THE GEOLOGY AND PETROGENESIS OF ROCKS IN PELLA AND ENVIRONS, HAWAL MASSIF, NORTHEASTERN BASEMENT COMPLEX OF NIGERIA.
Abstract
The geology and petrogenesis of rocks in Pella and environs, within the Hawal Massif of the Northeastern Basement Complex of Nigeria, were investigated through detailed geological field mapping, petrographic analysis, and geochemical studies. The study area lies within geographical coordinates latitudes 10°07'N and 10°10'N and longitudes 12°54'E and 12°57'E, covering approximately 30.8 km². Field investigations revealed that the area is wholly underlain by Precambrian granitoids of the Older Granite series, comprising fine-grained, medium-grained, and coarse-grained granite varieties. Petrographic analysis identified essential minerals including quartz, plagioclase, orthoclase, microcline, biotite, and muscovite, with accessory opaque minerals. Geochemical analysis using X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) showed SiO₂ content ranging from 65.71% to 68.08%, classifying the rocks as acidic granites (Hyndman, 1985). The average Al₂O₃ content is 11.97%, with Na₂O+K₂O+CaO (13.31%) exceeding Al₂O₃, designating the rocks as metaluminous. Minor elements including Zr, Mg, Ba, S, Cl, P, Na, and F were identified, with Zr being the most abundant, confirming the acidic nature of the granites. Structural features observed include joints and fractures trending in NE-NW and SE-NW directions. The study concludes that the rocks are of igneous origin, calc-alkaline in nature, and were emplaced during the Pan-African orogeny (ca. 600 Ma). This research provides valuable insights into the geological history of the Hawal Massif and contributes to the understanding of the Northeastern Basement Complex of Nigeria.
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