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A model for the tectonic evolution of the Benue Trough of Nigeria

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Zusammenfassung

Es wird eine mögliche Modellvorstellung für die tektonische Entwicklung des Benue-Grabens aufgezeigt, die auf Ergebnissen einer detaillierten magnetischen Untersuchung des Autors im unteren und mittleren Benue-Graben fußt, sowie auf Ergebnissen aus vorangegangenen geophysikalischen Untersuchungen im Benue-Graben und in anderen, vergleichbaren Strukturen. Die tektonische Entwicklung des Benue-Grabens in Nigeria wird mit dem Aufstieg eines „mantle plume”, einer Mantelaufwölbung oder mit der Platznahme von intrusivem Magma in der Kruste, Krusten-Dehnung und -Ausdünnen in Verbindung gebracht. Es wird angenommen, daß diese Folge von Ereignissen sich zyklisch wiederholte mit strukturellen Deformationen zwischen den Zyklen. Die Grundgedanken dieses Modells stimmen mit den gängigen Vorstellungen über die Entstehung von Riffsystemen überein.

Abstract

Based on the results of a detailed magnetic study of the Lower and Middle Benue Trough of Nigeria carried out by the author and results of previous geophysical studies of the Benue Trough and of similar structures elsewhere in the world, a possible model for the tectonic evolution of the Benue Trough has been developed. It is here suggested that the tectonic evolution of the Benue Trough of Nigeria involved the rise of a mantle plume or mantle upwelling, emplacement of intrusive igneous material in the crust, crustal stretching and thinning and consequently rifting. It is thought that this sequence of events may have been repeated in a cyclic manner with intercyclic structural deformations. The basic ideas of the model is shown to be in agreement with acceptable ideas on riftogenesis.

Résumé

L-auteur présente un modèle possible de l'évolution tectonique du graben de Benue (Nigéria). Cette étude se base: d'une part sur une analyse magnétique détaillée, effectuée par l'auteur, des régions inférieure et centrale de la dépression, d'autre part sur des données géophysiques antérieures recueillies dans la même région, ainsi que dans d'autres structures analogues, ailleurs dans le monde. Le modèle propose pour l'évolution tectonique du graben, l'intervention de la montée d'une «mantle plume» ou d'un bombement du manteau, la mise en place de magmas intrusifs dans la croûte, l'étirement et l'amincissement de la croûte, et la fracturation en graben. Cette suite d'événements a pu se répéter de manière cyclique, avec déformations structurales entre les cycles. Les conceptions de base de ce modèle sont en accord avec les idées admises au sujet de la genèse des rifts.

Краткое содержание

На основании геофизи ческих исследований грабена „Benue“ создали модель его образования. Тектони ческое развитие граб ена „Benue“ в Нигерии связано с под нятием купола магмы, или с вне дрением интрузивной магмы в кору, а также растяжен ием и утоньшением коры. Счи тают, что это следстви е событий с циклически повторяю щимися структурными деформ ациями слоев между от дельными циклами виедрения. Со зданная модель разрешает пре дставить образовани е рифтовых систем.

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Ofoegbu, C.O. A model for the tectonic evolution of the Benue Trough of Nigeria. Geol Rundsch 73, 1007–1018 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01820885

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