Gravity and magnetic data were analyzed in conjunction with available geological data to determine the origin of observed positive gravity anomaly at Waza and its possible relationship to mafic intrusions. The data analysis includes the construction of a Bouguer gravity anomaly, isostatic residual gravity anomaly, total magnetic gradient and Euler solutions maps, and two and one-half dimensional gravity models. A positive gravity anomaly that occurs in Waza has amplitude of 35 mGal and can be separated into two parts. The top of the disturbing body causing the anomaly cannot be deeper than 4 km. We believe the anomaly is probably caused by a body of basaltic rocks lying at the upper surface of the Precambrian basement and originate from a self-propagating disturbance of magmatic loads on a pre-existing zone of lithospheric weakness. Melt migration might have been aided by tectonic and flexural stresses, such that the intrusion is limited in extent to the melting region of the plume and did not reach the surface. The model calculated to satisfy the observed anomaly consists of a 2.5 Km-thick slab underlain by a 10.5 km deep column. This model is interpreted to represent a sheet or saucer-like mafic intrusion that has a thick deep feeder. Detailed geophysical studies would be necessary to locate any possible economic occurrences.
A three-dimensional model of the Logone Birni Basin (LBB) is presented by combining gravity and magnetic data and constrained by broad seismic profiles. The 3-D model has revealed the distribution of the stratigraphic formations as well as the top basement variation. Detailed structure of different stratigraphic sequences is presented for the first time for this basin and some of the sequences correlate with established sequences of the neighboring basins. The sediments pill consists of six sedimentary units dating from the Neocomian to the Quartenary. The Makary subbasin or Northern Logone Birni Basin (NLBB) is the deepest part of the basin and may hold good prospect for hydrocarbon generation and accumulation. However, the limited presence of faults and intrusive bodies decreases the possibility of thermal degeneration, contrary to the Central Logone Birni Basin (CLBB) where conditions seem to be fulfilled for possible hydrocarbon generation and maturity. The complexity of the structural pattern of the model is further enhanced by the presences of volcanic bodies, some of which lay directly on basement or interbedded with the sediments layers mainly in the CLBB.
A magnetic-based geophysical study was performed across the southern part of Cameroon to investigate the boundary between the Archean Congo craton and the Pan-African metamorphic belt. Magnetic gradient techniques including Euler deconvolution and Tilt derivative have been applied to an aeromagnetic data profile to determine the depth of sources and their lateral extension. 2.5D magnetic modeling shows that the prominent magnetic positive anomalies observed on total magnetic map of south Cameroon are produced by deep and strongly magnetic bodies under the Pan-African formations mainly an important dyke formation structure with a high susceptibility of 0.041 (SI units), at an average depth of 4148 m and with a lateral extension of about 10 km. These bodies are interpreted to have emplaced at high crustal levels in a continental collision zone and were subsequently metamorphosed at granulite grade conditions, during the Pan-African orogeny about 620 Ma ago.
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