Fault Characterization from Lineaments based on Magnetic Data: A Case Study of Magadi Geothermal Prospect, Kenya
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Date
2025
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Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV)
Abstract
Fault characterization is a crucial aspect of exploring geothermal resources. This study aims to characterize faults from lineaments using magnetic data from the Magadi-Nguruman area, west of Lake Magadi, within the Kenyan Rift system. Magnetic data were reduced to pole before lineament generation using the Centre of Exploration Targeting (CET) processes and Euler Deconvolution. A rose diagram was used to determine the orientation of 21 major lineaments. Seven cross-sectional slices across the lineaments provided data for calculating Euler solutions for linear magnetic anomaly sources. The Euler plots delineated the approximate depth, dip angles, identity, and strike of the structures linked to the lineaments. Results characterized 80% of the generated lineaments as faults, generally striking N-S. The dipping angles ranged between 36° and 83°, mostly dipping toward the southern basement of Lake Magadi. Depths of detected faults ranged from 0.25 km to 0.74 km. The observed trends align with reported regional fault orientations, confirming the reliability of the method. The study indicates that Magadi-Nguruman is sufficiently faulted for a possible geothermal system near Lake Magadi.
Description
This study focuses on characterizing faults from lineaments using magnetic data in the Magadi-Nguruman area, Kenya. The research applies the Centre of Exploration Targeting (CET) processes and Euler Deconvolution to analyze magnetic anomalies and determine fault orientations, dips, and depths. Results indicate that most lineaments are faults striking N-S, dipping towards the southern basement of Lake Magadi, with depths ranging from 0.25 km to 0.74 km. The findings provide insights into the geothermal potential of the region.
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Citation
Odero, E., Githiri, J., K’Orowe, M., & Jayanti, P. (2025). Fault characterization from lineaments based on magnetic data: A case study of Magadi geothermal prospect, Kenya. Annals of Geophysics, 68(4), T441. https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-9248