Geology of Ekerekunta And Environs documented

ABSTRACT

The present study area is bound within the latitude of 5055” N to 6° 0’ 0” N and longitude of 7055” E to 8° 1’ 0” E in the Southern Benue Trough, within the Afikpo syncline and Abakaliki anticlinorium, in south eastern Nigeria. The shale unit underlie the bioturbated sandstone unit. Sedimentary structures were also observed in the study area, which include tabular cross stratification, beddings, herribone structures, asymmetrical ripples and trough cross beds. Asymmetrical ripples and trough cross beds indicates a high energy current. These bioturbated sandstones have high altitude (deeply steeping strikes and dips). This might be due to less period of exposure to erosion. The mapped area is drained by the streams of the Cross River system and Ebonyi River (Asu River). Compass/clinometers were used to obtain several measurements from outcrops within the study area. Samples gotten from the area of study were also taken to the laboratory for detailed analysis. Some rocks of economic importance were also seen like limestone, etc. The inferred depositional environmental of the study area include fluvial to near-shore, and marginal to open marine.