Abstract
Paleogene deposits are extensively exposed in the Eastern Dahomey (Benin) sedimentary Basin in southwestern Nigeria. Outcrop logging and sampling of lithological sections were systematically carried out at the Ibese Quarry, in order to re-establish the age of sediments and reconstruct their depositional environment using samples rich in organic-walled microfossils. Two formations were recognized; the Ewekoro and Akinbo Formations. Two main lithological units were identified; limestones and carbonaceous shales. Minor lithologies include ferrugineous sandstones and glauconite. Results from the palynological examination show that terrestrial palynomorphs (spores and pollen) dominate over the marine dinoflagellates cyst species in the samples recovered from the Ewekoro Formation, while samples from the Akinbo Formation recorded high abundance with less diversity of the marine dinoflagellates cysts over the terrestrial sporomorph. Age determination/correlation was achieved based on selected stratigraphic index taxa recovered. The samples from Ewekoro Formation were dated as late Early Paleocene to early Middle Paleocene, based on the presence of the following pollen key-taxa: Proxapertites operculatus, Retidiporites magdalenensis, Spinizonocolpites baculatus, Mauritidiites crassiexinus, Scabratriporites simpliformis, and Echitriporites trianguliformis. The samples from the Akinbo Formation were assigned late Middle Paleocene to late Paleocene, based on the presence of the following pollen key-taxa: Proxapertites operculatus/cursus, Grimsdalea polygonalis, Retibrevitricolpites triangulatus, Psilatricolporites operculatus, Retistephanocolpites williamsi, Bombacidites sp., Apectodinium homomorphum, and Apectodinium quinquelatum. The environmentally significant palynomorph species indicated differences in paleodepositional environments, ranging from shallow marine in the Ewekoro Formation at the base, up the stratigraphic sequence, to marginal marine (estuarine) depositional environment in the overlying Akinbo Formation.
Highlights
MethodsThe methods employed in the study included laboratory sample processing and transmitted light microscopic logging
Palynological study of the Paleogene succession exposed at the Ibese quarry, within the Eastern Dahomey (Benin) Basin has been undertaken
Comparing the designated age strata in southwestern Nigeria with the international palynozones worldwide will be meaningful for future works
Summary
The methods employed in the study included laboratory sample processing and transmitted light microscopic logging. The crushed sample was digested for 30 minutes in 40%. The sieve-washed 10 g residues equivalent was partitioned into two parts, 5 g each, for oxidation and for kerogen assessment. The 5 g residue extract was oxidized for 30 minutes in 70% conc. HNO3 and 5 minutes in Schulze solution to render the fossils translucent for transmitted light microscopy. The acid-free oxidized residue was rinsed in 2% concentrated KOH solution to neutralize the acid; and swirled to remove the resistant coarse mineral particles and undigested organic matter. The swirled residue was collected on the sieve and stained with Safranin – O to increase the depth of contrast for microscopic examination and photography
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