UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY

GEOLOGICAL FIELD REPORT ON PARTS OF AFIKPO BASIN, LOWER

BENUE TROUGH

BY

THOMAS DANIEL WALTER

U2019/5565125

COURSE TITLE: FIELD PRACTICE GEOLOGY

COURSE CODE: GLY 305.1

COORDINATORS: PROF. VICTOR UKAEGBU

ASSISTANT COORDINATOR: DR. CHARLES UGWUEZE

DATE: 16TH AUGUST, 2023

 TABLE OF CONTENT

Acknowledgment .............................................. i

Abstract ............................................................ ii

CHAPTER ONE

Introduction........................................................ 1

CHAPTER TWO

Literature review ............................................... 2

CHAPTER THREE

Field report ....................................................... 3

CHAPTER FOUR

Summary ......................................................... 14
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This piece is specially dedicated to God Almighty, to my mom for sponsorship and
her continuous support all through my study year. To my my lecturers for their
consistent coaching and mentoring towards the accomplishment of my academic
goals in this institution.
 ABSTRACT

This report presents findings from a geological fieldwork conducted on parts of

Afikpo basin, lower Benue Trough of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The study aimed to
characterize the geological formations, structural features, and rock lithology
within the region. Field observations, mapping, and sample collection were carried
out to understand the stratigraphy, lithology, and tectonic history of the area. The
report provides insights into the geological evolution, depositional environments,
pebble mophology and potential economic resources within the lower Benue
Trough. Results offer valuable information for regional geological understanding
and resource exploration.
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

The geological field work conducted in the Afikpo Basin, located in the lower
Benue Trough of Ebonyi State, likely aimed to study the region’s geological
features, formations, and processes. The background to this field trip could involve
previous geological studies, the need to update geological maps, or the exploration
of potential mineral resources.

The objectives of the field mapping includes identifying and documenting various
rock types, structures, and sedimentary layers in the area. It also involves assessing
the tectonic history, sedimentary depositional environments, and potential
geological hazards present. Additionally, understanding the geological history of
the basin could provide insights into its past environments and the evolution of the
landforms.

My role as a student performing field study

I actively participated in the field work by collecting rock samples, recording

observations, and assisting in the geological mapping process. This entails using
geological tools such as compass clinometer, hammer, tape, and techniques to
gather data, analyze rock formations, contribute to the overall understanding of the
geological history of the Afikpo Basin.

Also I made a stratigraphic log for an outcrop of sandstone to further describe in

details the stratigraphic structure and properties of the outcrop. Samples of the
outcrop was also taken and laboratory processes were carried out on them to
desifer the pebble morphometry based on extrapolation of individual pebbles that
make up the entire outcrop.

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW OF AFIKPO BASIN

The Lower Benue Trough, a geological formation in southeastern Nigeria, has

been a subject of scientific interest due to its complex tectonic history, sedimentary
evolution, and economic mineral deposits. Several studies have focused on
understanding the geological and tectonic setting of this region.

Research by Okereke and Onuoha (2019) provided insights into the structural
evolution of the Lower Benue Trough, highlighting the significance of various
fault systems that have influenced the basin’s development. These fault systems,
such as the Abakaliki-Enugu Fault and the Afikpo-Bende Fault, play a crucial role
in controlling sedimentation patterns, subsidence, and basin geometry.

Sedimentary studies by Nwachukwu et al. (2019) shed light on the stratigraphy and
depositional history of the trough. Their work emphasized the importance of
identifying lithological variations, facies changes, and sedimentary environments,
which can provide clues about past environmental conditions and paleogeography.

In terms of economic geology, Orazulike et al. Explored the mineral potential of

the Lower Benue Trough, highlighting tlhe occurrence of lead-zinc mineralization
in the Abakaliki area. This research underscored the economic significance of the
region and the need for sustainable resource management.

Tectonic studies conducted by Ajakaiye (2021) focused on the tectonic evolution

of the entire Benue Trough system. The research suggested that the trough was
formed due to the rifting of the African Plate, which led to the development of a
complex fault network and basin subsidence. Understanding the tectonic history of
the region is crucial for deciphering the geological processes that have shaped the
Lower Benue Trough.

In summary, the literature on the geological aspects of the Lower Benue Trough
provides valuable insights into its tectonic history, sedimentary evolution, and
economic mineral deposits. The studies mentioned above collectively contribute to
a better understanding of the geological framework of Ebonyi State and the
broader southeastern Nigeria region. Your field work report can build upon these
existing findings to enhance our understanding of the geological features specific
to your study area within the Lower Benue Trough.

FIELD REPORT
Location 1: Ohaisu community, Afikpo
Day one: 10th August, 2023
Arrival time: 1:36pm
Departure time: 3:37pm
Formation: Afikpo Sandstone
Lithology: Sandstone/ iron stone ( latherite)
Lecturer: Prof. Victor Ukaegbu
CO-ORDINATES AND ELEVATION: 5°88’19” N, 7°93’76E, 48m.
Observations
The area is characterised by weathered, eroded and transported sandstone. The
sandstone grains have a reddish brown colour which shows that the rock has
undergone certain chemical processes, one of which includes the combination of
iron which makes it a ferrogenous sandstone ( ironstone).
This rock type is also known as latherite
The general geology of the area shows a river channel which explains the trend in
the transportation of the already weathered rocks from regions of higher energy to
regions of low energy.
Along the paleoriver channel are some sand bars that describe the depositional
system and depositional environment of the area.
Logging of the outcrop showed a gradual transition from clay to fine grain, to
medium grain and coarse grained sandstone from bottom to top.

Table 1.1 PEBBLE MEASUREMENTS AT LOCATION 1

S/N Long (mm) Short (mm) Intermediate (mm)
1 18.56 11.43 15.30
2 21.40 15.00 17.69
3 19.28 12.40 14.77
4 19.89 13.52 16.89
5 19.44 13.21 15.48

INTERPRETATION
The Abundance of Sandstone Here suggests a River Environment which tends to
carry an transport sediment including sands from there source area to lower Energy
Environment such as floodplains and deltas.
Location 2: Ndibe beach
Arrival time: 4:01pm
Departure time: 05:43pm
Lecturer: Prof. Victor Ukaegbu
Dr. Charles Ugwueze
CO-ORDINATES AND ELEVATION: 5°34’88”N 7°58’11”E, 55m
Observations
The river is a means of transportation of sediments. As the river flows from left to
right, it transports sediments and deposit them at a new location. The rightward
movement of the river is shown in the direction of the ripple marks made in the
course of movement of the river body. Some river channels are erosive while some
are depositional. Sea plants such as phytophile can be used to know the kind of
environment where a river cuts across.
The dominant lithological feature of Ndibe Beach is the presence of fine to
medium-grained sand. These sands are oftenmoderate to well sorted, indicating
that they have undergone considerable wave action.

Image 1.1 image showing the Ndibe beach river channel

Location 3: Mc Gregor hills
Date: 11th August, 2023
Arrival time: 10:18am
Lithology: Sandstone
Formation: Afikpo Amangbara
Lecturer: Dr. Charles Ugwueze
Departure time: 11:47am
CO-ORDINATES AND ELEVATION 5°55’31”N 7°55’36”E, 95m.
Observations
The outcrop has sandstone lithology with a gradational texture. When logged, the
outcrop was discovered to have several layers following the Bowman’s sequence.
The first layer is coarse grained and it fines texturally upwards.
Between some layers are clay laminae and some ferrogenous sandstone laminaes.
The Bowman’s sequence represents a gradual change in the environment of
deposition of various layers of the outcrop following a gradual increase in grain
size. The fine grain layer shows that the rock was deposited in a marine
environment while the coarse grained layer shows that the rock was deposited in a
fluvial environment.
GRAIN SIZE ANALYSIS
S/ Sieve Phi Class Weigh Correcte Cumulati Correcte Cumulati
Size Scal Interv t d ve weight d ve weight
N
(mm) e al retaine Weight weight %
d %
1 2.0 -1 -1-0.5 6.8 7.031 7.031 14.062 14.062
2 1.4 -0.5 -0.5-0 12.9 13.339 20.37 26.678 40.062
3 0.710 0 0-0.5 15.6 16.130 36.5 32.26 73
4 0.500 0.5 0.5-1 4.5 4.653 41.153 9 82.306
5 0.355 1 1-1.5 4.1 4.239 45.392 8.2 90.784
6 0.250 1.5 1.5-2 2.2 2.275 47.667 4.4 95.334
7 0.180 2 2-2.5 0.6 0.620 48.287 1.2 96.574
8 0.125 2.5 2.5-3 0.7 0.723 49.01 1.4 98.02
9 0.090 3 3-3.5 0.2 0.206 49.216 0.4 98.432
10 0.063 3.5 3.5-4 0.3 0.310 49.526 0.62 99.052
11 Pan 4 4> 0.4 0.414 49.94 0.828 99.88
48.3 49.98

RESULTS OF KURTOSIS, MEDIAN AND MEAN

a) KURTOSIS = 1.787
Leptokurtic

b) MEDIAN = 0.15
c) MEAN = 0.45
BELOW IS THE CUMULATIVE CURVE AND HISTOGRAM
Image 1.1 Image showing the MC Gregor outcrop
Location 4: Ezeaku formation
Date: 11th August, 2023
Arrival time: 1:36pm
Lithology: Igneous intrusion
Rock type: Dolerite sill
Formation: Ezeaku formation
Lecturer: Dr. Charles Ugwueze
Departure time: 2:28pm
CO-ORDINATES AND ELEVATION: 5°53’21”N and 7°54’57”E, 57m
Observations
Dolerites are primarily composed of plagioclase feldspar, pyroxene (usually
augite), and sometimes olivine. The exact mineral composition can vary, but
dolerites are typically rich in dark-colored minerals. Dolerites have a
characteristic medium-grained texture. They are often porphyritic, meaning
that larger crystals (phenocrysts) of pyroxene or other minerals may be
embedded in a finer-grained matrix. They are dark-colored rocks, usually
gray to black when fresh, due to the abundance of dark minerals like
pyroxene. However, weathering can lead to color changes, and they might
appear brownish or reddish on the surface. Dolerites often display a
characteristic alignment of minerals, known as a preferred orientation, which
can be the result of flow or pressure during their formation .Dolerites are
intrusive igneous rocks, meaning they form from the slow cooling and
solidification of molten magma beneath the Earth’s surface. In the context of
the Ezeaku Formation, these dolerites likely represent intrusions of magma
into existing rock layers during ancient times.
 CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY

4.1 CONCLUSION

The lithology of the Ohaisu Formation mainly consists of sandstone, shale, and
siltstone. Sandstone is the predominant rock type, characterized by its grainy
texture and composition of sand-sized particles. Shale, on the other hand, is a fine-
grained sedimentary rock composed of clay minerals, and it often exhibits fissility,
meaning it can easily split along thin layers. Siltstone is a fine-grained rock
intermediate between sandstone and shale, composed of silt-sized particles.

The Magregor Sandstone is composed of medium to coarse-grained sandstones

with cross-lamination and ripple marks. Cross-lamination is a sedimentary
structure that forms when sand grains are transported by water or wind in different
directions, creating inclined layers within a horizontal bed. Cross-lamination can
indicate the direction and velocity of the flow, as well as the type and size of the
sediment. Ripple marks are small-scale ridges and troughs that form on the surface
of sand or mud due to water or wind currents. Ripple marks can also provide
information about the flow conditions and sediment characteristics.

ISSUES ENCOUNTERED AND SOLUTIONS

Below are some constant problems always experienced and should be addressed by
the Head of Department;

1. Proper plans/arrangements should be made in terms of accommodation prior

to the period of field work to avoid students being stranded.
The department should also provide good buses that will allow the comfort
and safety of students to and fro locations in the course of the trip.
 REFERENCE
Nwachukwu, J.M.G., Nwajide, C.S., and Okeke, O.C. (2021). Trace Fossils and
Paleoenvironments of the Turonian Amasiri (Afikpo Synclinorium) and
Campanian Afikpo Sandstone Facies (Afikpo Sub-Basin), Southeastern Nigeria.
Journal of Mining and Geology, 57(2), 125–1383.