New insights into tectonostratigraphy and structural style of the Late Cretaceous sediments of Gongola Basin, Northern Benue Trough, NE Nigeria
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33003/jobasr-2023-v1i1-19
Edwin Ocheni Ekwo.
Babangida M. Sarki Yandoka.
Abstract
Tectonostratigraphy of the Gongola Basin is still least understood. This study
aims to present a new insight into tectonic evolution and structure of Gongola
Basin based on field geology. The study revealed that sedimentation processes
commenced in the depression created by tectonic subsidence as a result of Early
Cretaceous tectonic events, which affected the basin and subsequently,
reactivated the Santonian/Maastrichtian compression. The sediments were
affected by Santonian and Maastrichtian compressions resulting in synsedimentary deformation and post-depositional faulting and folding. The imprints
of dextral strike-slip faults and reverse faults on pre-Maastrichtian and
Maastritchtian sediments formed as a result of reactivation of the pre-Santonian
and Santonian faults. Active rifting phase followed by uplift and subaerial
exposure as in Gombe inlier, and adjacent areas such as Teli Fault, Kaltungo,
Burashika inliers followed by subsidence allowing for initial deposit of
continental sediments and later, marine ingression which causes a change from
continental to marine environments during Cenomanian. Eustatic adjustment in
Late-Cenomanian to Early-Turonian led to first major transgression and shortregressive phase in middle Turonian-early Santonian. Mid-Santonian
compression folded the sediments and was followed by subaerial erosion of parts
of the folded sediments. Another eustatic adjustment in Late-SantonianCampanian led to a short-lived transgression. A gradual retreat of the sea in the
Maastrichtian resulted in progradation of Gombe Sandstone. Late Maastrichtian
compression in end-Cretaceous tectonic event folded and tilted Gombe
Sandstone, responsible for the angular unconformity that existed between Gombe
Formation and overlying Paleocene sediments of Kerri-Kerri Formation, mostly
restricted to NW of the basin.
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