullemmeden Basin, northwestern Nigeria has been carried out using non-evasive techniques. The Sokoto Basin deepens towards Niger Republic. Depth to basement interpretations from aeromagnetic data show eight major depressions in the basin comprising the Yerimawa-SabonBirni-Isah trough, Wurno-Rabah trench, Sokoto-Bodinga-Tambulwa trench, Tureta-Bakura ditches, Lema-Tambo sinks, Koko-Giro sinks, Gada holes and Kiwon Allah-Sokwoi-Illela pits. Structural interpretations show that three major fault lines trending NW-SE modified the sagged basement over geologic time. Integrating depth to basement and structural interpretations show that the Sokoto-Bodinga-Tambulwa trench, Kiwon Allah-Sokwoi-Illela pits and Lema-Tambo sinks are possibly connected by parallel faults trending NW-SE. Evidence from field studies of surface tectonic structures as well as the presence of a deep seated fault below the Wurno hill leads us to the conclusion that the Wurno hill is possibly tectonically controlled. Furthermore, the presence of a reverse fault and rollover anticline along Goronyo-Taloka road indicate possible convergent plate boundary and regional active faulting respectively. This may play a significant role in the maturity of organic rich sediments of the Taloka and Dukamaje Formations, flow of fluids as well as mineralization in the basin.