Synsedimentary Deformation Characterization of Niamey Sandstones in the Tondibia Area (Man Shield Northeastern Margin, Western Niger, Region of Niamey)

Authors

  • Hassan Ibrahim Maharou

    Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey BP 10662, Niger

  • Karimou Laouali Idi

    Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey BP 10662, Niger

  • Salissou Abdoul Ganiou Amadou

    Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey BP 10662, Niger

  • Moussa Konaté

    Department of Geology, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niamey BP 10662, Niger

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v6i3.6750
Received: 12 June 2024 | Revised: 27 August 2024 | Accepted: 4 September 2024 | Published Online: 18 September 2024

Abstract

Niamey sandstones belong to a group of formations of Neoproterozoic-age, located on the Man shield northeastern margin. They sporadically outcrop along the Niger river valley. These geological formations, which occupy a central position in relation to the Taoudenni basin (further north) and the Voltas basin (further south), share similarities with the formations of the aforementioned basins. The research objective is to determine the synsedimentary deformation that has affected these Niamey sandstones in the Tondibia area. The methodological approach used focuses, firstly, on field measurements of synsedimentary deformation structures, and secondly, on projecting these measurements into the Win-Tenseur program in order to calculate stress tensors (s1, s2, s3). Synsedimentary deformations appear during the early stages of lithification, i.e. when the sediment is still loose and contains a high percentage of water. The analysis of these deformations is of great interest for the tectonic-sedimentary analysis of basin deposits. Deformation analysis reveals that the synsedimentary deformation phase affecting the Niamey sandstones is characterized by a NNW-SSE to NNE-SSW direction of elongation. This phase of deformation is marked in the field by normal faults with an average orientation of N80°. This extensive episode is concomitant with the extension of the Neoproterozoic Ocean (870 to 800 Ma).

Keywords:

Synsedimentary deformation; Normal faults; Neoproterozoic Ocean; Niamey region; Niger

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How to Cite

Ibrahim Maharou, H., Karimou Laouali Idi, Salissou Abdoul Ganiou Amadou, & Moussa Konaté. (2024). Synsedimentary Deformation Characterization of Niamey Sandstones in the Tondibia Area (Man Shield Northeastern Margin, Western Niger, Region of Niamey). Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 6(3), 104–110. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v6i3.6750