Petrology, Structural and Geochemistry of the Copper-Nickle-Iron Bearing Rocks in Korr-Marsabit Area, Northern Kenya
- 1 Department of Earth and Climate Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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 2 º 52'00"N and 1 º 52'00"N and longitudes 37 º 19'00"E and 37 º 36'00"E, South West of Marsabit town. The methods involved geological field mapping between September, 2020 and Dec ember 2020. Elemental analyses of the samples were done using an XR F. 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.
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