Mechanism of Plate Tectonics and Resultant LandformsMithun Ray
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
The study of sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary system in Muglad Basiniosrjce
Application of sequence stratigraphy theory, by levels of base level cycle sequence feature analysis,
combined with core and log data, establish the sequence stratigraphic framework. The Cretaceous sedimentary
strata are divided into six two sequences and 14 third-order sequences. In sequence stratigraphy based,
combine well logging, seismic and core observation, and comprehensive analysis of each well rock type, color,
bedding and other construction phase marks. Identify the Cretaceous strata have delta, meandering fluvial
facies and braided river with three main facies. Detailed study of Cretaceous sedimentary characteristics,
identify each sedimentary microfacies, sedimentary facies sequence established in the region
Mechanism of Plate Tectonics and Resultant LandformsMithun Ray
Plate tectonics is a scientific theory that explains how major landforms are created as a result of Earth’s subterranean movements. The theory transformed the earth sciences by explaining many phenomena, including mountain building events, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
The study of sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary system in Muglad Basiniosrjce
Application of sequence stratigraphy theory, by levels of base level cycle sequence feature analysis,
combined with core and log data, establish the sequence stratigraphic framework. The Cretaceous sedimentary
strata are divided into six two sequences and 14 third-order sequences. In sequence stratigraphy based,
combine well logging, seismic and core observation, and comprehensive analysis of each well rock type, color,
bedding and other construction phase marks. Identify the Cretaceous strata have delta, meandering fluvial
facies and braided river with three main facies. Detailed study of Cretaceous sedimentary characteristics,
identify each sedimentary microfacies, sedimentary facies sequence established in the region
Historical geology Is the branch which deals with the history of the rocks of the earth’s crust with special emphasis on their approximate time of formation and the climate changes they have undergone since their formation.
ELEMENTS OF CORRELATION, STRUCTURAL FEATURES, METHOD OF STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION ,
Three principle kinds of correlations
Interpretation and recognition of depositional systems using seismic dataDiego Timoteo
ABSTRACT
The interpretation and recognition of Depositional Systems using seismic data require a strong knowledge in stratigraphy, structural geology, tectonics, biostratigraphy, sedimentology and geophysics; even when a geoscientist doesn’t be a specialist of one of these. The mentioned disciplines interact and complement each other in different stages of study and exploration of hydrocarbon basins. Five stages have been proposed and studied in Interpreting Depositional Systems. (1) Review of basic concepts used in the definition of Depositional Sequences and Systems Tracts within the context of sequence stratigraphy. (2) The deepening in the physical foundations of rocks, that allows to obtain images of the subsurface through the application of seismic reflection method. It also is indicated how to tie the seismic data with well data through the synthetic seismogram. (3) The seismic stratigraphic interpretation, describes how Depositional Sequences and their Systems Tracts are interpreted in the well and seismic data. (4) The recognition of Depositional Systems, describes how the seismic facies analysis is more accurate on the interpretation, because of the association of particular Systems Tracts with particular deposition processes. The Depositional Sequences and Systems Tracts have predictable stratal patterns and lithofacies; thus, they provide a new way to establish a chronostratigraphic correlation framework based on physical criteria. (5) The advanced seismic interpretation allows geoscientists extract more information from seismic data and their applications include hydrocarbon play evaluation, prospect identification, risk analysis and reservoir characterization.
Keywords: depositional systems, seismic stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, seismic sequence, seismic facies, potential reservoir rocks.
Historical geology Is the branch which deals with the history of the rocks of the earth’s crust with special emphasis on their approximate time of formation and the climate changes they have undergone since their formation.
ELEMENTS OF CORRELATION, STRUCTURAL FEATURES, METHOD OF STRATIGRAPHIC CORRELATION ,
Three principle kinds of correlations
Interpretation and recognition of depositional systems using seismic dataDiego Timoteo
ABSTRACT
The interpretation and recognition of Depositional Systems using seismic data require a strong knowledge in stratigraphy, structural geology, tectonics, biostratigraphy, sedimentology and geophysics; even when a geoscientist doesn’t be a specialist of one of these. The mentioned disciplines interact and complement each other in different stages of study and exploration of hydrocarbon basins. Five stages have been proposed and studied in Interpreting Depositional Systems. (1) Review of basic concepts used in the definition of Depositional Sequences and Systems Tracts within the context of sequence stratigraphy. (2) The deepening in the physical foundations of rocks, that allows to obtain images of the subsurface through the application of seismic reflection method. It also is indicated how to tie the seismic data with well data through the synthetic seismogram. (3) The seismic stratigraphic interpretation, describes how Depositional Sequences and their Systems Tracts are interpreted in the well and seismic data. (4) The recognition of Depositional Systems, describes how the seismic facies analysis is more accurate on the interpretation, because of the association of particular Systems Tracts with particular deposition processes. The Depositional Sequences and Systems Tracts have predictable stratal patterns and lithofacies; thus, they provide a new way to establish a chronostratigraphic correlation framework based on physical criteria. (5) The advanced seismic interpretation allows geoscientists extract more information from seismic data and their applications include hydrocarbon play evaluation, prospect identification, risk analysis and reservoir characterization.
Keywords: depositional systems, seismic stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, seismic sequence, seismic facies, potential reservoir rocks.
During the past decade, the size of 3D seismic data volumes and the number of seismic attributes have increased
to the extent that it is difficult, if not impossible, for interpreters to examine every seismic line and time
slice. To address this problem, several seismic facies classification algorithms including k-means, self-organizing
maps, generative topographic mapping, support vector machines, Gaussian mixture models, and artificial neural
networks have been successfully used to extract features of geologic interest from multiple volumes. Although
well documented in the literature, the terminology and complexity of these algorithms may bewilder the average
seismic interpreter, and few papers have applied these competing methods to the same data volume. We have
reviewed six commonly used algorithms and applied them to a single 3D seismic data volume acquired over the
Canterbury Basin, offshore New Zealand, where one of the main objectives was to differentiate the architectural
elements of a turbidite system. Not surprisingly, the most important parameter in this analysis was the choice of
the correct input attributes, which in turn depended on careful pattern recognition by the interpreter. We found
that supervised learning methods provided accurate estimates of the desired seismic facies, whereas unsupervised
learning methods also highlighted features that might otherwise be overlooked.
The Tectonic and Metallogenic Framework of Myanmar: A Tethyan mineral systemMYO AUNG Myanmar
Article in Ore Geology Reviews · April 2016
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301758202_The_tectonic_and_metallogenic_framework_of_Myanmar_A_Tethyan_mineral_system
1st Nicholas Gardiner
18.94 · Curtin University
2nd Laurence Robb
34.91 · University of Oxford
+ 5
3rd Christopher K. Morley
40.58 · Chiang Mai University
Last Tin Aung Myint
Abstract
Myanmar is perhaps one of the world's most prospective but least explored minerals jurisdictions, containing important known deposits of tin, tungsten, copper, gold, zinc, lead, nickel, silver, jade and gemstones. A scarcity of recent geological mapping available in published form, coupled with an unfavourable political climate, has resulted in the fact that, although characterized by several world-class deposits, the nation's mineral resource sector is underdeveloped. As well as representing a potential new search space for a range of commodities, many of Myanmar's known existing mineral deposits remain highly prospective. Myanmar lies at a crucial geologic juncture, immediately south of the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis, however it remains geologically enigmatic. Its Mesozoic-Recent geological history is dominated by several orogenic events representing the closing of the Tethys Ocean. We present new zircon U-Pb age data related to several styles of mineralization within Myanmar. We outline a tectonic model for Myanmar from the Late Cretaceous onwards, and document nine major mineralization styles representing a range of commodities found within the country. We propose a metallogenetic model that places the genesis of many of these metallotects within the framework of the subduction and suturing of Neo-Tethys and the subsequent Himalayan Orogeny. Temporal overlap of favourable conditions for the formation of particular deposit types during orogenic progression permits the genesis of differing metallotects during the same orogenic event. We suggest the evolution of these favourable conditions and resulting genesis of much of Myanmar's mineral deposits, represents a single, evolving, mineral system: the subduction and suturing of Neo-Tethys.
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IOSR Journal of Applied Geology and Geophysics (IOSR-JAGG) is a double blind peer reviewed International Journal that provides rapid publication (within a month) of articles in all areas of Applied Geology and Geophysics. The journal welcomes publications of high quality papers on theoretical developments and practical applications in Applied Geology and Geophysics. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and high quality technical notes are invited for publications.
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Source rock maturation studies using vitrinite reflectance and geothermal dat...Premier Publishers
The source rock maturation levels of six wells in GABO and WABI fields, Niger delta sedimentary basin were evaluated using vitirinite reflectance and geothermal data. The results of the analysis show that the source rocks are mature. Vitrinite reflectance was measured and analyzed in all wells containing greater than 1.0 percent Total organic carbon content (TOC). The thermal alternation index (TAI) values obtained show that temperature was sufficiently good to generate hydrocarbons in the source rock indicating the maturity of the source rock. The GABO and WABI fields have a good range of Vitrinite reflectance values which probably indicate the temperature that were reached in the fields. The average reflectance of Vitrinite in GABO and WABI fields are 0.35 and 0.75, respectively. These values are consistent and suggest that basinal source rocks have begun to generate hydrocarbon.
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Kubernetes & AI - Beauty and the Beast !?! @KCD Istanbul 2024Tobias Schneck
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UiPath Test Automation using UiPath Test Suite series, part 4DianaGray10
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Dev Dives: Train smarter, not harder – active learning and UiPath LLMs for do...UiPathCommunity
💥 Speed, accuracy, and scaling – discover the superpowers of GenAI in action with UiPath Document Understanding and Communications Mining™:
See how to accelerate model training and optimize model performance with active learning
Learn about the latest enhancements to out-of-the-box document processing – with little to no training required
Get an exclusive demo of the new family of UiPath LLMs – GenAI models specialized for processing different types of documents and messages
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👩🏫 Lenka Dulovicova, Product Program Manager, UiPath
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Length: 30 minutes
Session Overview
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The publishing industry has been selling digital audiobooks and ebooks for over a decade and has found its groove. What’s changed? What has stayed the same? Where do we go from here? Join a group of leading sales peers from across the industry for a conversation about the lessons learned since the popularization of digital books, best practices, digital book supply chain management, and more.
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Transcript: Selling digital books in 2024: Insights from industry leaders - T...
Paleodepositional environment and sequence stratigraphy of outcropping sediments in parts of southern middle niger basin, nigeria
1. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
152
Paleodepositional Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of
Outcropping Sediments in Parts of Southern Middle Niger Basin,
Nigeria
Osokpor, J.1
Okiti, J.1
, Ekuerugbe, L.O.1
and Osokpor, O.J.2
1
Department of Earth Sciences, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, P.M.B 1221, Effurun, Delta State,
Nigeria.
2
Department of Geology, University of Benin, P.M.B 11254, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Corresponding Author: Osokpor, J. jmobo@yahoo.com
Abstract
The determination of paleodepositional environment and sequence stratigraphic framework within which
geologic factors interplayed to create the sedimentary facies present in outcropping sediments in parts of the
Southern Middle Niger Basin, in order to establish sedimentary architectures and chronostratigraphically
significant surfaces; erecting a stratigraphic framework through quantitative palynological and sedimentological
analysis of sediments by detailed field mapping and laboratory techniques, forms the focus of this study. The
Lokoja Formation was mapped on outcrops exposed in Robinson Street, Mount Patti, Banda and Filele in Lokoja
area, while the Patti Formation was mapped in Ahoko, Gegu Beki, Gegu Egba, Adabor, Orehi and Akpasi along
the Lokoja-Abuja express way. The study area lies within Latitude N 070
81’ and N 080
30’; Longitude E 0060
73’ and E 0060
86’. Three main lithofacies, sand, shale and silt were defined with seven subfacies as silty sand,
fine-grained sand, medium-grained sand, coarse-grained sand, clayey siltstone, silty clay, and sandy silt. Sorting
ranged from 0.72 – 1.29, indicating poor – moderate sorting for the Lokoja Formation. Depositional
environments defined by values of binary plots of skewness versus standard deviation and mean versus standard
deviation for samples obtained from the Lokoja area, confirmed by binary plot of skewness versus median for
same samples indicate a continental fluvial and shallow marine to transitional paleodepositional environment for
the Lokoja Formation and the Patti Formation respectively.
Three systems tracts, LST, TST and HST, were established in the study with the Lokoja Formation as an LST,
the lower section of the Patti as a TST and the upper section as an HST. An SB and a candidate MFS of probably
Late Cretaceous age was established at the base of the Lokoja Formation and in the Patti Formation respectively.
Age-significant Cretaceous palynomorph species recovered from the Patti Formation which includes Cyathidites
sp., Monocolpopollenites spheroidites, Proteacidites dehanni, P. longispinosus, Cingulatosporites ornatus,
Echitriporites triangulatus, Baculatisporites sp., Longapetites veneendenburgi, and Monocolpites marginatus
indicate and confirm a Late Cretaceous age for the Patti Formation.
Keywords: Sequence stratigraphy, Middle Niger Basin, Patti Formation, Lokoja Formation, Depositional
Environment.
1. INTRODUCTION
The southern Middle Niger Basin is constituted of three Late Cretaceous formations, the Lokoja Sandstone
Formation, Patti Formation and the Agbaja Formation (Jones, 1958). The Late Cretaceous formation of the
southern Middle Niger Basin has been described by some authors as the Lokoja Sandstone (Jan du Chene et al.,
1978, Idowu and Enu, 1992). In the study, the authors upholds the nomenclature of Jones (1958) as it is pointed
in this study that the formations were formed by different depositional phenomenon.
Some studies have been carried out on the Late Cretaceous sediments of the Southern Middle Niger Basin. These
studies have centered mainly on the sedimentology (Adeleye Dessauvagie, 1972), biostratigraphy and
biozonation (Jan du Chene et al., 1978; Oloto, 1994), paleodepositional environment (Akande et al., 2005;
Agyingi, 1993; ojo and Akande, 2006, 2008), tectonics (Kogbe et al., 1983; Ojo and Ajakaiye, 1976, 1989),
hydrocarbon generation potential (Idowu & Enu, 1992, Obaje et al., 2011). Some previous studies have lumped
the Patti and Lokoja Formations as one, while other have correlated the Patti Formation with the Ajali or Mamu
Formations of the adjourning Anambra Basin leading to some level of confusion among geoscientists in Nigeria.
This situation is because the sequence stratigraphic framework of the sedimentary pile in the basin has not been
evaluated. Thus in this study, the authors views the sedimentary pile from a process sedimentology aspect in
order to build a valid sequence stratigraphic framework for the Late cretaceous sequences deposited in this part
of the Middle Niger basin.
Sequence stratigraphy is a recent revolutionary paradigm in the field of sedimentary geology. The broad
concepts embodied by this discipline have resulted in a fundamental change in geological thinking and in
particular the methods of vertical and lateral facies and stratigraphic analysis. Sequence stratigraphy is the study
2. Journal of Environment and Earth Science www.iiste.org
ISSN 2224-3216 (Paper) ISSN 2225-0948 (Online)
Vol. 3, No.9, 2013
153
of rock relationships within a time – stratigraphic framework of repetitive, genetically related strata bounded by
surfaces of erosion or non-deposition; or their correlative conformities, (Van Wagoner, 1995). It attempts to link
subdivided sedimentary deposits into unconformity bound units on a variety of scales and explains these strata
units in terms of control by relative sea – level changes and variations in sediments supply.
Over the past twenty years, this approach has been embraced by earth scientists as the preferred method of
stratigraphic analysis, which has served to tie together observations from many disciplines. It blends the insights
from a range of disciplines like biostratigraphy, lithostratigraphy, seismic stratigraphy, sedimentology etc.,
which invariably leads to a more robust interpretation and consequently scientific progress. Thus, the sequence
stratigraphic approach has led to improved understanding of how stratigraphic units, facies tracts and
depositional elements relate to each other in time and space within sedimentary basins.
Nevertheless, the application of sequence stratigraphy range widely, from predictive exploration for petroleum,
coal and placer deposits, to improved understanding of earth’s geological record of local to global changes. Its
strong sedimentological component emphasizes on the facies-forming processes within the confines of
individual depositional systems, particularly in response to changes in base level. At this scale, sequence
stratigraphy is generally used to resolve and explain issues of facies cyclicity, facies associations and
relationships, and reservoir compartmentalization.
In this paper we report the results of a detailed field and laboratory analysis of paleodepositional environment of
outcropping sediments in parts of the Lower Middle Niger Basin, within a sequence stratigraphic framework.
2. GEOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOGRAPHIC SETTING OF THE SOUTHERN MIDDLE NIGER BASIN
The Middle Niger Basin (also known as the Nupe or Bida Basin) is a NW-SE trending intracratonic basin
extending from Kotangora (in the North) to just south of Lokoja (in the south). It stretches from south of the
confluence of Niger and Benue Rivers to the dam lake of Kainji, where basement rocks separate if from the
Sokoto Basin. Generally three physiographic units are recognized in the basin (Adeleye, 1972). These are:
a. The Niger River with its flood plain and distributaries,
b. A belt of mesas and buttes, and
c. The plains.
The Niger River runs ESE in the southern marginal area of the basin. Its flood plains are broad and marked in
most areas by a series of elongated ponds running parallel to the river. The belt of discontinuous mesas runs
from an area about 16 km east of Mokwa to Lokoja and SW Dekina covering about 10% of the basin. The top
lies between 260 and 500 meters around the Niger/Benue confluence areas. Flat lying to gently rolling plains
covers about 70% of the basin. The plains lie between 60 and 180 meters above sea level in the Lokoja area.
Sediment thickness in the Middle Niger Basin is estimated to be between 3000 and 3500 meters (Whiteman,
1982; Braide, 1992).
The basin occupies a gently down warped trough. The epeirogenesis responsible for the basin genesis seems
closely connected with the Santonian tectonic crustal movements which mainly affected the Benue Basin and SE
Nigeria. The buried basement complex probably has a high relief (Jones, 1955) and the sedimentary formations
have been shown to be about 2000 metres thick by gravity survey (Ojo and Ajakaiye, 1976), constituted of post-
tectonic molasse facies and thin marine strata, which are all unfolded. Borehole logs, Landsat images
interpretation, and Geophysical data across the basin suggest that it is bounded by a NW-SE trending system of
linear faults (Kogbe et al., 1983). Gravity studies also confirm central positive anomalies flanked by negative
anomalies (Ojo, 1984; Ojo and Ajakaiye, 1989). This pattern is consistent with rift structures as observed in the
adjacent Benue Trough/Basin. A detailed study of the facies indicates rapid basin-wide changes from various
alluvial fan facies through flood-basin and deltaic facies to lacustrine facies (Braide, 1990). Consequently, a
simple sag and rift origin earlier suggested may not account for the basin’s evolution. According to Braide
(1990) paleogeographic reconstruction suggests lacustrine environments were widespread and elongate.
Lacustrine environments occurred at the basin’s axis and close to the margins. This suggests that the depocenter
must have migrated during the basin’s depositional history and subsided rapidly to accommodate the 3.5 km
thick sedimentary fill.
The basin’s strata are Late Cretaceous (Campanian –Maastrichtian) in age and were named the Nupe Sandstone
by Russ (1930). However, the Sandstone is referred to by Adeleye and Dessauvagie (1972) as a Group (instead
of a formation). Adeleye (op. cit.) sub-divided the Group into four formations: Bida Sandstone (oldest), Sakpe
Ironstone, Enagi Siltstone and Batati Ironstone (youngest). A lateral facies variation occurs in the basin. Around
Lokoja, the sequence was usually referred to as the Lokoja Sandstone (Jan du Chene et al., 1978; Idowu and
Enu, 1992). However, the Sandstone is only partly equivalent to the Nupe Sandstone (Dessauvagie, 1975) and is
overlain by Patti Formation (Jones, 1958). The Bida area and Lokoja area are considered separately as the
stratigraphy are different. The Lokoja, Patti and Agbaja Formations occur as the three formational units in the
southern Middle Niger basin. The Lokoja Formation consists of pebbly clayey grit and sandstone, coarse-grained
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cross bedded sandstone, and few thin oolitic iron stones. A basal conglomerate of well-rounded quartz pebbles in
a matrix of white clay is rarely exposed. Its thickness depends on the relief of the underlying Basement Complex
floor and varies between 100 and 300 metres (Dessauvagie, 1975)
The Patti Formation is a sequence of fine to medium-grained, grey and white sandstones, carbonaceous siltstone,
clay stone, shale and oolitic and Concretional ironstone. Thin coal seams may be present and white gritty clays
are common. The maximum exposed thickness is 70 m (Jones, 1958), while the oolitic ironstones ranges from 7-
16 m thick. A Maastrichtian (and possibly Senonian) age was thus assigned to it based mainly on correlation
with other formations e.g. the Nupe Sandstone and Enugu Shale of Campano-Maastrichtian age. Adediran and
Jan du Chene (1979) and Petters (1979) have recorded a palynomorph assemblage and a foraminifera fauna
respectively from the Lokoja area. The micro fauna is considered to be a marsh assemblage.
The palynomorphs are made up mainly of pollen and spores, the assemblage of which is indicative of a
Maastrichtian age (Adediran and Jan du Chene, op. cit.). Dessauvagie (1975) indicates that Patti formation
yielded fossil plants (from the carbonaceous beds) and dates the formation as Campanian to Maastrichtian. More
recently, Ojo (2009) reported a rich and well preserved palynomorph assemblage from the black shale outcrop
samples of the Patti Formation collected between Kotonkarfi and Abaji and between Lokoja and Agbaja. The
outcrop is constituted by marine dinocyst and the more copious continental sporomorphs. Ojo (2009) reasoned
that the assemblage is a confirmation evidence for the Late Cretaceous Tethys – South Atlantic connection
through the Nupe Basin. The Agbaja Formation consists of oolitic ironstone and occurs as the topmost
stratigraphic sequence in the Agbaja Plateau, on mesas around the southern part of the basin and the Lokoja area.
3. MATERIALS AND METHODS OF STUDY
The southern Middle Niger Basin characteristically lacks exploratory well or well preserved borehole sample,
thus leaving us with the option of outcrop samples. Based on lateral and vertical facies changes, and bed
thickness a systematic sampling of outcropping sediments was carried out to obtain samples within latitude N
070
81´ and N 080
30´; and longitude E 0060
73´ and E 0060
86´. Thirty two (32) outcrop samples [Nineteen (19),
shale and thirteen (13), sand] obtained from the Patti Formations in Ahoko exposed in road cuts and quarry sites
and in the Lokoja Formation exposed in road cuts in the Lokoja area: Robinson Street Lokoja, Felele, Banda and
Mount Patti. Samples were lithologically described and subjected to further sedimentological analysis and
palynological processing. The siliciclastic samples were air dried, crused, and mixed and 50g of each sample was
sieved in an automated sieve shaker for 10mins to obtain quantitative data set for further statistical analysis
including the Graphic Mean (Mz), Inclusive Graphic Standard Deviation (σ1), Inclusive Graphic Skewness (SK)
and Graphic Kurtosis (KG)
Shale samples were processed by standard method described by Traverse (1988). These samples were subjected
to various stages of acid treatment followed by sieving, density separation and concentration of organic matter
through centrifuging, staining with appropriate dye (Safranin O), mounting on slides with mounting medium
(Norland) and then covering with cover slips. The slides were analyzed using an Olympus MGN binocular
transmitted light microscope. A total of 19 slides were analyzed under the microscope and the various
palynomorphs observed were captured by means of a SONY 12.1 MEGA PIXELS digital camera with optical
zoom of 4×. The Palynomorphs were speciated standard published palynological references and catalogs.
4. RESULTS
Table 1shows a summary of the results of sieve analysis carried out on thirteen field samples obtained from parts
of the Lokoja Formation, exposed in Robinson Street, Felele, Banda and the basal section of Mount Patti. The
graphical presentation of the results for the determination of relevant sedimentological parameters (mean,
standard deviation, skewness and kurtosis) is shown in figure 2 A-L.
Four main facies types (sandstone, siltstone, claystone and shale) and six sub-lithofacies (fine-grained sand,
medium-grained sand, coarse-grained sand, sandy siltstone, dark grey shale and light grey shale) were defined.
The various sandstone facies of the Lokoja Formation are generally feldsparthic. The sand facies characterizes
the Lokoja Formation while the shale and silt facies are characteristic of the Patti formation. Shale strata of the
Patti Formation are intercalated by ferruginous and Concretional ironstone beds. The shale member of the Patti
Formation was mapped in two outcrop locations at Ahoko. Location one is a quarry site off the Lokoja-Abuja
highway, north of Ahoko town, while location exposure 2 is a road cut exposure along the Lokoja-Abuja express
road. The outcrops from these two locations are shown in figure 12, while the lithologic logs drawn for the
exposures are shown in figures 5 and 6.
Field relationship shows that the Lokoja Formation unconformably rests on the Precambrian Basement
Complex. This contact is visible at Filele along the Lokoja-Abuja express way (fig. 3)
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These sediments exhibits high angle cross bedding, fining-upward (fig. 4) sequence underlain by very poorly
sorted, medium to cobbly conglomeratic sands (fig. 3). Thin ferrugenous beds occur discontinuously within the
sandstone beds. The sorting values of samples range from 0.72 – 1.29.
The palynological assemblage recovered from shale samples of the Patti Formation consists dominantly of
pollen and spores (fungal and pteridophytic), with a complete absence of dinocysts. Sporomorphs dominate the
recovered palynoflorules and consists mainly of trilete and monolete species. The pollen grains which are
subordinate in the in the recovered palynoflorules, are dominated by few species of triporates and
monocolporates. The palynomorphs are well preserved and characteristically of low diversity. The highest
number of palynomorph count was from bed 7 in AHOKO 1 and bed 1 in AHOKO 2 (Tables 2 and 3).
5. DISCUSSION
5.1 Depositional Environment
On bases of environment and processes of deposition which in turn defines the lithologic and paleontologic
characteristics of the deposits, three basic sedimentary facies are defined in the outcropping sediments of the
study area. These are fluvial facies, shallow marine and transitional facies. The facies of the Lokoja Formation
which exhibits high angle cross bedding, fining-upward sequence (fig. 4), underlain by very poorly sorted,
medium to cobbly conglomeratic sands (fig 3) are interpreted as channel lag deposits and characteristic of point
bar deposits. The occurrence of thin ferrugenous beds discontinuously within the sandstone beds indicate
subaerial exposure of depositional surfaces through time characteristic and evident of a regressive phase in the
basin. The dominantly poor sorting (0.72 – 1.29, Table 14), high angle cross bedding, fining-upward sequence
and a general absence of fossils, exhibited by the sand facies, is indicative of deposition in a fluvial setting,
(Friedman, 1961), and implying deposition during a regressive out-building in the Middle Niger Basin.
To further establish the fluvial facies defined for the Lokoja Formation using the sorting values (Table 14),
binary plots (figs. 5 - 7) with boundaries modified after Friedman (1967), Moiola and Weiser (1968), and
Stewart (1958) was done for the samples using the skewness, standard deviation, median and mean values
generated from the sedimentological sieve analysis (Table 1). All values plotted falls within the fluvial domains.
Overlying the Lokoja Formation is the Patti Formation which is observed to be constituted of shales
parasequences, Concretional ironstone and silt stones, at the lower to middle part of the Formation, with clay
stones, silt and very fine sands at the upper part of the Formation.
The Ahoko outcrops exhibits colour variation ranging from dark grey at the bottom to light grey at the top,
suggesting a quantitative variation in organic matter content that may have been caused by a change from a
relatively anoxic to oxic paleoenvironment conditions.
Previous studies on the Patti Formation have shown the presence of marine palynomorphs species, (Jan Du
Chene et al., 1978; Agyingi, 1993 and Ojo and Akande, 2005). Although the samples from the Ahoko section in
this study yielded no marine palynomorph element, a detailed evaluation of the sedimentologic attributes and
palynologic components of the shales, indicates depositional of the sediments in a shallow marine
paleoenvironment.
Palynological data have been applied to interpret paleodepositional systems (Van Bergen et al., 1990; Ibrahim
and Schrank, 1996; Vadja Santinavez, 1998, Helenes et al., 1998; Rull, 2002 and Ojo and Akande, 2005). In
these studies, Palynological Marine Index (PMI) values, which are the abundance of marine to terrestrially
derived palynomorphs, are calculated. Null values of PMI indicate samples without marine palynomorphs and
represents freshwater environment. Low values of PMI are interpreted as indicative of brackish water
environment, while high values of PMI are indicates deposition under marine conditions. These sequences would
ordinarily be interpreted as continental deposits based on the absence of marine palynomorphs, but the
occurrence, frequencies and abundance of the brackish-water palm species Spinizonocolpites baculatus, the
back-mangrove palms species, Psilamonocolpites sp. and ferns Deltoidospora sp. (Rull, 2000), at different
stratum in the outcrops, and the occurrence of concretional ironstone strata within the shale facies suggests a
rhythmic and fluctuating paleosea conditions during which time continental domains were occasionally
inundated creating brackish water swamp conditions in which the fern species Deltoidospora thrived.
Deltoidospora is a representative of wetland species behind mangroves forests near the limit of tidal influence
(Rull, 1992, 1997a, b, 1998), which can be transported to near shore environments as presented by Muller, 1959,
in a modern analogue study. This species possibly flourished in this area due to favorable paleoecologic
conditions created by the Late Cretaceous Sea which flooded the land area, providing saline water conditions in
which the species thrived, but later transported into shallow marine paleoenvironments and preserved in the fine-
grained shale facies of the Patti Formation. This interpretation coupled with the dark grey coloration of the shale
points to deposition in a marine paleoenvironment.
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5.2 BIOSIGNALS AND SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY
The frequency distribution of palynomorphs recovered from the Patti Formation around the Ahoko area is shown
in Tables 2 and 3. The samples are dominated by miospores with a complete absence of dinocysts species,
composed mainly of trilete, baculate and monolete spore, and triporate echinate forms. The shales yielded age-
significant Late Cretaceous palynomorph taxa such as Proteacidites dehanni, Buttina andreevi, Cyathidites sp.,
Baculatisporites sp., Spinizonocolpites baculatus, Echitriporites trianguliformis, Cingulatisporites sp.,
Longapertites veneendenburgi, L. marginatus, and Buculatisporites sp. These species have been used to age-date
Upper Cretaceous sediments in Nigeria, (Jan du Chene, 1978; Jan du Chene and Salami, 1978; Evamy et al.,
1978; Oloto, 1994; Ojo, 2008), and in South America, Germeraad et al., (1968). The occurrence of these forms
in the samples indicates a Late Campanian-Mid Maastrichtian age for the outcropping sediments in the Ahoko
area and thus correlates with the Upper Cretaceous Patti Formation in the Middle Niger Basin.
Graphical distribution of forms shows that bed 7 and 9 in AHK 1 and 2 has the highest total spore and paly
population respectively, while the highest population of pollen is observed in bed 9 and 1 in both outcrops
(Tables 2 and 3, Fig. 10), with the general pollen population less than the spore population.
5.3 Sequence Stratigraphic Surfaces
Two major sequence stratigraphic surfaces, a maximum flooding surface (MFS) and a sequence boundary (SB),
where defined in the study area. The sequence stratigraphic interpretation of the sediments is based on the
integration of lithofacies and biosignal characteristics. This approach enabled the definition of three systems
track, one maximum flooding surface (MFS) and one sequence boundary (SB). Beds or stratum with the highest
pollen count is conventionally used to establish the maximum flooding surface (MFS) (Pomout, 1989, Osokpor,
2002). The use of highest pollen count for the establishment of the MFS is a phenomenon that is easily
recognized in marginal basins where mangrove swamp vegetation is well established (Osokpor, 2002). In these
settings, the pollen population is enhanced by large inputs from mangrove forest species and freshwater forest
swamp species (FWFS) from back swamps. Zonocostites ramonae (Rhizophora sp.) is a mangrove species which
evolved in Nigeria in the Oligocene (Kuyl et al., 1955). Other known constituents of the mangrove swamp forest
include Deltoidospora spp. A saline water fern, Spinizonocolpites baculatus/echinatus (Nypa fruticans) with an
age range of Maastrichtian-Paleocene. Of all the mangrove forest species mentioned so far, only Zonocostites
ramonae was not recovered from these sediments due to the older age of the sediments. Spinizonocolpites
baculatus and Deltoidospora sp. was recovered. Nypa is a palm that inhabits coastal mangrove swamps
characterized by hot, wet and humid climatic conditions. Global warm humid climatic conditions cause
deglaciation of polar ice sheet leading to the release of melt waters into the ocean. This conditions cause a
corresponding rise in sea level with a transgression and inundation of continental coastal domains, establishing
brackish water swamps where salt water-loving plant species such as Nypa and Deltoidospora thrived, hence the
biosignal presented by these species have used herein to recognized a transgressive systems tract, while the bed
hosting the highest abundance, as the MFS.
Bed 7 in AHK 1 and Bed 1 in AHK 2 (figs. 10 and 11) which presents the highest counts of these two species,
consists of very fine shale lithofacies, that have been likely deposited in distal marine settings far from the
influence of terrestrial sediment input, possibly occasioned by flooding of the paleo coastal land area. Based on
sedimentological and biostratigraphic attributes the MFS is thus established in these horizons.
The lithofacies characteristics and stratigraphic position of the Lokoja Formation depicts deposits of lowstand
systems tract (LST). The Lokoja Sandstone is a continental siliciclastics formed during the progradative out-
building of sediments in the Middle Niger Basin in the Late Cretaceous and rest unconformably on the western
Basement Complex sequence. The contact between the formation and the basement characterized by very poorly
sorted sediments, composed of pinkish clay derived from the weathering and disintegration of intraformational
feldspars, very fine sands to large boulders is here defined as a sequence boundary (Fig. 3).
5.4 Systems Tracts
Three systems tracts an LST, TST and HST were defined based on lithofacies and biosignal characteristics
identified above. From the sedimentological attributes presented above, outcropping sediments of the Lokoja
Formation mapped at Robinson Street, Filele, Banda and the base of Mount Patti all show the characteristics of a
lowstand system tract (LST). Three basic types of deposits are recognized in an LST, these are slope fan (SF),
basin floor fan (BFF) and lowstand prograding wedge (LPW) (Catuneanu, 2006). Generally fan deposits are
indicative of marine regression (Catuneanu, 2006), a shift of shore line basinward and prevalence of high fluvial
activities. The Lokoja Formation is defined solely as an LST depicting a lowstand prograding wedge.
Outcrops I (AHK1) and 2 (AHK 2) in the Ahoko area (figure 12), exhibit sedimentological characteristics
depicting deposits of a transgressive system tract (TST). Transgressive system tract (TST) is characterized by a
net rise in relative sea level, during which time finer grained sediments like shales and silts are deposited
indicative of transgression or landward shift in Shoreline (Catuneanu, 2006; Reading, 2008). The shale and silt
sequences exposed in these outcrops are here interpreted as deposited during the Late Campanian-Mid
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Maastrichtian marine transgression that affected the Mid Niger Basin. The evidence of a net rise in relative sea
level is observed from the steady increase in the thickness of the dark colored shales as shown in figure 8 and 9.
A careful analysis of the lithologic log shows a steady decrease in the thickness of the iron stone concretion
toward the top of outcrops where they occur. This strongly suggests increasing marine influence in the basin
with a corresponding decline in continental facies. Deposits of the Patti Formation mapped at Orehi, Achabo,
Gegu Beki, Gegu Egba, Akpasi, Ahoko, Adabor and Adanya are grouped under a highstand system tract (HST)
as shown in figures 11, 13 and 14. This sequence stratigraphic arrangement is strongly riveted on the
sedimentologic and Palynologic interpretation as summarized in figures 13 and 14.
The environment of deposition of the Patti Formation has been a subject of interest and discussion by various
authors (Braide, 1992; Agying, 1991). These authors suggested a non-marine environment for the argillaceous
rocks (shale – clayey member of the Patti Formation) (Braide, 1992; Agying, 1991). Nevertheless, recent
investigation of Ojo and Akande (2006) and Akande et al, (2005) recognized and reported certain striking marine
sedimentological features in these sediments.
However, from the biostratigraphic analysis of the shales within the Patti Formation as mapped in Ahoko 1 and
2, the presence of miospores produced by saline water flora species is indicative of deposition in a marine-
transitional paleoenvironment characterized by salt water swamps influenced by marine inputs in the
marginal/shore line settings. Adediran and Jan du Chene, 1979; Ojo, 2009, concluded and correlated the Patti
Formation with the Ajali Sandstone Formation in the adjourning Anambra Basin, explaining that in the late
Cretaceous when the Benue Trough was experiencing a regressive phase and the Ajali Formation was being laid
down in the Anambra Basin, some of the waters from the regressing sea emptied into the Middle Niger Basin
and moved northwest ward as a transgressing system, thereby creating a marine depo system in the area during
which time marine shale of the Patti Formation were deposited. The regressive phase in the Benue Trough led to
an increased transgressive phase in the southern part of the Mid Niger Basin, as the basin appears to have
experienced further subsidence. This conclusion and correlation are incorrect as these posses more questions
than answers. Similar tectonic event created the Middle Niger and the Benue Trough of which the Middle Niger
Basin exist as a failed arm in a triple junction. Hence transgressive conditions would be expected to affect the
basin like the adjacent areas. The Mama Formation in the Anambra Basin is a transgressive and highstand
deposit. On the basis of chronostratigraphy (fig. 14), the Patti Formation is a lateral equivalent of the Mamu
Formation. In the Late Cretaceous, Southern Nigeria basins including the Anambra Basin which adjourns the
Middle Niger Basin, experienced widespread transgression which created transgressive marine sediments in all
the southern basins. The Late Cretaceous transgression affected the Middle Niger Basin leading to localized wet
conditions along the marginal areas as evident by the presence of marginal saline swamp species such as
Deltoidospora sp. and Spinizonocopites sp. In the Benin Flank which is the western arm of the Anambra Basin,
the Mamu Formation is seen to also rest unconformably on the Lokoja Formation (on-going outcrop studies) as a
transgressive sequence. With these chrono-correlation and analogy, it is obvious that the Late Cretaceous
transgression that affected the Anambra Basin also affected the Southern Middle Niger Basin leading to the
deposition of the Patti Formation.
Integrating the sedimentological and biostratigraphic evidences, it is suggested that the shales of the Patti
Formation mapped in Ahoko 1 and 2 were deposited in a shallow marine to brackish water environment where
anoxic bottom water conditions was prevalent, while sediments of the Patti Formation mapped at Orehi, Achabo,
Gegu Beki, Gegu Egba, Akpasi, Adabor and Adanya exhibits sedimentological characteristics of a high stand
system tract (HST) (fig. 13). HST is generally known to be characterized by aggradational deposits. These
deposits are usually better sorted, laterally extensive in contrast with fluvial facies that exhibits rapid lateral and
vertical facies change, (Reading, 1978). The lower section of the Patti Formation characterized by dark grey
shale sequences constitutes the TST (fig. 13, Table 4), while the upper section composed of siltstones and clays
constitute an HST.
6. CONCLUSION
The suits of lithofacies (sand, siltstone, ironstone, clay and shale) recognized and their sedimentological
characteristics suggests that sediments in the Lokoja Formation were formed in high energy fluvial settings while
sediments in the Patti Formation were formed in low energy shallow marine and probably sheltered coastal
settings like estuaries, bays and lagoons.
The Lokoja Formation with its characteristic coarse-grained continental regressive sequences typifies a lowstand
systems tract. The lower section of the Patti Formation the yielded saline swamp miospore species with its
characteristic dark grey and black shale sequence typifies a transgressive systems tract, while the upper section
characterized by laterally extensive sequences of siltstone and sandy siltstone devoid of palynoflorules typifies a
high stand systems tract and correlates with Mamu Formation in the Anambra Basin.
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TABLES
TABLE 1: Quantitative graphical analytical values of sieve analysis for the Robinson
Street, Filele, Banda and Mt. Patti outcrops.
Sample (Mz) Grain class σ1 Sorting class SKl Skewness
Robinson St. Bed 1 0.64 Coarse sand 1.26 Poorly sorted 0.04 Nearly symmetrical
Robinson St. Bed 2 0.59 Coarse sand 0.72 Moderately sorted -0.23 Coarse skewed
Robinson St. Bed 3 -0.09 Very coarse sand 1.22 Poorly sorted -0.09 Coarse skewed
Robinson St. Bed 4 0.73 Coarse sand 1.29 Poorly sorted -0.17 Coarse skewed
Robinson St. Bed 5 -0.70 Very coarse sand - - - -
Banda Bed 1 0.75 Coarse sand 0.73 Moderately sorted 0.14 Fined skewed
Banda Bed 2 1.17 Medium sand 1.02 Poorly sorted 0.10 Fined skewed
Banda Bed 3 -0.27 Very coarse sand - - - -
Filele1 Bed 1 0.93 Coarse sand 0.89 Moderately sorted -0.07 Nearly symmetrical
Filele 1 Bed 2 0.60 Coarse sand 1.10 Poorly sorted -0.07 Nearly symmetrical
Filele 2 Bed 1 0.21 Coarse sand 1.11 Poorly sorted 0.14 Fine skewed
Mount P. Bed 1 0.30 Coarse sand 1.26 Poorly sorted 0.17 Fine skewed
Mount P. Bed 4 0.54 Coarse sand - - - -
Mz = Mean Grain size, σ1= sorting, SKl = Skewness
Table 2: Total Pollen and spore population in Ahoko 1 (AHK 1)
Table 3: Total Pollen and spore population in AHOKO 2 (AHK 2)
BEDS TOTAL PALYS TOTAL POLLENS TOTAL SPORES
Bed 7 - - -
Bed 6 6 - 6
Bed 4 17 2 15
Bed 3 5 - 5
Bed 1 48 4 44
Table 4: System tracts and palaeodepositional environments of the locations under study.
LOCATION FORMATION SYSTEM TRACT ENVIRONMENT OF DEPOSITION
Orehi Patti HST Transitional/ lagoonal
Achabo Patti HST Transitional / lagoonal
Gegu Beki Patti HST Transitional / lagoonal
Ahoko Patti HST Transitional/ lagoonal
Gegu Egba Patti HST Transitional / lagoonal
Akpasi Patti HST Transitional / lagoonal
Adabor Patti HST Transitional / lagoonal
Adanya Patti HST Transitional /lagoonal
Ahoko (shale) Patti TST Shallow marine to brackish
Filele Lokoja LST Continental
Banti Lokoja LST Continental
Mount Patti Lokoja LST Continental
Robinson Street Lokoja LST Continental
Banda Lokoja LST Continental
BEDS TOTAL PALY TOTAL POLLENS TOTAL SPORES
Bed 17 - - -
Bed 15 - - -
Bed 13 - - -
Bed 11 27 2 25
Bed 9 37 7 30
Bed 7 66 5 61
Bed 5 23 2 21
Bed 3 24 3 21
Bed 1 19 2 17
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FIGURES
Figure 1: Map of study area. (Modified from Ojo, 2009)
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Fig. 2: Graphical plots of statistical data sets derived from sieve analyses for various sample locations.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-5 0 5 10
ROBINSON STR, BED 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
ROBINSON STR, BED 2
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
ROBINSON STR, BED 3
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
ROBINSON STR, BED 4
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
ROBINSON STR., BED 5
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
BANDA , BED 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
BANDA , BED 2
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
BANDA , BED 3
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
FILELE I, BED 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
FILELE I, BED 2
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
FILELE 2, BED 1
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
-2 0 2 4 6
MOUNT PATTI, BED 1
A B C D
HGFE
I J K L
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Fig. 3: A road cut exposure of the highly feldsparthic Lokoja Sandstone formation along the Okene-
Lokoja highway at Filele showing the sediment-basement contact and the characteristic sedimentary
constituents.
Fig. 4: A section of the Lokoja Formation showing feldsparthic poorly sorted cross bedded sandstone
sequences along the Lokoja-Abuja highway at Banda near Lokoja town.
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Figure 5: Binary plots of Skewness versus Standard Deviation for sand facies from the Lokoja area
(boundary modified after Friedman, 1967)
Figure 6: Binary plots of Mean versus Standard Deviation for sand facies from the Lokoja area (boundary
after Moiola and Weiser, 1968)
-0.3-0.2-0.100.10.2
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4
Skewness(SKø)
Standard Deviation σ (ø)
Marine Fluvial
Robinson Street
Filele
Banda
Mount Patti
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
MeanMz(ø)
Standard Deviation σ (ø)
Robinson Street
Filele
Banda
Mount Patti
Fluvial
Marine
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Figure 7: Plot of Skewness against Median for sand facies from the Lokoja area (boundary modified after
Stewart, 1958)
-0.4
-0.3
-0.2
-0.1
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
-1 -0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Skewness(SKø)
Median (ø)
Robinson Street
Filele
Banda
Mount Patti
Marine Processes
Fluvial Processes
CLY SLT VF F M CTHICKNESS (CM) DESCRIPTION
7cm
8cm
6cm
6cm
106cm
25cm
130cm
24cm
100cm
22cm
57cm
20cm
290cm
99cm
30cm
110cm
190cm
20cm
320cm
27cm
120m
95m
Dark grey Shale
Dark grey Shale
Dark grey Shale
Darkgrey Shale
Dark grey Shale
Dark indurated Shale with iron stone clast
Dark grey Shale with ferruginous andindurated iron stone
Massive grey claystone with tracefossils
Shale withclaystone concretions
BioturbatedShale
Concretional iron stone
Iron stone
Greyish darkShale
Light grey Shale
Concretional ironstone
mediumgrey Shale
Iron stone
Redish brownIron stone
Iron stone
Redish brownconcretional lronstone
Concretional ironstone
Dark grey Shale
Redish brownI concretional lronstone
LEGEND
Ironstone
Dark grey shale
Medium greyshale
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Fig. 8: Lithologic log of the Patti Formation mapped at Ahoko, exposure 1.
Fig. 9: lithologic log of the Patti Formation mapped in Ahoko exposure 2.
105cm
38cm
134cm
20cm
30cm
25cm
39cm
23cm
92cm
21cm
20cm
50cm
40cm
Over burden
Lightbrownish shale
Concretionaliron stone
Lightgrey claystone
Dark grey shale
Fissile laminated dark greyshale
Ferruginous dark greyshale
Concretionaliron stone
Concretionaliron stone
Fissile laminated dark greyshale
Concretionaliron stone
Dark grey shale
Ferruginous dark greyshale
Concretionaliron stone sandwiched
with dark shale
Dark grey shale
DESCRIPTIONTHICKNESS (CM) CLY SLT VF F M CS
LEGEND
Ironstone
Dark grey shale
Medium greyshale
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Figure 10: Correlation of Ahoko 1and 2 with established MFS
0 20 40 60 80
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
70
BED 3
BED 1
BED 5
BED 7
BED 9
BED 11
0 20 40 60
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
BED 1
BED 3
BED 4
BED 6
MFS
AHK 2
AHK 1
LEGEND
TotalPollen
TotalSpore
TotalPaly
MFS
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Figure 11: Sequence stratigraphic correlation panel of Ahoko 1 and Ahoko 2 on
lithologic log showing various sequence stratigraphic elements on both sections.
CLY SLT VF F M CTHICKNESS (CM)
7cm
8cm
6cm
6cm
106cm
25cm
130cm
24cm
100cm
22cm
57cm
20cm
290cm
99cm
30cm
110cm
190cm
20cm
320cm
27cm
120m
95m
LEGEND
ConcretionalIronstone
Dark grey shale
Medium greyshale
105cm
38cm
134cm
20cm
30cm
25cm
39cm
23cm
92cm
21cm
20cm
50cm
40cm
THICKNESS (CM) CLY SLT VF F M CS
MFS
AHOKO 1
AHOKO 2
Bed 1
Bed 3
Bed 4
Bed 6
Bed 7
Bed 7
Bed 1
Bed 3
Bed 5
Bed 9
Bed 13
HST
TST
HST
TST
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Fig. 12: Defined and correlated MFS established on outcrop sections.
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Figure 14: Sequence Stratigraphy of the Lower Middle Niger Basin as mapped in the various
locations stated above
Age
CRETACEOUS
MAASTRICHTIAN
Anambra Basin
Stratigraphy of
Lower Middle Niger Basin
Agbaja Formation
Patti Formation
Lokoja Formation
Basement
Lithostratigraphy of
Lower Middle Niger Basin
Cly Slt Sd Pb Cb
Stratigraphic
position of Locations
Felele
Gegu Beki
Orehi
Achabo
Adabor 2
Adanya
Ahoko
Gegu Egba
Akpasi
Adabor
Sequence Stratigraphy of
Lower Middle Niger Basin
Sequence Boundary
(SB)
Low Stand System Tract
(LST )
Robinson St.
Banti
Banda
Ahoko 2
Ahoko 1
Transgressive Surface
(TS)
Maximum Flooding Surface
(MFS)
Transgressive System Tract
(TST)
High Stand System Tract
(HST)
Sequence Boundary
(SB)
Low Stand System Tract
(LST )
Mamu Formation
Oolitic Iron stone
Coarse to Pebbly Grain Sandstone
Shale
Fine to very Fine sands
Basement
LEGEND
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