Lithofacies relations in the Late Quaternary Niger Delta complex

Abstract

ABSTRACTA study of cores from thirty‐three coreholes drilled in various parts of the Niger delta has shown tidal channel sand to be the dominant lithofacies type in the uppermost 30 m of the deltaic complex. Below 30 m fluviatile sand becomes predominant. Coastal barrier sand is present in the uppermost 5 m of the present coastal belt, but chances for preservation of this lithofacies appear to be small.The Post‐Glacial deltaic sediments can be divided into three units. Alluvial valley‐fill sands and conglomerates deposited during the strong Post‐Glacial sea level rise. An onlapping complex of lower coastal plain deposits which contains a lower member of fine grained lagoonal and mangrove swamp deposits and an upper member of tidal channel and coastal barrier sands. This complex is thought to have been deposited during the strong Post‐Glacial rise in sea level and is locally as much as 25 m thick. An offlapping complex of fluviomarine and coastal deposits which contains a lower member of marine clay and silt and an upper member of tidal channel and coastal barrier sand. The presence of this late Holocene complex indicates that deltaic progradation was resumed as soon as the rapid rise in sea level slowed down. The offlapping complex is locally as much as 35 m thick.