Integrated Geophysical Monitoring of Subsurface Instability and Seismic Hazard Potential in the Benue Trough, Nigeria
Keywords:
Solid Earth Physics, Geophysical Hazards, Subsurface Instability, Seismic Monitoring, Electrical Resistivity, Benue TroughAbstract
Understanding subsurface instability and tectonic stress accumulation is essential for mitigating geophysical hazards in intraplate regions. This study presents an integrated geophysical assessment of subsurface instability and seismic hazard potential within the Benue Trough, Nigeria, using simulated multi-physics datasets constrained by regional geological characteristics. Seismic velocity values range from 3.2–5.8 km/s, indicating heterogeneous crustal composition, while electrical resistivity values vary between 85–950 Ωm, suggesting fractured and weathered zones capable of facilitating stress concentration and fluid migration. Estimated crustal stress magnitudes range from 15–42 MPa, with higher stress concentrations associated with major NE–SW and NW–SE structural lineaments. Hazard probability modelling indicates that 38% of the area falls within moderate instability zones, whereas 17% exhibits high subsurface instability potential linked to fault-controlled structures. The integrated geophysical framework demonstrates the effectiveness of combining seismic, electrical, and structural parameters for identifying hazard-prone zones. The results highlight the need for continuous geophysical monitoring to support hazard mitigation and infrastructure planning within the Benue Trough.
