Tectonic Setting
A model of the tectonic setting of the Chad Basin in general was presented by Genik
(1992). Four stages characterized the tectonic framework and evolution of the Bornu
Basin:
Pan African Crustal Consolidation Stage (750–550 Ma)
Major basement lineaments and faults were produced within the basin during the
Pan African crustal consolidation. The structures formed precursor directions or the
“Essential structure” for the future rift basins. The dominant NE–SW trending fault
System (Avbovbo et al., 1986; Benkhelil, 1989) of the Bornu Basin belongs to this
Phase.
Early Rift Stage (130–98 Ma)
This was the period of the rift basin formation. The Benue Trough and Bornu Basin
Represent the third and failed arm of the triple junction rift system which was formed
During the break – up of the Gondwanaland and the start of the separation of the
African and South American continents in the early Cretaceous at about 130 Ma
(Benkhelil, 1989; Fairhead and Blinks, 1991; Genik, 1992). This separation gave
Birth to the South Atlantic Ocean. According to these authors, the strike – slip movements of wrench
faults which originated from South America to Nigeria in response
To the separation of the two continents played a major role in the development of the
Bornu Basin. The lateral movements of a block relative to the other crustal blocks at
This time resulted in the Trans tensional opening of the Benue Trough and the Bornu
Basin.
Late Rift Stage (98–75 Ma)
Rift formation slowed down and a tectono–custic rise in sea level led to epicontinental transgressions
which came from the Tethys and the South Atlantic via
Algeria, Nigeria and the Benue Trough respectively to the basin. This has been
72 5 the Bornu Basin
Proved from macro- and micro-fauna (Reyment, 1980; Allix et al., 1981; Benkhelil
And Robineau, 1983; Okosun, 1992). According to Genik (1992), the slow down
In the rift development due to changes in the stress regime caused by variations
In the spreading rate and direction between the Equatorial and Southern Atlantic
Plates culminated in a marked tectonic pulse at about 85 Ma. This tectonic pulse
Was a basin – modifying event, which caused folding and basin inversion in the
Benue, Yola and Bornu basins (Avbovbo et al., 1986; Genik, 1992; Guiraud, 1993).
The subordinate NW–SE trending fault system which have a restricted occurrence
In the sediments and was developed as relief faults in response to changes in the
Stress regime after the Santonian deformation belong to this phase. Majority of the
Faults in the basin are basement-involved faults; movements along these faults led
To high angled faults in the overlying strata. According to Avbovbo et al. (1986),
The basement-involved faults resulted in the genesis of horst, grabens and similar
Structures. Many of the faults within the basin terminate below the Cretaceous –
Tertiary boundary unconformity. The tectonic regime during this phase was probably dominated by
tensional movement as indicated by the preponderance of
High – angled normal faults and the scarcity of reverse faults. Folds within the
Basin are simple and symmetrical with low fold frequencies and amplitudes which
Increase towards the centre of the basin. They have a spatially restricted occurrence
To the southeastern part of the basin (Avbovbo et al., 1986). According to these
Authors, numerous faults from the two fault systems transgress the folds. The fold
Axes extend over long distances and in most cases without effective strike closures.
The chief fold axes strike NW–SW. The folds probably are flexural folds which
Developed from the graben subsidence in the basement. An anticline and syncline
At Dumbluwa and Mutwe both which trend NW–SE constitute the dominant folds
Within the basin.
Post Rift Stage (66–0 Ma)
There was no significant tectonic activity during this phase. Earth movements ceased
Within the basin before 66 Ma which represents the Paleocene, hence no faulting and
Significant folding has been observed in the Tertiary and younger strata. These units
Have gentle dips to the north and northeast towards the center of the Chad Basin,
Which is in conformity with the general slope direction of the basin
Reference\; geology and mineral resources of Nigeria by George Obaje
