GEOPHYSICAL AIRBORNE RADIOMETRIC DATA INTERPRETATION OF GUYOK AND SHELLEN PART OF UPPER BENUE TROUGH NIGERIA

The high resolution aero radiometric data of Upper Benue Trough used for this work were obtained from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The airborne radiometric data of Guyok and Shellen areas were interpreted qualitatively and quantitatively with the aim to determine the relative abundance of radioelements; Potassium, Uranium and Thorium (K, U and Th) content in the area, the rock bearing minerals in the area, delineate zone(s) rich for agriculture and to delineate possible site(s) for radiogenic heat exploration. The ternary image revealed zone with dominant enrichment of K at the northeastern part of the area which may be good soil for agriculture. The northern part of the study area has high concentrations of the three radioelements and are possible site for radiogenic heat exploration. From the qualitative analysis of the relative abundance of the radiometric elements and the ratio map analysis, rock bearing minerals such as limestone, sandstone, gypsum, granite and other minerals gotten from igneous and metamorphic rocks such as feldspar and quartz were identified in the study area, which could serve as raw materials for many factories and industries in Nigeria