Petrography and Geochemical Features of the Coastal Plain Sands Facies (Benin Formation) Around Nekede and Azara Egbelu Areas, Niger Delta Basin Southeast Nigeria
Julius Bajabu Kwache,
Izu Mike Akaegbobi,
Razak Gboyega Olademeji,
Justin Anumnu
Issue:
Volume 2, Issue 6, November 2017
Pages:
87-91
Received:
29 June 2017
Accepted:
27 July 2017
Published:
5 November 2017
Abstract: The Coastal Plain Sands Facies (Benin Formation) of the Niger Delta Basin consists of 99.8% thick accumulation of massive, loose, friable sandstone and 0.2% mud rock. It also consists of pebble imbrications and conglomeratic horizons. Petrographic studies revealed quartz as the dominant mineral (97%) which places the sandstone as quartz arenite. Other minerals include feldspar, limonite, zircon, opaque and minor clay matrix consisting 3%. Geochemical results shows high concentration of Silica (SiO2) and Aluminum (Al2O3) in the sandstone which makes it mineralogical matured. Heavy minerals include Hematite (Fe2O3) and Zircon (Zr) while rare earth elements include La, Ce, Nd, Gd and Tb. Trace elements are Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Sr, V and Nb which has pronounced enrichment in clay than the sandstones. The color variation of white, yellow and pink are indicative of fully aerated environment and has no effect on the geochemistry of the sandstones.
Abstract: The Coastal Plain Sands Facies (Benin Formation) of the Niger Delta Basin consists of 99.8% thick accumulation of massive, loose, friable sandstone and 0.2% mud rock. It also consists of pebble imbrications and conglomeratic horizons. Petrographic studies revealed quartz as the dominant mineral (97%) which places the sandstone as quartz arenite. Ot...
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