Spatial Analysis of Gravity Data in the Basement of the Yaoundé-Yoko Area from the Global Gravity Model: Implication on the Sanaga Fault (South-Cameroon)

Abstract

In this work, gravity anomalies from the XGM2016 global gravity model are used to study the basement of the Yaounde, Yoko area. The aim is to locate the characteristic tectonic faults and to characterize the geometry of the basement of these localities in order to improve the knowledge of the structural and tectonic basement of the study area. Numerical filters (vertical gradient, horizontal gradient, upward continuation) and Euler deconvolution were applied to the gravity anomalies respectively for qualitative and quantitative analysis. The results of the qualitative analysis allowed us to establish the lineament map of the study area; ranging from 0 to 35 km depth. For the quantitative analysis, the work is done in two parts: 1) highlighting the distribution of depths of geological structures in the basement of the study area; 2) 2D1/2 modeling of geological structures to highlight the geometry of the basement of Yaounde, Yoko area. Thus, from five suitably selected profiles, the established models reveal the presence of eight blocks of geological structures of different densities and analyze their implications on the Sanaga Fault. Moreover, the models show that the positive anomalies characteristics for the Sanaga Fault reflect the anomalous character due to the strong dominance of the shale intrusion in the basement.