Fault Analysis of Kusheriki Map Northwestern Nigeria

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Fault Analysis of Kusheriki Map Northwestern Nigeria

https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4812454/v1

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Faults plays a crucial role in various sector of the economy, and the understanding of fault is essential in the exploration of geothermal energy, mining, management of water and agricultural resources, construction and infrastructure, hazard mitigation, oil and gas exploration, and tourism. Kusheriki is part of Nigerian Basement Complex, located within the Pan-African mobile belt, sandwiched between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton. The area lies within latitudes N10° 00´ and N11° 00´ and longitudes E6° 00´ and E7° 00´. The basement complex is predominantly composed of three formations, Kushaka Formation, Kusheriki Psammite Formation, and the Birnin Gwari Schist Formation. Kusheriki is located in Niger state in Nigeria and is 102 km away from Minna the Niger state capital and 200 km away from Abuja the capital of Nigeria with a land area of 923,768 km2, the principal goal of this study is to analyze the lineaments on Kusheriki map. Study of fault in the area is important as it is a potential host to rare metals, hydrothermal activities and mineralization. Fault analysis on Kusheriki map (sheet 31 Nigerian Geological Survey Agency) of Northwestern Nigeria shows dominant orientations of NNE-SSW, NE-SW (Pan-African), NW-SE (pre-Pan-African), and NNE to N-S which is related to dextral faulting. Analysis of about 75 lineaments measured on the geological map of Kusheriki sheet 31, shows longest fault to be 38.8 to 39 km, analysis of individual fault reveals that the normal fault with 39 km and orientation of 0 – 30o is the longest, the longest probable fault is 15 km with orientation of 20o – 30o, the longest tear faults is 25 km and display a unimodal trend of NE-SW with orientation of 50o – 60o, the longest major quartz vein is 5 km with orientation of 40o – 50o and displays a less prominent E-W trend. The result of the analysis shows that the major quartz vein in the area lies parallel between the normal fault, probable fault and the tear fault. As result of the analysis, geochemical analysis should be carried out on the quartz vein to study the economic minerals hosted by the vein and geophysical investigation carried out to know the depth of the vein.

Kusheriki

Normal fault

Birnin Gwari

Zungeru

Quartzo-feldspathtic

Formation

Quartz vein

Pan-African

Kushaka

Tear fault

probable fault.

Kusheriki map (sheet 31) which is modified to sheet 121 contains geological information and structural imprint of the area, Kusheriki is part of the Northwestern Nigeria basement complex with three geological. Truswell and Cope (1963), Annor and Freeth (1985) classified Kusheriki area as part of the polycyclic basement terrain of Northwestern Nigeria into three formations: the Kusheriki Formation which consists of migmatite and gneisses with relics of quartzite and quartzo-feldspathic rocks, the Kushaka Schist Belt Formation mainly pelitic (Ajibade et al. (1979), Grant (1978), Truswell and Cope (1963), and the Birnin Gwari Schist Formation mainly of psammitic host, Ajibade, et al (1979) and Truswell and Cope (1963). Additional studies on the basement terrain in Zungeru and Ushama, focusing on structural, petrological, and geochronological aspects, have been carried out by several authors, including Hubbard (1975), Oversby (1975), Grant (1978), Elueze (1988), Rahaman (1988), and Adekoya (1993). Based on the isotopic data available at the time, primarily K-Ar, Rb-Sr, and whole-rock dating, which indicated ages between 480 Ma and 540 Ma, and is said to be than the Cambrian in age Truswell and Cope (1963). This result enables understanding and interpretation the geology of area (Carter et al., 1963; Jones and Hockey, 1964; McLeod et al., 1971), The analysis of faults of the Kusheriki area (Sheet 31) reveals a major NE-SW trend associated with the Pan-African orogeny (Ajibade, et al., 1980), NW-SE trend related to pre-Pan-African deformation, the NNE, SSW, and N-S trend associated with the dominant trend in the area, two major structures on sheet 31 are linear simple uniform style structural trend associated with Birnin Gwari Formation and the complex style with variable structural trend Grant (1978). In correlation with adjacent terrains, such as noted by Oluyide (1988), fracture sets in the Kusheriki area may function as strike-slip faults with potential dextral movement. The alignment of the faults along the NE-SW trend further corroborates regional structural continuity (Ifewara-Zungeru) faults Ajibade, et al (1979), only separated by the cretaceous to recent sediments of Nupe Basin, emphasizing the interconnected nature of fault systems across geological boundaries Arogundade et al. (2022). Ajibade, et al (1979) in his work on the Zungeru/Minna region confirmed the presence of two types of migmatite and gneisses, which are believed to belong to different geological ages. Olasehinde (1989) noted that elucidating the structural fabrics, especially fracture patterns in the Nigerian basement, is challenging due to poor exposure. However, understanding these patterns is crucial for mineral and water exploration. Aeromagnetic data have been used to address this challenge, and aeromagnetic coverage of continental areas has significantly contributed to reconstructing tectonic evolution on a global scale (Mita and Anand, 2003). The structural and tectonic framework of the basement complex has been reported to comprise NE-SW and NW-SE lineaments superimposed on the dominant N-S trend (Annor et al. (1990), Annor and Freeth (1985), Olasehinde et al., 1990). This study is to analyze the faults and quartz veins on the map of Kusheriki area, using rose diagram and histogram. This analysis also aimed at providing insights into the tectonic evolution of the area, the continuity of the faults in relation to other faults in adjacent areas.

2.1 Location of the Study Area

The study area is located in the North-western part of the Nigerian Basement Complex as shown in Fig. 1, the geographical boundaries are defined between latitudes N10°00´ and N11°00´ and longitudes E6°00´ and E7°00´.

2.2 Fault Data Acquisition

Fault data was obtained from the Kusheriki map (Sheet 31) as shown in Figure. 1, produced by the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) on a scale of 1:250,000. The map illustrates the lineaments (faults) of the basement area in north-western Nigeria. It features faults of various length and classifications, including faults, tear faults, and probable faults. Additionally, the map shows major quartz veins. The fault data on Kusheriki map sheet 31 was acquired using a string method where a string, tracing paper (overlay) on the map and a pencil. Measurement of the faults length was done using ruler, for faults with curvilinear shape, a flexible string was used to measure the fault on the map and the length of the string measured with ruler. For faults with broken nature, the sum was taken from the measurement of each end the fault to ascertain the length. A map tracer was employed to trace all the faults of various length and orientations (strike). The lengths were measured in kilometres, and the orientations were recorded in degree. The data was used to analyse the faults on kusheriki map

A total of 75 faults were analyzed from the Kusheriki map (Sheet 31) currently modified to sheet 121. Some faults were difficult to analyze due to their curvilinear nature; however, this challenge was addressed with the use of a map tracer. The faults were categorized into different types for analysis, faults, tear faults, probable faults. And major quartz veins was also analysed in the map. After the measurement of all faults, normal faults, tear faults, probable faults, and quartz veins from the from the map, strike for each lineament was also measured, the faults and quartz veins were grouped based on length and this was used to plot rose diagram of all faults, normal faults, tear faults, probable fault, and the major quartz vein to determine their orientations and a histogram of all faults, normal faults, tear faults, probable fault and major quartz vein was also plotted to determine their length and frequencies. The lengths of the faults varied, ranging from approximately 1.5 km to about 39 km.

4.1 All Fault analysis

The analysis of faults and quartz veins on the Kusheriki area using rose diagrams reveals several distinct orientations. The dominant trend observed was N-S Fig. 2, indicating a prevalent structural alignment across the study area. Additional orientations include NNE-SSW, NE-SW, and NW-SE, with NE-SW being the most prominent trend due to minimum horizontal stress at the time, suggesting a significant tectonic influence in the region. The NW-SE trend is noted to be of pre-Pan-African origin (Ajibade, et al., 1979), contributing to the geological complexity of the area. The no or less trending E-W fracture orientation highlights the tectonic control of maximum horizontal stress in the area; a similar phenomenon has been reported by Oden et al. (2012).

4.1.1 All Fault Orientation using a Rose Diagram

The result of data analysis of faults on Kusheriki map reveals several orientation trends when plotted on a rose diagram. The primary trend observed is an N-S orientation Fig. 2. Other significant trends include NNE-SSW, NE-SW, and NW-SE. The NE-SW orientation is noted to be associated with dextral faulting, as reported by Oyawoye (1972). The NW-SE trend is less prominent. The result shows three prominent orientation of 0^o-10^o, 20^o -30^o, and 50^o-60^o, minor trends include 150^o-160^o, and 160^o-170^o. The faults may be an extension of the Ifewara and Zungeru/Kalagai faults Arogundade et al. (2022), which stretch from Ilesha in the southwest, through Zungeru, and extend to North-eastern Nigeria and into Niger as suggested by Affaton et al. (1991). Similar shear patterns have been documented in various studies on Northwestern Nigeria (Truswell and Cope, 1963; Garba, 2000).

4.1.2 All Fault Length using a Histogram

A histogram was plotted for all faults measured on Kusheriki map (Sheet 31), the results Fig. 3, reveals a distribution pattern where the most common faults had length of 1.5 km to 5 km, few faults were notably longer, particularly in the ranges of 10 to 12 km, and 21 km to 39 km. This distribution provides insights into the frequency and occurrence of faults within the study area. The concentration of faults in the shorter length categories suggests a prevalence of shorter faults across the terrain. In contrast, the longer faults, although less frequent, represent significant geological features that may have distinct structural and tectonic implications as well as economic importance. The histogram analysis underscores the variability in fault length within the Kusheriki area, highlighting the diverse nature of geological structures present. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the structural dynamics and evolution of the region, crucial for further geological studies and resource exploration efforts.

4.2 Normal Fault

From the analysis of normal faults on Kusheriki map, a total of 56 data points for normal fault was examined. The dominant orientations observed include NNE-SSW, NE-SW, NW-SE, and E-W, as depicted in the rose diagram shown in Fig. 4.

4.2.1 Normal Fault Orientation using a Rose Diagram

The result of rose diagram represents the distribution and trends of normal faults across the study area. Normal faults on Kusheriki region display varying orientations, including NE-SW (0°-30°), NW-SE (120°-140°), and NNE-SSW to N-S (0°-10°) with the N-S direction being the most dominant Fig. 4. These orientations reflect the faulting mechanisms and stress regimes within the basement complex. The NNE-SSW orientation suggests a significant structural alignment, possibly influenced by regional tectonic forces. Similarly, the NE-SW and NW-SE orientations indicate additional faulting directions, reflecting complex geological processes within the basement terrain. The presence of E-W trending faults highlights another distinct structural trend within the Kusheriki area. These orientations provide valuable insights into the geological framework and tectonic evolution of the region, crucial for understanding fault dynamics and their potential for mineral exploration. Figure 4 serves as a visual representation that enhances our understanding of the spatial distribution and orientation trends of normal faults in the study area, contributing to a comprehensive geological and structural analysis.

4.2.2 Normal Fault Length using a Histogram

Figure 5 is a histogram of the distribution of normal fault length observed on the Kusheriki map. It reveals that shorter faults, particularly in the range of 1 to 6 km are more frequent in the study area. In contrast, longer faults, such as those in the range of 11 km to 39 km are less common. This distribution pattern provides insights into the variability of fault lengths within the geological framework of the Kusheriki area.

4.3 Probable fault

Probable faults are usually inferred to be a fault but lacks clear evidence at the surface but could be fully classified a fault when proper fault evidence is established. Probable faults in the study area also dominantly exhibit a NE-SW trend, other orientations in NW-SE, and a less prominent E-W trend. This orientation pattern underscores the structural continuity and alignment observed in the Kusheriki geological framework.

Probable faults are feature inferred to be a fault but lack definitive evidence or clear expression at the surface; they are identified based on structural trends, geophysical anomalies and alignment or related fault related features. They usually show signs of faulting but require more analysis to determine it probability. They are classified as and confirmed faults when substantial evident is available.

4.3.1 Probable Fault Orientation using Rose Diagram

The analysis of probable faults in the study area shows results on rose diagram that reveals most dominant orientation to be NE-SW, less NW-SE, and minor E-W orientations. The most prominent trend identified on the rose diagram is the NE-SW orientation between 20° and 30° Fig. 6. The NE-SW trend indicates a significant structural alignment of probable faults within Kusheriki region.

4.3.2 Probable Fault Length using a Histogram

The histogram depicts the distribution of probable fault lengths observed on the Kusheriki map. It reveals that the longest probable faults in the study area between 14 to 15 km. Interestingly, the histogram shows an equal frequency between the longest and shortest probable faults, highlighting a balanced distribution across different fault length within the geological context of Kusheriki (Sheet 31).

4.4 Tear fault

Tear faults are usually associated with significant changes in the direction of the maximum principal stress causing the faults to split. Into two or more the result from the tear faults analyzed in the study area demonstrate a pronounced unimodal orientation along the NE-SW axis, characterized by angles ranging between 50°- 60°. This consistent orientation suggests a cohesive structural deformation pattern influenced by regional geological forces.

4.4.1 Tear Fault Orientation using Rose Diagram

The analysis of tear faults on the Kusheriki map reveals a prominent NE-SW trend, concentrated between 50–60 degrees Fig. 7, indicating a unimodal distribution. This trend suggests a consistent orientation of tear faults within the study area, influenced by regional geological forces.

4.4.2 Length of Tear Fault Length using a Histogram

Histogram plotted for tear fault as shown in Figure. 9, highlights that the longest tear faults observed on Kusheriki map to be 25 km in length. This distribution pattern underscores the predominance of shorter tear faults in the study area, with fewer instances of longer fault length. Also, the analysis shows a distribution of tear fault lengths observed on Kusheriki map. It shows that the shortage tear fault in the study area is 5 km. This distribution pattern provides insights into the prevalence and characteristics of tear faults within the geological framework of the Kusheriki region. These findings provide valuable insights into the structural characteristics and orientation trends of tear faults. Understanding these fault dynamics is crucial for interpreting geological processes and assessing potential geological hazards in the area.

4.5 Major quartz veins

Major quartz veins analyzed in the study area exhibit a significant NE-SW trend, parallel to fault orientations. This trend highlights the influence of structural controls on mineralization processes and provides insights into the structural history and activities within the Kusheriki region.

4.5.1 Major Quartz Vein Orientation using Rose Diagram

The result of analysis of major quartz veins in the study area reveals a predominant NE-SW trend as indicated by the rose diagram with angle of 40°-50°, Fig. 10. This trend exhibits a unimodal distribution, emphasizing a consistent orientation of quartz veins within the Kusheriki region. Despite their limited representation on the rose diagram Figure. 10, the NE-SW trend suggests a significant geological alignment influenced by regional tectonic processes and structural control.

Understanding the orientation and distribution of major quartz veins is essential for geological mapping and resource exploration efforts in the Kusheriki area. This geological feature provides insights into the hydrothermal processes and mineralization events that have shaped the geological framework of the region.

4.5.2 Major Quartz Vein using a Histogram

From the result of the analysis of major quartz vein using histogram in Fig. 11, shows the longest major quartz vein in the area is between 4 and 5 km and others are between 1 and 2 km, this length is significant in hosting major valuable minerals

The fault analysis conducted on the Kusheriki map in the Northwestern Nigeria reveals orientations across the study area. The primary orientation observed is N-S, indicating a dominant structural trend. Additionally, others are NNE-SSW, NE-SW, and less prominent, E-W orientation and is linked to pan-African tectonic events. On analysis, the longest normal fault is 39 km. Tear faults in the study area extends to 25 km and the Probable faults reaches a lengths of 15 km. Major quartz veins analyzed, although few, is trending in the NE-SW (40°-50°) with the longest veins measuring 4–5 km in length, the rose diagram shows that the major quartz vein in the study area lies between the probable fault and the tear fault, hence the quartz vein s in the faults. The faults are likely a continuaion of Ifewara – Zungeru fault zone and associated with dextral faulting mechanisms, reflecting pan-African tectonic influences. Geological Significance: Understanding these structural features is crucial for geological mapping, resource exploration, and hazard assessment in north-western Nigeria. This study enhances our understanding of the geological complexities and tectonic evolution of the Kusheriki area, contributing valuable insights to regional geological studies and future research endeavours.

Conflict of interest statement

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Author Contribution

Oden, M. I. provided the first sample map and supervised project

Data Availability

The data generated from the NGSA map is deposited in the University of Calabar archive and can be provided by the author on request.

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No competing interests reported.

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You are reading this latest preprint version

Fault Analysis of Kusheriki Map Northwestern Nigeria

Status:

Version 1

Abstract

Figures

1 Introduction

2 Materials and Method

2.1 Location of the Study Area

2.2 Fault Data Acquisition

3 Fault Analysis

4 Result and Discussion

4.1 All Fault analysis

4.1.1 All Fault Orientation using a Rose Diagram

4.1.2 All Fault Length using a Histogram

4.2 Normal Fault

4.2.1 Normal Fault Orientation using a Rose Diagram

4.2.2 Normal Fault Length using a Histogram

4.3 Probable fault

4.3.1 Probable Fault Orientation using Rose Diagram

4.3.2 Probable Fault Length using a Histogram

4.4 Tear fault

4.4.1 Tear Fault Orientation using Rose Diagram

4.4.2 Length of Tear Fault Length using a Histogram

4.5 Major quartz veins

4.5.1 Major Quartz Vein Orientation using Rose Diagram

4.5.2 Major Quartz Vein using a Histogram

5 Conclusion

Declarations

Conflict of interest statement

Author Contribution

Data Availability

References

Additional Declarations

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