TITLE:
Crustal Structure and Tectonic Setting over the Panafrican Domain in Loum-Minta Area (Centre-East Cameroon) from Aeromagnetic Analysis
AUTHORS:
Jean Aimé Mono, Marcelin Bikoro Bi-Alou, Arsene Meying, Theophile Ndougsa-Mbarga, Stéphane Patrick Assembe, Crépin Timoléon Kofané
KEYWORDS:
Aeromagnetic, Upward Continuation, Spectral Analysis, Modelling 2D3/4
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.7 No.4,
April
18,
2019
ABSTRACT: The present work aims to determine the geological structure, to highlight and to determine the characteristics of the fault system responsible for the current structure of the study area through the interpretation of available aeromagnetic data. Total magnetic intensity anomaly (TMI) was critically interpreted using several analysis techniques including Reduction to Equator (RTE), First Vertical Derivative, upward continuation, spectral analysis and 2D3/4 modelling. All results obtained from the interpretation process were combined together to draw an interpretative geological map of the area and allow the general view of the surface and sub-surface structures. The interpretative geological map reveals that the geological formations of the studied area appear to be intensely fractured by an E-W, ENE-WSW and NE-SW main orientation fault system. The lineaments identified in the area study could be linked to the Pan-African orogeny and seem to correspond to deep-seated basement structures, which are referred to the tectonic boundary between Congo Craton and the Pan-African orogeny belt. According to spectral analysis results, the depths of the sources of superficial and deep magnetic anomalies are 2500 m and 12,000 m respectively. The 2D3/4 modelling of one magnetic profile plotted on the reduced residual map at the equator was performed to approximate the geometry and depth of the sources of magnetic anomalies, the model suggests the intrusion of a large body of high susceptibility during the continental collision. The results of this study can be used to better understand deep-seated basement structures and to support decisions with regard to the development of industrial areas, as well as of hydrogeological and/or mining investigations to be undertaken in the study area.