Aptian-Late Cenomanian Fluvio-Lacustrine Lithofacies and Palynomorphs from Mamfe Basin, Southwest Cameroon, West Africa

Miriam B.  Nforsi; Olivier A.  Njoh; Junie N.  Datcheu

doi:10.4236/ijg.2015.67064

Olivier A. Njoh¹^*, Miriam B. Nforsi¹, Junie N. Datcheu²

Abstract: The sedimentary sequences in the Mamfe Basin are generally thought of as continental (fluvio-lacustrine) in origin. But the wide spread occurrence of salt springs and salt accumulations and in places gypsum, often puts to question the exclusive continentality throughout this basin’s history. The sequences studied portray a wide range of complex lithologies and lithofacies relationships and include basal and intra-formational conglomerates, sandstones, shales, carbonaceous, carbonate and halite facies respectively. All these are well exposed at several outcrop sections distributed all over the basin with some measuring up to and above 30 m in height. Sedimentary structures include: parallel aligned imbricated prismatic pebbles, plannar to trough-cross stratifications, fining upward grain size distribution and thin frequently alternating sandstone-shale beds. Palynological data have been obtained for the first time from the shally and carbonate intervals and integrated with five lithofacies associations, permitting the determination of the ages and paleo environmental reconstruction. The palynomorphs are characterized by pteridophytic spores dominated by Cicatricosisporites sp.,Cyathidites sp. and Deltoidspora sp., pollen grains include gymnosperms dominated by Classopollis annulatus and Classopollis todosus and angiosperms represented by Retitricolpites sp. and Retimoncolpites sp., fungal remains include some hyphae and Fusiformisporites sp. Only a few dinoflagellate cysts dominantly Spiniferites were encountered at Nfaitok outcrop, suggesting a proximal sea water influence. A fluvial, lacustrine-deltaic and an anoxic deep bottom lake setting sub-environments were reconstructed with no marine strata encountered. The brines are here suggested to have originated from sea water splay over a barrier and complimented by the chemistry of the drained surrounding country rocks. The palynomorph assemblage suggests an Aptian-Turonian age for the studied sequences and a chronostratigraphic sequence in which the Nfaitok and Satom Bridge units are both Late Cenomanian-Turonian (lateral equivalents of each other) are younger and overlie the Aptian-Early-Cenomanian Okoyong sandstone unit.

Keywords: Cretaceous, Lacustrine, Lithofacies, Mamfe Basin, Palynomorphs

Cite this paper: Njoh, O. , Nforsi, M. and Datcheu, J. (2015) Aptian-Late Cenomanian Fluvio-Lacustrine Lithofacies and Palynomorphs from Mamfe Basin, Southwest Cameroon, West Africa. International Journal of Geosciences, 6, 795-811. doi: 10.4236/ijg.2015.67064.

References

[1] Wilson, R.C. (1928) Notes on the Geology of the Mamfe Division, Cameroon Province. Occasional Paper, Geology Survey of Nigeria, 6 p.

[2] Le Fur, Y. (1965) Rapport spécialsur les recherches de corindonsgemmes. Mission socle-crétacé, Mamfé YAO 666A8. Archives Bureau des Recherches Geologiqueet Minieres, 69 p.

[3] Collignon, F. (1968) Gravimétrie de reconnaissance de la République Fédérale du Cameroun. Raport (Ostrom), Paris, 16 p.

[4] Dumort, J.C. (1968) Carte géologique de reconnaissance et note explicative sur la feuille Douala-Ouest (1:500000). République Fédérale du Cameroun, Direction des Mineset de la Géologie du Cameroun, 69 p.

[5] Fairhead, J.D. and Okereke, C.S. (1987) A Regional Gravity Study of the West African Rift System in Nigeria and Cameroon and Its Tectonic Interpretation. Tectonophysics, 143, 141-159.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(87)90084-9

[6] Airhead, J.D., Okereke, C.S. and Nnange, J.M. (1991) Crustal Structure of the Mamfe Basin, West Africa, Based on Gravity Data. Tectonophysics, 186, 351-358. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0040-1951(91)90368-3

[7] Ndougsa-Mbarga, T. (2004) Etude géophysique par méthodegravimétrique des structures profondesetsuperficielles de la region de Mamfé. Thèse Doctorat, Faculté. Sciences, Université Yaounde I, Yaoundé, 255 p.

[8] Ndougsa-Mbarga, T., Manguelle-Dicoum, E., Campos-Enriquez, J.O. and Atangana, Q.Y. (2007) Gravity Anomalies, Sub-Surface Structure and Oil and Gas Migration in the Mamfe, Cameroon-Nigeria, Sedimentary Basin. Geofísica Internacional, 46, 129-139.

[9] Nguimbous-Kouoh, J.J., Takougam, E.M.T., Nouayou, R., Tabod, C.T. and Manguelle-Dicoum, E. (2012) Structural Interpretation of the Mamfe Sedimentary Basin of Southwestern Cameroon along the Manyu River Using Audiomagnetotellurics Survey. Geophysics, 2012, Article ID: 413042.

[10] Nouayou, R. (2005) Contribution à l'étudegéophysique du bassinsédimentaire de Mamfe par prospections audio et héliomagnétotelluriques, M.Sc. Thesis, spécialité Géophysique Interne, Université de Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, 60 p.

[11] Tabod, C.T., TokamKamga, A.P., Manguelle-Dicoum, E., Nouayou, R. and Nguiya, S. (2008) An Audio-Magnetote-lluric Investigation of the Eastern Margin of the Mamfe Basin, Cameroon. The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, 15 p.

[12] Kangkolo, R. and Ojo, S.B. (1995) Integration of Aeromagnetic Data over the Mamfe Basin of Nigeria and Cameroon. Nigeria Journal of Physics, 7, 53-56.

[13] Kangkolo, R. (2002) Aeromagnetic Study of the Mamfe Basalts of Southwestern Cameroon. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Sciences, 2, 173-180.

[14] Petters, S.W. (1978) Stratigraphic Evolution of the Benue Trough and Its Implication for the Upper Cretaceous palaeogeography of West Africa. Journal of Geology, 86, 311-322.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/649693

[15] Ajonina, H.N., Ajibola, O.A. and Bassey, C.E. (2002) The Mamfe Basin, SE Nigeria and SW Cameroon: A Review of the Basin Filling Model and Tectonic Evolution. Journal of the Geoscience Society of Cameroon, 1, 24-25.

[16] Eyong, J.T. (2003) Litho-Biostratigraphy of the Mamfe Cretaceous Basin, SW Province of Cameroon—West Africa. PhD Thesis, University of Leeds, Leeds, 256 p.

[17] Eyong, J.T., Wignall, P., Fantong, W.Y., Best, J. and Hell, J.V. (2013) Paragenetic Sequences of Carbonate Rocks and Sulphide Minerals of the Mamfe Basin (Cameroon): Indicators of Paleo-Fluids, Paleo-Oxygen Levels and Diagenetic Zones. Journal of African Earth Science, 86, 25-44.

[18] Abolo, M.G. (2008) Geology and Petroleum Potential of the Mamfe Basin, Cameroon, Central Africa. Africa Geoscience Review, 65-77.

[19] Eseme, E., Agyingi, C.M. and Forba, T. (2002) Geochemistry and Genesis of Brine Emanations from Cretaceous Strata of the Mamfe Basin, Cameroon. Journal of African Earth Science, 35, 467-476. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(02)00171-9

[20] Eben, M. (1984) Aspect géologue du golfe de Mamfe, Campagne 1983-84. Rapport Bureau des Recherches Geologiqueet Miniere, 106 p.

[21] Hell, J.V., Ngako, V., Bea, V., Olinga, J.B. and Eyong, J.T. (2000) Rapport des travauxsurl’étude de reconnaissance géologique du bassinsédimentaire de Mamfé. Raport technique, Instutute des Recherches Geologiqueet des Minieres-Societé Nationale Hydrocarbure, 76 p.

[22] Selley, C.R. (1982) An Introduction to Sedimentology. Academic Press, London, 417 p.

[23] Stendal, H., Toteu, F.S., Frei, R., Penaye, J., Njel, O.U., Bassahak, J. and Hell, V.J. (2006) Derivation of Detrital Rutile in Yaoundé Region from Cameroon the Neoproterozoic Pan-Africain Belt in Southern Cameroon (Central Africa). Journal of African Earth Sciences, 44, 443-458.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.11.012

[24] Kanouo, N.S., Yongue, R.F., Chen, S., Njonfang, E., Ma, C., Ghogomu, T.R., Zhao, J. and Sababa, E. (2012) Greyish-Black Rutile Megaclasts from the Nsanaragati Gem Placer, SW Cameroon: Geochemical Features and Genesis. Journal of Geography and Geology, 4, 134-146.
http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jgg.v4n2p134

[25] Petters, S.W., Okereke, C.S. and Nwajide, C.S. (1987) Geology of the Mamfe Rift. In: Matheis, G. and Schandelmeier, H., Eds., Current Research in African Earth Sciences, Balkema, Rotterdam, 299-302.

[26] Benkhelil, J. (1989) Origin and Evolution of the Cretaceous Benue Trough of Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Science, 8, 251-282. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0899-5362(89)80028-4

[27] Green, H.T. (1995) Significance of Nb/Ta as an Indicator of Geochemical Process in the Crust-Mantle Systern. Chemical Geology, 120, 347-359. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0009-2541(94)00145-X

[28] Genik, G.J. (1993) Petroleum Geology of Cretaceous-Tertiary Rift Basins in Niger, Chad and Central African Republic. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Bulletin, 77, 1405-1434.

[29] Petters, S.W., Nyong, E.E., Akpan, E.B. and Essien, N.U. (1995) Lithostratigraphic Revision of the Calabar Flank. 31st Annual Conference, Calabar, 15-18 March 1995, Nigerian Mining and Geological Society, 54.

[30] Njonfang, E. and Moreau, C. (1996) The Mineralogy and Geochemistry of a Sub-Volcanic Alkaline Complex from the Cameroon Line: The Nda-Ali Massif, South West Cameroon. Journal of African Sciences, 22, 113-132. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0899-5362(96)00126-1

[31] Jardine, S., Kieser, G. and Reyre, Y. (1974) L’individualisation progressive du continent Africainvue à travers les donnéespalynologiques de 1’ère secondaire. Scieté Géologique Bulletin, 27, 69-85.

[32] Herngreen, G.F.W. (1973) Palynology of Albian-Cenomanian Strata of Borehole 1-QS-l-MA, State of Maranhao, Brazil. Pollen et Spores, 15, 515-555.

[33] Herngreen, G.F.W. (1975) Palynology of Middle and Upper Cretaceous Strata in Brazil, Meded. Rijks Geologische Dienst, 26, 39-91.

[34] Sinanoglu, E. (1984) Early Cretaceous Palynomorphs from Zuata Area, Eastern Venezuela. Boletim IG-USP. Série Científica, 15, 116-128. http://dx.doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-8986.v15i0p116-128

[35] Schrank, E. (1991) Mesozoic Palynology and Continental Sediments in NE Africa (Egypt and Sudan)—A Review. Journal of African Earth Science, 12, 363-373. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0899-5362(91)90085-D

[36] Schrank, E. (2001) Paleoecological Aspects of Afropollis/Elateratespeaks (Albian-Cenomanian Pollen) in the Cretaceous of Northern Sudan and Egypt. In: Goodman, D.K. and Clarke R.T., Eds., 11th International Proceedings, Palynological Congress, American Association of Stratigraphers and Palynologists Foundation, Houston, 201-210.

[37] Schrank, E. and Ibrahim, M.I.A. (1995) Cretaceous (Aptian-Maestrichtian) Palynology of Foraminifera-Dated Wells (KRM-1, AG-18) in Northwestern Egypt. Berliner Geowissenschaftlische Abhandlungen (A), 177, 1-44.

[38] Moullade, M., Watkins, D.K., Oboh-Ikuenobe, F.E., Bellier, J.P., Masure, E., Holbourn, A.E.L., Erbacher, J., Kuhnt, W., Pletsch, T., Kaminski, M.A., Rauscher, R., Shafik, S., Yepes, O., Dejax, J., Gregg, J.M., Shin, I.C. and schuler, M. (1998) Mesozoic Biostratigraphic, Paleoenvironmental and Paleobiogeographic Synthesis, Equatorial Atlantic. In: Mascle, J., Lohmann, G.P. and Moullade, M., Eds., Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Scientific Results, 462 p.

[39] Aadjour, M., Slimani, H., Fedan, B., Elzaroug, R.F., Rasul, S., Thusu, B., and Morabet, A. (2005) Palynostratigraphie des dép?tsjurassico-crétacés des sondages MAC-1 (bassin de Doukkala) et ADM-1 (bassind’Essaouira), Ouest du Maroc. Bulletin de l’Institut Scientifique Rabat, Section Sciences de la Terre, 27, 1-15.

[40] Oboh-Ikuenobe, F.E., Obi, C.G. and Jaramillo, C.A. (2005) Lithofacies, Palynofacies and Sequences Tratigraphy of Paleogene strata in Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of African Earth Science, 41, 79-101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jafrearsci.2005.02.002

[41] Ola-buraimo, A.O. and Boboye, O.A. (2011) Palynological Investigation of the Albian to Lower Cenomanian Bima Formation, Bornu Basin, Nigeria. World Applied Sciences Journal, 12, 1026-1033.

[42] Moustafa, T.F. and Lashin, G.A. (2012) Aptian-Turonian Palynomorphs From El-Waha-1 Well, Southwestern, Part of The Western Desert, Egypt. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 8, 1870-1877.

[43] Atta-Peters, D., Agama, C.I., Asiedu, D.K. and Apesegah, E. (2013) Palynology, Palynofacies and Paleoenvironments of Sedimentary Organic Matter from Bonyere-1 Well, Tano Basin, Western Ghana. Internal Letters of Natural Sciences, 5, 27-45. http://dx.doi.org/10.18052/www.scipress.com/ILNS.5.27

[44] Njoh, O.A., Bassey, E.A., Essien, A.J. and Agbor, V.W. (2013) Palynostratigraphy of Early Cretaceous Sedimentary Deposits from the Rio del Rey Basin, S.W. Cameroon. Journal of the Cameroon Academy of Science, 11, 51-61.

[45] Brenner, G.J. (1976) The Spores and Pollen of the Potomac Group of Maryland: Department of Mines, Geology and Water Resources. State of Maryland Bulletin, 27, 1-21.

[46] Herngreen, G.F.W. and Chlonova, A.F. (1981) Cretaceous Microfloral Provinces. Pollen et Spores, 23, 441-557.

[47] Lawal, O. and Moullade, M. (1986) Palynological Biostratigraphy of the Creteceous Sedimentsin the Upper Benue Basin, N.E. Nigeria. Revue de Micropaleontologie, 29, 61-83.

[48] Traverse, A. (1984) Sedimentation of Organic Particles. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 544 p.

[49] Bassey, C.E, Eminue, O.O. and Ajonina, H.N. (2013). Stratigraphy and Depositional Environments of the Mamfe Formation and Its Implication on the TectonoSedimentary Evolution of the Ikom-Mamfe Embayment, West Africa. Central European Journal of Geosciences, 5, 394-406.

[50] Nichols, G. (2009) Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. Blackwell Science, Oxford, 355 p.

[51] Miall, A.D. (2000) Principles of Sedimentary Basin Analysis. 3rd and Enlarged Edition, Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 616 p. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-03999-1

[52] Dunbar, C.O. and Rodgers, J. (1957) Principles of Straigraphy. John Wiley, New York, 356 p.

[53] Bassey, E.E. (2012). Investigation of the Geochemical Signatures and Conditions of the Formation of Metacarbonate Rocks Occurring within the Mamfe Embayment of South-Eastern Nigeria. Earth Sciences Research Journal, 6, 121-138.