Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Remote sensing data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools have become valuable assets in the field of geology for structural interpretation and mineral potential mapping. This research project focuses on utilizing these technologies to analyze geological features and identify potential mineral resources in a specific region. The study area covers a diverse geological terrain with various rock formations and structures. Remote sensing data, including satellite imagery and aerial photographs, are processed to extract valuable information regarding lithology, structures, and land cover. GIS tools are then employed to integrate and analyze this data, allowing for the creation of detailed geological maps and models. Structural interpretation plays a crucial role in understanding the geological history and tectonic evolution of the study area. By analyzing lineaments, faults, folds, and other structural features visible in remote sensing data, geologists can infer the deformation processes that have shaped the region over time. This information is essential for identifying potential mineralization sites, as certain geological structures are favorable for the formation of mineral deposits. Mineral potential mapping is another key aspect of this research project. By combining geological data with known mineral occurrences and geochemical analyses, geologists can delineate areas with high mineral potential. GIS tools facilitate the spatial analysis and visualization of this data, allowing for the identification of prospective zones for further exploration. Overall, the integration of remote sensing data and GIS tools provides a powerful platform for geologists to conduct detailed structural interpretation and mineral potential mapping. This approach enables a better understanding of the geological setting of a region and aids in the identification of economically viable mineral resources. By leveraging these technologies, geologists can make informed decisions regarding mineral exploration and resource management. In conclusion, this research project highlights the significance of remote sensing data and GIS tools in the field of geology. The combination of these technologies offers a systematic and efficient approach to structural interpretation and mineral potential mapping. Through the application of advanced analytical techniques, geologists can enhance their understanding of geological processes and contribute to the sustainable development of mineral resources.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION 

The use geographic information system for hydro-geological purposes has become widely acceptable in most of the developed countries. Although it is a recent technology or it is only appreciated recently, most of its foundation has been used for quite a long time. The age of computer and information technology has made acquisition of data through remote sensing, interpretation and display of the result (obtained) through GIS a very reliable, simple and standard source of important information. In some countries such as Canada and India, research centers have been established for the study and applications of GIS to various fields and the result been achieved so far has been commendable. Remote sensing provides a platform for much environmental data while GIS remain the most outstanding means of interpreting, manipulating and storage of this data. Ground water resources are dynamic in nature as they grow with the expansion of irrigation activities, industrialization, urbanization etc. (Das, 2008). Thus GIS with its advantages of spatial, spectral and temporal availability of data covering large and inaccessible areas within short time become a very handy tool in accessing, monitoring and conserving ground water resources.

Dangermond (2011) underscored the importance of GIS applications in our dynamic contemporary world characterized with rapid changes and facing many challenges and difficult problems such as climate change, urbanization, security, poverty and mineral explorations etc, which are affecting us as individual as well as impacting our organizations and governments. 

DEFINITIONS FROM DIFFERENT STANDPOINT

Like the field of geography, the term Geographic Information System (GIS) is hard to define. It represents the integration of many subject areas. Accordingly there is no absolutely agreed upon definition of a GIS (deMers, 1997). A broadly accepted definition of GIS is the one provided by the National Centre of Geographic Information and Analysis; defines GIS as a system of hardware, software and procedures to facilitate the management, manipulation, analysis, modeling, representation and display of geo-referenced data to solve complex problems regarding planning and management of resources (NCGIA, 1990).

Rhind (1989) proposes that GIS is a computer system that can hold and use data describing places on the Earth’s surface. Fuller definitions give more idea of what GIS can do, as well as what they are. Burroughs (1986) defined GIS as ‘a set of tools for collecting, storing, retrieving at will, transforming, and displaying spatial data from the real world for a particular set of purposes.

ARONOFF (1989) defines GIS as a computer-based system that provides the following four sets of capabilities to handle geo-referenced data:

1. Input,
2. Data management (data storage and retrieval),
3. Manipulation and analysis, and
4. Output.

Geographic information systems have emerged in the last decade as an essential tool for urban and resource planning and management. Their capacity to store, retrieve, analyze, model and map large areas with huge volumes of spatial data has led to an extraordinary proliferation of applications. Geographic information systems are now used for land use planning, mineral exploration and exploitation, utilities management, ecosystems modeling, flood control, fire hazard control, hazardous materials, storm control, landscape assessment and planning, transportation and infrastructure planning, market analysis, visual impact analysis, facilities management, tax assessment, real estate analysis and many other applications, its relevance to our day to day life cannot be overemphasized.

The use of remote sensing and geographic information system for hydrogeological purposes has become widely acceptable in most of the developed countries (Longley et.al 2005; Asiyanbola 2017; Khodaei and  Nassery 2011).

Groundwater is the water present beneath Earth’s surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. A unit of rock or an unconsolidated deposit is called an aquifer when it can yield a usable quantity of water. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in rock become completely saturated with water is called the water table. Groundwater is recharged from and eventually flows to the surface naturally; natural discharge often occurs at springs and seeps, and can form oases or wetlands. Groundwater is also often withdrawn for agricultural, municipal, and industrial use by constructing and operating extraction wells. Groundwater is widely distributed and is used for domestic, industrial and agricultural purposes throughout the world. Groundwater is a valuable natural resource that is essential for human health, socio-economic development and functioning of ecosystems. Groundwater is often cheaper, more convenient and less vulnerable to pollution than surface water. Therefore, it is commonly used for public water supplies. For example, groundwater provides the largest source of usable water storage in the United States (Abdulazeez, et. al 2016; Sander P., Chesley M. and T. Minor 1996; IAEA 1994).

Objectives and Aims of the study

The main thrust of his paper is to investigate the Structural interpretation and mineral potential using remote sensing data and GIS tool.

Statement of the Problem

In the least developing countries of the world like the Nigeria, research and development efforts are mainly directed to the alleviation of so much poverty in the country.

Remote sensing and GIS activities in Nigeria are largely uncoordinated. As a result, agencies concerned with land use planning, like the Department of Environmental , the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board and others have only very minimal sharing of remote sensing and GIS data. This, probably, is one of the reasons why Nigerian geologist hardly made any dent in putting up permanent boundaries to delineate forests from non-forest and other land use cover.

However,  remote sensing and GIS originated in the western world for warfare and colonization purposes but have since been used extensively for civilian purposes. Some of the problems on the use of remote sensing and GIS based on our limited experience as grassroots researchers in Nigeria are summarized as follows:

• Lack of financial support due to misdirected priorities
• Lack of coordination among the RS and GIS community
• Lack of manpower and misplacement of expertise
• Lack of geography schools and remote sensing centers
• Remote sensing and GIS are too much business-driven