Delineation of Faults and Cavities Using Gravity Techniques: An Implication for Road Construction, South-South Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out using five digitized aerogravity data to delineate near-surface structural faults, cavities, low-density zones and estimate the mass balance unit in foundations. Qualitative and quantitative analysis were performed in order to examines the depths to anomalous bodies, density/mass and stratigraphic features such as faults and cavities. The techniques employed were: Source parameter imaging (SPI), 3D Euler deconvolution, forward and inverse modeling. The results of the SPI shallow values range from -5.62 to -53.74 m and deep values range from 3.33 to 120 m. The 3D Euler deconvolution results range from -1892.2 to -1278.3 m for obscure and -12264 to 644.6 m for superficial formations. The forward and inverse modeling result shows the values of depth ranging from 2.5 to 4.8 km, density/mass range from (0.7 to 2.4) x 10-3 kg/m3 and (27 to 133) x 1010 kg of three profiles which is the parameter contrast of the gravity surveys. This shows sequential depths and density/mass contrast between the body of interest and the surrounding material which depicts the presents of faults, sedimentary basins and rock bearing minerals of shale/marble which comprises of air, water and sediment-filled formations. The information from this study has revealed the true nature of the subsurface and this will serve as a guide during road construction.