TITLE:
Petrology, Structural and Geochemistry of the Copper-Nickle-Iron Bearing Rocks in Korr-Marsabit Area, Northern Kenya
AUTHORS:
Aaron K. Waswa
KEYWORDS:
Petrology, Structural Geology, Geochemistry, Copper-Nickel-Iron, Kriging
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Geosciences,
Vol.13 No.10,
October
31,
2022
ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to investigate
copper-Nickle-Iron bearing rocks of the
northern Kenya, and understand their mode of formation. The area of study is
bounded by latitudes 2º52'00"N and 1º52'00"N and longitudes
37º19'00"E and 37º36'00"E, South West of Marsabit town. The methods
involved geological field mapping between September, 2020 and December 2020. Elemental analyses of the samples were
done using an XRF. Pearsonian correlation on the analyzed elements was
done using Oasis Montaj 8.4. Fabric8 software was used to analyze structural
data. The area comprises metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks.
Metamorphic rocks include biotite hornblende gneisses, biotite gneisses,
biotite muscovite gneisses and marbles. Basalts of different mineralogy were
also found in the area. Colluvium and alluvium sediments were found covering
some of the metamorphic rocks in some areas. Malachite occurs in gneisses in
the central part of the area. The area has undergone deformation, which includes
jointing and folding. The fold axis trend in the North-South direction and plunges to the southern part of
the area. Correlation of the elements shows that there is a positive
correlation of Copper-Nickel-Iron. This indicates similar
mode of delivery within the host rocks. Kriging indicates spatial distribution
of these elements within the study area. The average size of distribution can
easily be computed from the maps produced by kriging.