Linear features in Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria: qualitative and quantitative study using magnetic and satellite data

Abstract

This paper analyzed satellite and aeromagnetic data over Osun State, Southwestern, Nigeria with a view to assessing the surface and subsurface structural settings that may favour mineralization in the study area. To accomplish this goal, airborne magnetic data, Aster Digital Elevation Map, and Landsat-7 ETM\u2009+\u2009scenes of Osun State were acquired and processed. Several enhancement techniques were applied to improve the quality of the various remotely sensed data sets for visualization and interpretation. The preferential orientations of structural features in the investigated area are northeast–southwest, north–northeast–south–southwest, and northwest–southeast. The northeast–southwest orientation characterized the primary geologic events in the area. The lineament s density analysis revealed that the rocks were affected by high lineament concentration. Remarkable correlations exist between regions of high lineament density and the areas of known mineral occurrences. The lineament seems to play a significant role in providing favorable pathways for the migration and ascent of mineralized fluids to depositional sites. The findings of the present study provide significant information on the linear features and their influence on mineral occurrence in the study area.