Sedimentological Studies of Alluvium Deposits along Ngovayang-Bipindi of Lokoundje River, Southwestern Cameroon

Abstract

In an area of about 305 km2, Seventeen stream sediment samples were taken from alluvium on the banks and floodplain of the Lokoundje River and its tributaries. Sand samples after being dried in an oven, are subjected to sedimentological analyses in laboratory. Amongst the analysis carried out; the particle size analysis helped to establish a precise textural description of the sediment and to understand the active mechanisms which occur during transport and particle deposition. The morphoscopy of quartz grains consists in determining the mode and duration of transport of the grains, thus allowing reconstructing the geological history of the latter. Heavy minerals are suitable to know the nature of the rock in which they come from and equal to specify their distributing province. The morphometry of pebble makes contributes for a better understanding to apprehension of the agents responsible for the transport of these materials. It appears that the alluvium of the Lokoundje and its Bipindi tributaries are very fine to coarse. They are well segregated, classified, and homometric. It is the result of the actions of a hydrodynamic turbulent which is sometimes abrupt. From a morphoscopic point of view, using a binocular microscope, grains mainly belong to three categories based on their surface appearance: Grain unworn, the sub-dull and dull shiny. From the morphometric point of view, there is evidence of flattening and dissymmetry of pebbles which are slightly worn to form sub-spherical shapes. With regard to the study of heavy minerals, it has identified two mineralogical processions, which include a metamorphic process with the presence of Sillimanite and Andalusite. In addition, there is the presence of minerals such as green’s Hornblende, Tourmaline, and reflecting magmatic distribution. However, there are specific minerals such as zircon, which can be economically viable where the contents sometimes exceed 10 kg/m3. In the same vein, it has been noted the presence of gems like Topaze and Monazite which are real precursor auriferous accumulation.