Trace and REEs Geochemistry, A Tool To Study Mudrocks And Quaternary Deposits Found In Babouri-Figuil Intracontinental Basin (North Cameroon): Provenance, Depositional Conditions, And Paleoclimate

International Journal of Geoinformatics and Geological Science

© 2021 by SSRG - IJGGS Journal

Volume 8 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2021

Authors : Nguo Sylvestre Kanouo, Aubin Nzeugang Nzeukou, Arnaud Patrice Kouské, Clarisse Tcheombé Bahané, Robert Kringle, Emmanuel Archelaus Afanga Basua, Nathalie Fagel

10.14445/23939206/IJGGS-V8I2P107

How to Cite?

Nguo Sylvestre Kanouo, Aubin Nzeugang Nzeukou, Arnaud Patrice Kouské, Clarisse Tcheombé Bahané, Robert Kringle, Emmanuel Archelaus Afanga Basua, Nathalie Fagel, "Trace and REEs Geochemistry, A Tool To Study Mudrocks And Quaternary Deposits Found In Babouri-Figuil Intracontinental Basin (North Cameroon): Provenance, Depositional Conditions, And Paleoclimate," SSRG International Journal of Geoinformatics and Geological Science, vol. 8,  no. 2, pp. Provenance, Depositional Conditions, And Paleoclimate" SSRG International Journal of Geoinformatics and Geological Science 82 (202167-88, 2021. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23939206/IJGGS-V8I2P107

Abstract:

Trace and REEs geochemical analysis was carried out on mudrocks and fine-grained-rich Quaternary deposits from five pits dug. Results were used to chararacterize each sedimentatry formation and to determine the provenance, tectonic setting, depositional conditions, and paleoclimate. Mudrocks show relatively high Sr, Ba, Zr, and LREE contents with Sr being exceptionally high in schistose marls, which generally have the lowest Ba and Zr contents. Provenance interpretation suggests that the lithified sediments (all from Upper continental Crust) were sourced mainly from post-Archean strata. La/Th versus Hf, Co/Th versus La/Sc, and La/Yb versus ΣREE binary diagrams show continental tholeiitic basaltic, alkaline basaltic, and/or sedimentary rocks sources, with part of the later being carbonaceous. Depositional interpretations suggest that these studied lithified sediments were mainly deposited in a passive continental margin setting under oxidizing to reducing conditions. Paleoclimatic and paleosalinity analyses suggest that the climatic conditions in Babouri-Figuil during depositional periods were warm and humid, cool and arid, and warm and arid. Mudstone’s and schistose marl’s sediments were mainly deposited in lacustrine and marine environments, respectively.Quaternary deposits characterizations show that those from Pomla and Sorawel have relatively higher trace and REEs than those from Délélé, Kolé, and Mayo Figuil. Provenance studies suggest that the sediments were mainly originated from Upper Continental Crust, and post-Archean strata. Sediments in Délélé and Kolé were sourced from felsic, mafic, and sedimentary rocks. Those in Pomla, Sorawel, and Mayo Figuil were mainly originated from felsic rocks. Depositional interpretation, suggest that the studied sediments were deposited in a range from reducing to oxidizing conditions. Paleoclimatic interpretations suggest that Babouri-Figuil was arid and cool during deposition in Pomla and arid and warm during deposition in Délélé, Sorawel, Kole, and Mayo Figuil.

Keywords:

Cameroon, Babouri-Figuil Basin, mudrocks, Quatenary deposits, trace and REEs, provenance, tectonic setting, deposition, paleoclimate.

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