GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF LATERITIC PROFILES AROUND KANO, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF BASE METALS (V, Cr, Mn, Co, AND N i ) .
GEOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF LATERITIC PROFILES AROUND KANO, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE DISTRIBUTION OF BASE METALS (V, Cr, Mn, Co, AND N i ) .
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Date
1999-01
Authors
OSMAN, MAGDI
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Abstract
The distinct lateritic profiles around "Kano Metropolis"
were investigated using combined geological and geochemical
methods. The area studied is a part of north-central
basement complex of Nigeria, and is underlain mainly by the
rocks of "Older Granite Suite" (Danbatta, 1985).
Laterization in the area was found to be controlled by
lithology and drainage. Lateritic profiles studied were
identified into three types:- high-land, low-land and footslope
iaterites and were distinguished into four horizons
from bottom to top; fresh bedrock, saprolite, mottled and
indurated layers.
Multivariate statistical methods involving correlation and
accumulation factor (AF) were employed in interpretation of
geochemical data. The correlation pattern of elements in
the lateritic profiles was found to vary with the type of
bedrocks and maturity of lateritic horizons. The lateritic
horizons are strongly depleted of K, Ca, Rb, and Sr and
enriched by Fe, Zr, Mo, Cu, and Pb relative to the parent
rock. Accumulation factor (AF) values indicate a possible
concentration of V, Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni in lateritic
profiles, especially in indurated and mottled horizons. In terms of their potential for mineralization, the mottled and indurated horizons of lateritic profile overlying diorite hold good promise for concentration of V, Cr, Mn,
Co and Ni.
The indurated layer of granite-derived lateriti profile
also shows potential for concentration of Cu, Mo and Pb.
Similarly, the saprolite layer of the same profile shows
good promise for concentration of Zn.
Description
Thesis submitted to the Postgraduate School, Ahmadu Bello
University, Zaria, in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of the degree of Master of
Science Geology (Mineral Exploration).
Department of Geology
Faculty of Science
Ahmadu Bello University
Zaria.
January, 1999
Keywords
GEOLOGICAL,, GEOCHEMICAL,, INVESTIGATION,, LATERITIC,, PROFILES,, AROUND,, KANO,, SPECIAL,, REFERENCE,, DISTRIBUTION,, BASE,, METALS,, (V, Cr, Mn, Co, AND N i ) .