Geometrical and structural characterization of Garoua sedimentary basin, Benue Trough, North Cameroon, using gravity data

Abstract

The Garoua sedimentary basin is the eastward branch of the Benue Trough in north Cameroon and is characterized by its potential hydrocarbons resources. Statistical spectral analysis of the residual gravity field values obtained by bandpass filtering of Bouguer gravity anomalies was employed to determine the depth to the basement rocks of parts of Garoua Basin. The depth to basement in the area is found to be 4.4 km to 8.9 km. This represents the thickness of the sedimentary formation overlying the basement complex. This increases the possibility of hydrocarbon accumulation in the area. Horizontal gradient analysis enabled tracing deep faults that are mainly striking in the NW-SE direction. Interpretation of horizontal gradient of the gravity data indicated that the potential hydrocarbon field area is structurally controlled. Euler deconvolution method has been applied to the gravity data and provided information about both the depth and trends of the subsurface faults structures in the area.