Investigation of possible cause of gravity anomalies in parts of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria

Possible cause of gravity anomalies in parts of the Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria was investigated using three methods of gravity data interpretation; Euler-3D deconvolution, source parameter imaging (SPI) and forward and inverse modeling. The estimated depths from the interpretation techniques used show much similarity. Quantitatively, the results obtained from the SPI method showed a minimum to maximum depth of 1264.11 to 9354.57 m to the anomalous body. The results obtained from Euler-3D deconvolution method showed a depth range of 2136.40 to 9167.57 m to the anomalous body using a structural index of 3. The results from the forward and inverse modeling revealed a depth range of 793 to 7586 m to the anomalous body. Qualitatively, the gravity signatures in profiles 1, 2 and 3 possibly depict antiformal geologic features whereas the gravity signatures in profiles 4 and 5 possibly depict synformal features/basin geometries.   Key words: Gravity data, Niger Delta, source parameter imaging, Euler deconvolution, forward and inverse modeling, anomalous body.