期刊名称：Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences
印刷版ISSN：2041-0484
电子版ISSN：2041-0492
出版年度：2012
卷号：4
期号：02
页码：151-161
出版社：Maxwell Science Publications
摘要：An investigation to identify the suitability of zircon crystals as provenance indicators of the relatively mature sandstones of the Neoproterozoic strata in the Voltaian Basin was conducted. A total of 154 zircon grains were critically studied, all extracted from 14 sandstones samples; 7 from Lower Voltaian Kwahu-Morago Group and 7 from the Middle Voltaian Oti-Pendjari Group. Zircon typology analysis indicates anatectic origin with some contribution of a volcanic material for the Kwahu-Morago Group. Zircons from the Oti-Pendjari Group, however, showed an evolution in the source-area with three probable main sources identified for the sediments. These are; (1) zircon sub-population of crustal origin as one of the sources, (2) zircon sub-population with a strong mantle affinity and towards a more aluminous type. These zircon sub-populations have been interpreted as coming either from the same calc-alkaline source rock; or that it has its origin in two distinct sources, one with calc-alkaline and the other one with a subalkaline origin. The zircon typology study here shows that the Kwahu-Morago Group experienced sediment supply mainly from the Birimian sedimentary basins with some contribution from the volcanic belts. On the other hand sediments from the Oti-Pendjari Group were mostly derived from the calc-alkaline rocks of the Pan-African orogen with minor contribution from the Birimian granitoids. This study clearly showed that zircon typology does not only help establish provenance study but also adds a considerable degree of sophistication.
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