Abstract

Author:

Aniekan E. Ekpo,Nsikak E. Bassey, Nyakno J George, Itoro C. Udo

Doi: 10.26480/magg.01.2026.26.31

This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License CC BY 4.0, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited

The southeastern Niger Delta, a geologically complex and resource-rich region, was studied using integrated lineament analysis derived from Bouguer anomaly and Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI) maps. The Bouguer anomaly data highlights deep-seated density-driven structures, while the TMI data captures shallow magnetic features such as dikes and sills. Lineament analysis revealed predominant NW-SE and NE-SW orientations, corresponding to deep compressional and shallow extensional features, respectively. The NW-SE trends, observed in the Bouguer anomaly data, align with regional fault systems such as the Nembe and Akata faults, indicating significant compressional stress, while the NE-SW trends in the TMI data reflect shallow extensional deformation linked to recent tectonic activity. Location-specific analysis at key sites, including Ikot Abasi (4.8156°N, 7.0498°E), Onne (4.4500°N, 7.1667°E), and Okirika (4.6167°N, 7.3833°E), identified high-density lineament intersections, suggesting zones of increased structural complexity and potential hydrocarbon accumulation. Hydrogeologically, lineaments highlight aquifer recharge pathways and potential compartmentalization due to fault barriers, emphasizing their role in groundwater management. The integrated analysis enhances the understanding of the tectonic history of the region and provides critical insights for hydrocarbon and groundwater exploration. Recommendations include targeted drilling in areas with intersecting lineaments and further geophysical surveys to validate newly identified shallow magnetic anomalies.