New Discriminant Functions and Geochemistry of the Mamfe Cretaceous Formations (South West Cameroon)

Authors

  • Kenfack Nguemo Gatien Romuald University of Dschang, PO BOX, 67, Dschang, Cameroon
  • Tematio Paul University of Dschang, PO BOX, 67, Dschang, Cameroon
  • Ngueutchoua Gabriel University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
  • TATA Cathryn Ntoboh University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
  • Ngounou kouokam Annyck Channele University of Dschang, PO BOX, 67, Dschang, Cameroon
  • Wabo Hervé University of Johannesburg, South Africa
  • Tcheumenak Kouemo Jules University of Dschang, PO BOX, 67, Dschang, Cameroon
  • Momo Nouazi Mathieu University of Dschang, PO BOX, 67, Dschang, Cameroon
  • BISSE Salomon BERTRANT
  • Bokanda Ekoko Eric University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon

Keywords:

Mamfe basin, Geochemistry, Fluviolacustrine, Active and Passive margins

Abstract

Major and trace element geochemistry have been used to unravel the tectonic setting, source rock composition, and depositional environment of sedimentary rocks in the Mamfe formation. Field studies reveal both sub tabular and tabular outcrops indicating a post tectonic sedimentary activity for the subtabualar outcrops. Major element geochemistry reveals a moderate to high proportion (50-75wt %) of silica for the analyzed samples. New discriminant diagrams constructed for usage of adjusted major elements shows samples plotting on collision, arc and rift. Another discriminant plot for adjusted major element combined with trace elements shows samples plotting on active and passive tectonic setting.  Ratios of highly immobile trace elements such as Cr/Th, Th/Sc, Th/Co, and La/Sc conclude a felsic source rock for the studied rocks of the Mamfe formation. Trace elements ratios for redox conditions and marine-continental discrimination such as Ni/Co, U/Th, V/Cr, Th/U, and Y/Ho show that the sedimentary rocks of the   formation were deposited in a shallow oxygenated continental fluvio-lacustrine environment.

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Published

2019-09-16

How to Cite

Nguemo Gatien Romuald, K., Paul, T. ., Gabriel, . N. ., Cathryn Ntoboh, . T. ., kouokam Annyck Channele, N. ., Hervé, W., Kouemo Jules, T. ., Nouazi Mathieu, M., BISSE Salomon BERTRANT, B. ., & Ekoko Eric, B. . (2019). New Discriminant Functions and Geochemistry of the Mamfe Cretaceous Formations (South West Cameroon). International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research (IJSBAR), 48(3), 37–51. Retrieved from https://gssrr.org/index.php/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/view/10315

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Vol. 48 No. 3 (2019)

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