Remote sensing and DC electrical investigations in the Figuil area (North-Cameroon): structural and geological implications

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study is based on the analysis and interpretation of remote sensing and electrical data. This allows to characterise the geological formations in Figuil and to evaluate a basement-sediment contact or contact line (CL) of the Babouri-Figuil basin’s SE flank in the north Cameroon region. Manual and automatic extraction techniques applied on the Landsat 8 images brought out 130 lineaments following E – W (90°–100°N), N-S (0°- 10°N) and NNE-SSW (60–70°N) main directions. According to the lineaments map, the lineaments’ density map and the geological background mainly, the basement formations witness a high density of lineaments, while the low density of lineaments matches with the sedimentary formations. Meantime, in the western of Figuil, the geoelectrical surveys using DC electrical method was realised. The quantitative and qualitative interpretations of results revealed an electrical contrast between the basement characterised by high electrical gradients and the sedimentary formations characterised by low electrical gradients. This electrical contrast makes it possible an electrical discontinuity which materialises the real position of the basement–sediment contact or contact line of the SE flank of the Babouri-Figuil basin. The abovementioned information reveals proper electrical and reflection conditions for an efficient structural and geological evaluation.