Structural features of South-Adamawa (Cameroon) inferred from magnetic anomalies: Hydrogeological implications

Abstract

Structural directions of the southern part of the Adamawa plateau in Cameroon are highlighted by filters applied on the magnetic anomaly map. Determination of the magnitude maxima of (1) the horizontal gradient of the field reduced to the pole, and (2) the analytic signal, allowed a map to be produced showing various lineaments interpreted as the fault system of the studied area. In particular, the faults on the shaded relief map of the horizontal gradient magnitude suggest a slide to the left of the Foumban shear zone in the studied area. Interpretation of the observed anomaly along a profile directed SSE-NNW shows the presence of a magnetized body considered as an intrusion into the granitic basement of probably basaltic volcanic rocks, put in place during the reactivation of the Foumban shear zone. In addition, the observed correlation between the mapped structural directions, the sites of thermo-mineral springs and the hydrographical network shows that the results of this study will be helpful for further hydrogeological research in the studied area.