Geothermal Energy Potential in the Part of Middle Benue Trough Located in Nasarawa State.
ABSTRACT
In Nasarawa State, little known thermal springs exist. These springs are indicators of probable high geothermal potential in the Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria, within the State.
However, nobody so far has studied their geothermal potential. Therefore this study is aimed at identifying and delineating the areas of positive geothermal anomalies as prospective locations of geothermal energy deposits.
This study has documented these surface geothermal manifestations and added documentation of sub-surface manifestations, in boreholes drilled for water supply. The springs and boreholes were located with satellite navigator and temperature of water has been measured, Akiri thermal spring has the highest temperature (53.2 o C).
Water from the thermal springs was sampled and analyzed, apart from Azara and kanje thermal Springs that are of meteoric origin, the rest(5) are of connate origin with mineralization as high as 6644-50736 mg/l.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page………………………………………………………………………………i
Declaration…………………………………………………………………………… ii
Certification…………………………………..………………………………………. iii
Dedication…………………………………………………………………………….. IV
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………….. V
List of Tables………………………………………………………………………… viii
List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………. ix
List of Plates ……………………………………………………………………….. X
Acknowledgement…………………………….…………………………………….. Xi
Abstract……………………………………….……………………………………… xii
CHAPTER ONE……………………………………………………………………..1
1. Introduction………………………………………………………………………. 1
1.1 Statement of the problem…………………………………………………………. 1
1 .2 Justification of the study………………………………………………………… 2
1.3 Theoretical frame work…………………………………………………………. 2
1.4 Objective of the research…………………………………………………………3
1.5 Statement of the research hypotheses…………………………………………… 3
1.6 Location, extent and accessibility………………………………………………..3
1.7 Relief and drainage………………………………………………………………4
1.8 Climate vegetation and land use………………………………………………… 5
CHAPTER TWO…………………………………………………………………….7
2. Previous works……………………………………………………………………7
2.1 General geological setting ……………………………………………………7
2.2 Lithological characteristics……………………………………………………11
2.3 Stratigraphy and structures……………………………………………………12
CHAPTER THREE…………………………………………………………………16
3. Materials and methods……………………………………………………………16
3.1 Study design……………………………………………………………………16
3.2 Sources of data……………………………………………………………………16
3.3 Field temperature data collection………………………………………………….17
CHAPTER FOUR…………………………………………………………………….19
4. Results………………………………………………………………………………..19
4.1. Temperatures of Thermal Springs……………………………………………….…19
CHAPTER FIVE………………………………………………………………………..64
5. Discussion of the results………………………………………………………………….64
5.1. Geothermal gradient…………………………………………………………………..64
5.2. Origin of the geothermal anomalies……………………………………………………64
CHAPTER SIX
6. Summary, conclusion and recommendation……………………………………… 66
References…………………………………………………………………………….. 69
INTRODUCTION
A search for a renewable source of energy is inevitable as the life of a contemporary person is impossible without energy. Traditional sources of energy are unfortunately exhaustible, but there are alternative sources of energy; one of these is geothermal energy. It is sustainable heat energy from deep inside the earth (Dickson and Fanelli, 2004).
Geothermal energy in many countries of the world is used either for electricity generation or direct use for heating residential houses.
In Nigeria, little of this alternative source is known, even though according to Babalola (2004), there are two best known potential areas namely the Ikogosi Warm spring in Ondo State and the Wikki Warm spring in Bauchi State.
According to the same source high geothermal anomalies were identified in the Lagos sub basin, the Okiti Pupa Ridge, the Auchi-Agbede, the Benin flank/hinge line, and the Abakaliki Anticlinorium.
REFERENCES
Aku, I. M. (1983). Groundwater Resources of the Lafia Water Catchments Area. Unpublished Masters of Science thesis, submitted to the Geology Department,
University College London.Babalola, O.O., (2004). High-Potential geothermal energy resources areas of Nigeria and their geological and geophysical assessment. American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Bulletin, Vol. 1, Section 68;4; AAPG.
Cratchly, C.R and Jones,G.P.(1965).An interpretation of the Geology and Gravity anomalies of the Benue valley, Nigeria. Overseas Geol. Survey.Geophys. Paper no.1.
Dickson M.H. and M. Fanelli (2004). What is Geothermal Energy?, National Energy Authority and Ministries of Industry and Commerce (2006). Geothermal
Development and Research in Iceland.
StudentsandScholarship Team.
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