MAPPING OF RADIOELEMENTSWITHIN SHELLENG AND IT’S ENVIRONS,NORTH-EASTERN OF NIGERIA USING AERORADIOMETRIC DATA

ABSTRACT This study mapped potential mineralization zones within Shelleng and its environs, Northeastern Nigeria, using airborne radiometric data obtained from the Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA). The methodology involved processing potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) datasets in Oasis Montaj software, where minimum-curvature gridding, ratio analysis (K/Th, eTh/K, eU/K), and ternary imaging techniques were applied to enhance lithological boundaries, identify alteration patterns, and detect radiometric anomalies. The processed data show K, Th, and U concentrations ranging from −0.1–5.7%, 2.8–33.7 ppm, and 0.2–4.7 ppm respectively. High K/Th ratio zones, particularly in the northern and northeastern parts of the area, correspond to granitic, migmatitic, and gneissic units, indicating regions of intense potassic alteration and potential mineralization. Total count values between 342.9–4783.8 cpt further reveal significant radiogenic enrichment associated with intrusive bodies and structural controls. Overall, the integration of concentration maps, ratio maps, and ternary imaging effectively delineated hydrothermal alteration zones and mineral-potential areas, demonstrating that airborne radiometric surveying is a reliable, fast, and cost-effective tool for regional geological mapping and mineral exploration in complex basement terrains of Northeastern Nigeria.