Sedimentological and weathering signature investigation of claystones from Northern Bida Basin, Central Nigeria

Dr. Suraju Adesina Adepoju; Olusola Johnson Ojo; Olufemi Olaniyan; Toba Emmanuel  Bamidele; Ishola Salihu Usman

doi:10.46481/jnsps.2025.2041

Authors

S. A. Adepoju
[email protected]

Department of Geology and Mineral Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State
O. J. Ojo
Department of Geology, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti
O. Olaniyan
Department of Geology and Mineral Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State
T. E. Bamidele
Department of Geology and Mineral Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State
I. S. Usman
Department of Geology and Mineral Science, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State

Keywords:

Claystone, Sedimentology, Paleoweathering, Provenance, Raw materials

Abstract

This study investigates claystone samples from the northern Bida Basin, northcentral Nigeria, using sedimentological analysis, bulk geochemical techniques (X-ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry), and statistical methods. The research aims to assess the resource potential of the claystone by analyzing mineralogical compositions, weathering indices, and reconstructing depositional environments with emphasis on economic implications. Sedimentological studies identified two sub-facies; the laminated and massive claystones that ranges in color from white, stained-white, and brown to grey, interpreted as suspension-settled deposits of flocculated clay-sized particles within overbank fines of a floodplain. Geochemical analysis of 10 samples from five locations revealed significant SiO₂(47.58–78.58%), Al₂O₃ (12.17–34.35%), and Fe₂O₃ (0.63–7.11%) contents. Comparison with published values suggests suitability for ceramics and paint production, especially after wet-sieving. Statistical visualization highlighted SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ as dominant oxides. Factor analysis grouped the geochemical data into: (i) F1-F2 (eigenvalues > 1.0), indicating major influence of SiO₂ and Al₂O₃ ; and (ii) F3-F5 (eigenvalues < 1.0), showing minor contributions. Ratios like Ni/Co (1.14–4.00), Cu/Zn (0.42–4.35), U/Th (0.11–0.87), V/Cr (0.04–2.15), and V/(V+Ni) (0.73–0.95) indicate oxic paleodepositional conditions. Provenance indicators such as Al₂O₃/TiO₂ (6.77–20.84), Th/Sc (0.60–4.26), La/Sc (1.59–12.66), and chondrite-normalized REE patterns suggest a source from acidic/silicic igneous rocks. High CIA (88.94–99.49), CIW (96.72–99.94), and PIA (80.40–99.03) values indicate intense weathering in the source area, reflecting non-in-situ clay types. In conclusion, the northern Bida Basin claystones show strong potential as raw materials for ceramics, paint, and brick-making industries.

Dimensions

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