The structural control and genesis of alkaline rocks in central Kenya

Abstract

In the Nairobi area and the adjacent region of the Gregory Rift Valley of Kenya two series of Cainozoic alkaline volcanic rocks, of mildly and strongly alkaline type respectively, are considered to have been derived from a single parental magma of alkali olivine basalt composition. Vulcanicity is genetically associated with tectonic movements attendant upon doming and rifting and distances from the rift margin decrease with crystal fractionation, the most acid differentiates being located at the maximum elevation of the rift floor. An early period of nepheline-bearing lava extrusion associated with central vulcanism is followed by a later period of welded tuff — trachyte — rhyolite fissure eruption. Caldera formation associated with central vulcanism within the Rift accompanies the later volcanic phase.