Geophysical and Sedimentological Characterization o f a Tar Sand Rich Area in South-western Nigeria.

Adeyemi, Gabriel O. and Akinmosin, Adewale A. and Aladesanmi, Adedipe O. and Badmus, Ganiyu O. (2013) Geophysical and Sedimentological Characterization o f a Tar Sand Rich Area in South-western Nigeria. Journal of Environment and Earth Science, 3 (14). ISSN 2225-0948

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Abstract

Although huge deposits of tar sands have been disco vered in parts of south-western Nigeria, detailed g eological studies of many locations are yet to be executed. S uch studies would not only help in quantitative eva luation but also help in generating baseline data that would he lp in evolving exploitation technique that will be environmentally friendly. Vertical electrical Sound ings of southwest Okitipupa were extensively carrie d out while core samples were studied in order to generat e subsurface model of the study area. Detailed sedimentological studies of core samples were also executed. Correlations of geoelectric sections with borehole litho-logs revealed three layers from top to bottom of lateritic soil/clay, shale and sand/bituminous sand. The depth to tar sand horizon ranged from 0.5 to 50.0 m . Groundwater level of about 13 to 15m measured in dug wells occur above tar sand horizon. The most abunda nt mineral in the tar sand is quartz with subordina te amounts of microcline, muscovite and biotite. The m edium grained and moderately sorted nature of the t ar sands coupled with low amount of fine particles, indicate that the oil sand reservoir is of good quality. Op en cast mining can be employed but precaution must be taken to prevent blowout that may be induced by the over lying water bearing horizon. The fairly thick impervious clayey overburden will prevent pollution of groundw ater by waste likely to be associated with tar sand exploit ation.

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