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     Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences

    Abstract
2012(Vol.4, Issue:02)
Article Information:

Zircon Typology as Indicator of Provenance in Neoproterozoic Sandstones of the Voltaian Basin, Ghana

Chris Anani, Masaaki Tateishi, Daniel Asiedu, David Atta-Petters and Johnson Manu
Corresponding Author:  Chris Anani 
Submitted: 2011 September, 07
Accepted: 2011 September, 30
Published: 2012 February, 01
Abstract:
An investigation to identify the suitability of zircon crystals as provenance indicators of the relatively mature sandstones of the Neoproterozoic strata in the Voltaian Basin was conducted. A total of 154 zircon grains were critically studied, all extracted from 14 sandstones samples; 7 from Lower Voltaian Kwahu-Morago Group and 7 from the Middle Voltaian Oti-Pendjari Group. Zircon typology analysis indicates anatectic origin with some contribution of a volcanic material for the Kwahu-Morago Group. Zircons from the Oti-Pendjari Group, however, showed an evolution in the source-area with three probable main sources identified for the sediments. These are; (1) zircon sub-population of crustal origin as one of the sources, (2) zircon sub-population with a strong mantle affinity and towards a more aluminous type. These zircon sub-populations have been interpreted as coming either from the same calc-alkaline source rock; or that it has its origin in two distinct sources, one with calc-alkaline and the other one with a subalkaline origin. The zircon typology study here shows that the Kwahu-Morago Group experienced sediment supply mainly from the Birimian sedimentary basins with some contribution from the volcanic belts. On the other hand sediments from the Oti-Pendjari Group were mostly derived from the calc-alkaline rocks of the Pan-African orogen with minor contribution from the Birimian granitoids. This study clearly showed that zircon typology does not only help establish provenance study but also adds a considerable degree of sophistication.

Key words:  Provenance, sandstone, typology, voltaian basin, zircon, ,
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Cite this Reference:
Chris Anani, Masaaki Tateishi, Daniel Asiedu, David Atta-Petters and Johnson Manu, . Zircon Typology as Indicator of Provenance in Neoproterozoic Sandstones of the Voltaian Basin, Ghana. Research Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences, (02): 151-161.
ISSN (Online):  2041-0492
ISSN (Print):   2041-0484
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