Abstract

The Benue trough in southeastern Nigeria comprises many geologic Formations of different ages. The study area is within latitudes 5°20′N to 6°40′N and longitudes 7°20′E to 8°00′E. It covers towns such as Afikpo, Nkalagu, Awgu and Ohafia. The aim is to establish bulk density of rocks in these locations by determining their specific and relative densities using the laboratory Archimedes principle. A total of 41 samples were collected and analysed. The rock samples include: Nkalagu shale, limestone; Afikpo sandstone, shale, coal, dolerite; Awgu shale, sandstone, ferrugenized sandstone and Ohafia-Arochukwu area sandstone, shale. Results of average densities of rock samples of shale vary from 1.216g/cm3 to 2.671g/cm3as variation is dependent on age. Ferruginized sandstone in Awgu is 2.4g/cm3and standstone average density is 1.74g/cm3in Awgu, 2.0974g/cm3 in Afikpo and 2.1474g/cm3 in Ohafia-Arochukwu axis. The average density of limestone in Nkalagu is 2.7g/cm3, coal is 1.46 g/cm3and dolerite is 3.22 g/cm3. The density maps established serve as tools for geological and structural imaging of the area. It is recommended that further studies be carried out to enhance mineral exploration in the area