Abstract
Stratigraphic and facies analysis of the Gulani Member of the Pindiga Formation in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough indicated that the lithostratigraphic architecture of the formation are characterized by three bioturbated lithologic units. These includes the lower succession of heterolithic units with fine grained sandstones and mudstone interbeds, passing into succession of medium-coarse grained sandstone with dominantly trough crossbeds and a upper succession of medium grained trough crossbedded sandstone and mudstone interbeds. Facies evaluation of these distinct succession indicated development of a corresponding pro-delta sands and clays, moving into delta front sands and then shelf sandstone and claystone respectively. Thus suggesting that the Gulani Member was generally formed in a coastal setting defined by river dominated deltaic setting and shelf depositional environment.
Highlights
The Turonian of the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough (Fig.1) of Nigeria is marked by a regressive phase pre-dating the mid-Cretaceous global transgressive event
Two lithostratigraphic sections of the Gulani Member of the Pindiga Formation outcropping around Gulani village in the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough were analyzed for their facies assemblages and association
The northern section conformably occurs above the eastern outcrop grading northward into the mud-plains of the Fika Shales, and these two outcrops jointly reveal great thicknesses of tens of meters thick, representative of a complete lithologic packages of the Gulani Member
Summary
The Turonian of the Gongola Sub-basin of the Northern Benue Trough (Fig.1) of Nigeria is marked by a regressive phase pre-dating the mid-Cretaceous global transgressive event These regressive sandstone units are product of complex interactions of seawards processes of waves, tides and storms, and landward fluvial activity, building out several coastal environments along shorelines. These regressive units are represented in the Gongola Sub-basin by the Dumbulwa, Deba-Fulani and Gulani Members of the Pindiga Formation. The middle part has fine to medium grained sandstones intercalated with siltstones and shelly limestones, whereas the lower part is characterized by thin sandstones, siltstones and thicker calcareous sandstones [1] Previous studies on this formation are generally skewed towards its stratigraphy, paleontology and chronology [1,2,3]. This research aims to evaluate its facies attributes and their systematic association so as to establish the depositional environments within which it evolved
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