Gravity Inversion of the Gongola Basin Fault Structures Using the Step Model

Gravity anomalies with step-like appearance are often attributed to fault structures. Analysis of gravity anomalies due to such structures is then tantamount to solving the four fault parameters: depth to the surface, sediment thickness, density contrast and the fault dip. In this research, a gravity inversion using the step model was carried out to simultaneously estimate the four parameters of the faulted bed. The model assumes a configuration that the basin is filled with homogeneous sediments. Three characteristic curves were adopted for estimating the fault parameters.Analysis of the residual anomaly profiles of the fault structures showed that the fault structures were independent of the strike length. The estimated depth to the surface and the sediment thickness yielded the basement depth. The basement depth obtained from the gravity profiles showed a maximum basement depth of 1.0 km in the south-western part, and 7.0 km in the north-eastern part of the project area. The estimated basement depth yielded plausible geological model that corroborates with depth obtained using seismic and well information. The computed density contrast was used in the determination of density contrast and rock density maps of the basin. This helped in defining the basin into zones of sedimentary, basement complex and granite pluton

Assessment of the Impact of Oil and Gas Resource Exploration on the Environment of Selected Communities in Delta State, Nigeria

This Paper assessed the "Impact of Oil and Gas Resource Exploration on the Environment" of Delta State oil producing communities of Nigeria. It examined the problems associated with Oil exploration and its mitigation. Primary and Secondary data were used to source data for the set objectives. The theoretical framework was based on the resource curse theory and the environmental externalities theory. It was established that various problems such as oil spillage, retardation of vegetation growth, soil infertility, ill-health to members of the community, displacement of the people of the area, constant protestation of host communities, socio-economic deprivation, and perceived marginalization of the people are associated with oil resource exploration. This research concludes that the oil bearing communities have not adequately been compensated for harm done them through degradation of the ecosystem caused by several years of oil exploration. Their oil resource wealth has been turned to oil resource curse as they are disempowered, and condemned to perpetual underdevelopment. It is recommended that Federal Government should exert maximum efforts in assuring strict compliance of its legal instruments by the oil participating industries for a sustainable development in the region

MANAGEMENT OF OIL SPILL DISPERSAL ALONG THE NIGERIAN COASTAL AREAS

Nigeria is from the oil sector. Nigeria’s oil reserves are about 31.5 billion barrels, while Nigeria’s crude oil production averaged 2.118 million barrels per day in 2002. Oil spillage is a major environmental problem in Nigeria. Between 1976 and 1996 Nigeria recorded a total of 4835 oil spill incidents, which resulted in a loss of 1,896,960 barrels of oil to the environment. In 1998, 40,000 barrels of oil from Mobil platform off the Akwa Ibom coast were spilt into the environment causing severe damage to the coastal environment. Oil spillage has led to very serious pollution and destruction of flora, fauna and resort centers, pollution of drinkable water, destruction of properties and lives along the Nigerian coast. Oil spillage has also caused regional crisis in the Niger Delta. Factors responsible for oil spillage in the zone are; corrosion of oil pipes and tanks, sabotage, port operations and inadequate care in oil production operations and engineering drills. Waves, wind drift current, tidal current, ocean currents, bathymetry, vegetation and topography influence oil spill dispersal along the Nigerian coastal waters. Oil spill dispersal can be managed by using oil spill trajectory and fate models, oil booms and mops, surfactant chemicals, oil skimmers, absorbents and gels. The oil producing companies in Nigeria formed in 1981 the Clean Nigeria Association (C.N.A.) as a contingency plan towards managing major oil spill incidents along the Nigerian coast. Government parastatals like Department of Petroleum Resources, Federal Ministry of Transport and Federal Inland Waterways, and non-governmental agencies like the multinationals are stakeholders in the management of oil spillages in the country

Flood Modelling and Vulnerability Assessment of Settlements in the Adamawa State Floodplain using Remote Sensing and Cellular Framework Approach

The devastating flood occurrence and its impact on the people have been of great concern to man Majority of people in Adamawa State live and practice farming on the wetlands which are floodplains These yearly or seasonal flooding has effect on their social and economic lives This study adopts Remote Sensing and Cellular Automaton Evolutionary Slope And River CAESAR model to determine inundation level and assess vulnerability of settlements in Adamawa State Flood analysis for low medium and high flow regimes showed that an average of 134 settlements are at risk Longitudinal and cross section profiles depict the trend in which sediment loads are transported by flood and presence of boulders along the Benue channel Sustainable measures such as review of FEPA 1999 flood combat measures dredging of the Benue and relocation of people living near river banks were suggested for the management of flooding in Adamawa Stat

Environmental Policies within the Context of Compensation for Oil Spill Disaster Impacts: A Literature Synthesis

The policies guiding the Nigerian environment, oil and gas production is enormous. Nigeria is a signatory to innumerable international agreements and conventions related to environmental sustainability, climate change, health and safety of its citizens and protection of marine waters, fishes and livelihood structures. The regulations are aimed to reduce the dangers that emanates from industrial activities and safeguard the surroundings and wellbeing. This paper is a review of some instructive environmental policies and guidelines in the Nigerian oil and gas industry in relation to compensation for environmental damages resulted from oil spillages. The literature including journal articles, conference papers, government documents and news papers were reviewed to understand the influence of the established policies on communities affected by oil spills. The study establishes that the policies are laudably pronounced theoretically rather than practically. The policies lack consistency, enforcement and overlaps of mandates which is contradicting and controversial for the affected communities. In addition, the lack of clarity in compensation strategies and transparency in the process calls for a greater attention. The paper recommends that government and the oil and gas industries revisit the existing policies to in-cooperate compensation for damages due to oil spills, or enact a separate law specifically for damages from oil spillages. Also, there should be a clear mandate between agencies for an effective enforcement of the laws