GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES OF THE AREAS IN ABAKALIKI

Structural geology is an aspect of geology which deals with the study of the structures of the earth’s crust, its deformation features, mutual relation and origin. It also concerned with shapes, arrangements, interrelationships of bedrock unit and the forces that cause them. Some of the geological structures observed in the area include the followings.

2.6.1 Bedding

            It’s a geological term which refers to the existence of sediments in beds or layers ranging in variable thickness. It can also be referred to as stratification. Continuous distinct prominent parallel beds suggest
deposition under minimum energy and tectonically dormant environment. Inclined bedding of varied angle and directions of dips are indicatives of great tectonic environment in the past geologic history.

2.6.2        Mudcracks

      They are irregular polygonal fracture patterns found on exposed mud surfaces (see fig 6). The structures result from shrinkage due to loss of water during dry season.

    Fig 6: Photograph showing  mudcrack

2.6.3 Joints

      Joints are breaks or fractures on rocks without any form of movement along the joint. Joints were observed more frequently in the outcorps during the mapping exercise than faults. Joints enhances the understanding of the directive stress and their correlation with the tectonic movement of the area.

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