Assessment of the Geothermal Source Potential Using Aero Radiometric Data in Parts of South-West and South-South, Nigeria

Aeroradiometric surveys have recently become an invaluable resource for geothermal research. The Nigeria Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) provided the airborne radiometric data and other relevant information for the research area. For accurate detection of outliers, we recorded the data at 0.1 second intervals. Geographically, the research region covers the range of longitudes 5.0°E to 6.5°E and latitudes 6.0°N to 7.5°N. Radiogenic heat production (RHP), primarily caused by the decay of uranium, thorium, and potassium isotopes, and the tenary map were the main areas of investigation. We used Rybach’s empirical equation to determine the relative heat production (RHP) by relating the rock’s uranium (Cu), thorium (CTh), and potassium (CK) concentrations. The RHP values of six distinct profiles were calculated over the research area. Due to their higher RHP values (1.028928, 1.031824, and 1.023776 μW/m³, respectively), Profiles 2, 3, and 6 were deemed appropriate geothermal locations. There is a considerable lot of potential for geothermal energy production in Profile 3, which has the highest RHP, as well as in Profiles 2 and 6. Areas with large concentrations of radioactive elements were also shown by the ternary picture and concentration maps, along with regions with notable geothermal gradients and heat flow. Consequently, the regions around Edo State municipalities like as Okada, Okakpan, and Ugboku are ideal for geothermal energy. Geothermal exploration is most effective in areas with large concentrations of radiogenic elements, according to the study’s results, which provide the groundwork for further investigation in these areas.