Trip
Trip
Trip
(UMaT), TARKWA
FACULTY GEOSCIENCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
BY:
MR. SHALOM ADJEI-YEBOAH
(BS412100720)
SUPERVISORS:
DR. EMMANEL DAANOBA SUNKARI
DR. KOFI ADOMAKO-ANSAH
APRIL, 2023
DECLARATION
I declare that this report is my own work. It is been submitted for the course GL
373(FIELD- MAPPING ) examination. It has not been submitted for any other
examination in any other University.
SHALOM ADJEI-YEBOAH
(SIGNATURE OF STUDENT)
……………DAY OF…………….(YEAR)………
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My first thanks go to the Almighty God for His good grace, travelling mercies and
protection, and for a successful completion our field mapping exercise. A warm thank you
also goes to DR. Kofi Adomako-Ansah and DR. Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari. My warm
thanks also goes to them again for their guidance.
ABSTRACT
This report documents the findings of a geological visit to Essikado, Takoradi in the
Western region of Ghana. The visit was conducted for academic purposes and aimed to
map and comprehend the area's geology. The mapping was carried out from October 12th
to October 18th, 2022, under the supervision of experienced geologists from the
university, Dr. Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari and Dr. Kofi Adomako Ansah. Essikado is
situated in the Essikado-Ketan constituency of Ghana and is bordered by Ngyiresia to the
East, Ketan to the West, Kojokrom to the North, and the Gulf of Guinea and Sekondi to
the South.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Contents
DECLARATION
i
ABSTRACT ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
iii
CHAPTER ONE
1
CHAPTER 2 4
GEOLOGY OF GHANA 4
2.1 Introduction 4
CHAPTER 3 6
REGIONAL GEOLOGY 6
3.1 Introduction 6
3.3 Literature 7
CHAPTER 4 8
CHAPTER 5 27
PETROGRAPHIC STUDIES
27
CHAPTER 6
29
6.1 Conclusions: 29
6.2 Recommendations:
30
CHAPETER 7
31
REFERENCES 31
LIST OF TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure Title
Page
1.3.1 Aerial View of Mapped Towns (Source: Google Earth, 2018) 2
1.3.2 Average Monthly Rainfall in Takoradi 3
2.1.1 Geological Map of Ghana 4
3.2.1 Lithological Map of the Sekondian 6
4.1.1 Outcrop at Station 1 8
4.1.2 Outcrop at Station 2 9
4.1.3 Outcrop at Station 2D 10
4.1.4 Outcrop at Station 3 11
4.1.5 Outcrop at Station 4 12
4.1.6 Outcrop at Station 4 13
4.1.7 Outcrop at Station 5 13
4.1.8. Outcrop at Station 6 14
4.1.9 Outcrop at Station 8 15
4.1.11 Outcrop at Station 10A 16
4.1.12 Outcrop at Station 11A 17
4.1.13 Outcrop at Station 11c 17
4.1.13 Outcrop at Station 13 18
4.1.14 Outcrop at Station 15a 19
4.1.15 Outcrop at Station 15 19
4.1.16 Outcrop at Station 16 20
4.1.17 Outcrop at Station 16 20
4.1.18 Outcrop at Station 17 21
4.1.19 Outcrop at Station 18 22
4.1.18 Outcrop at Station 19 22
4.1.17 Outcrop at Station 22 24
2.1.19 Outcrop at Station 23 25
4.2.1 3D Model of the Mapped Areas 26
5.1 Minerals Under XPL 27
5.2 Minerals Under XPL 28
6.1.1 Lithological Map of the Area 29
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION TO GEOLOGICAL FIELD MAPPING
iii. Identify and measure bedding, cleavage, folds and faults and plot structural
measurements on geologic maps
1
patterns, make connections between different elements, and develop their ability to think
critically.
Geology two class of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) partook in the
field mapping exercise at Kojokrom on October 2023 for a period of 5 days. Although
the field mapping was supposed to be at Kojokrom in the Ga Western Region of Ghana,
the exercise continued to its neighbouring towns. There were three two supervisors with
the class during the exercise. They were Dr. Emmanuel Daanoba Sunkari and Dr. Kofi
Adomako-Ansah.
2
1.4 Climate, Vegetations and population
Kojokrom and it’s environs has a wet season that is warm and mostly cloudy, a dry season
that is hot and partly cloudy, and it is oppressive all year. Throughout the year, the
temperature typically ranges from 74°F to 88°F, with temperatures rarely falling below
73°F or rising above 90°F. The average percentage of the sky covered by clouds in
Kojokrom varies significantly seasonally throughout the year. The average percentage of
the sky covered by clouds in Takoradi varies significantly seasonally throughout the year.
Kojokrom's clearer season begins around June 21 and lasts 7.7 months, ending around
February 11. In Kojokrom, December is the clearest month of the year, with the sky clear,
mostly clear, or partly cloudy 57% of the time. A wet day is defined as having at least
0.04 inch of liquid or liquid-equivalent precipitation. The likelihood of rain in Kojokrom
and it environs varies greatly throughout the year. From March 22 to October 29, the
wetter season lasts 7.2 months, with a greater than 43% chance of rain on any given day.
May has the most rainy days in Takoradi, with an average of 23.4 days with at least 0.04
inches of rain.
Kojokrom has a population of 37,723 people from the 2010 population census. The
majority of the population are involved in trading activities and about 28% of the land is
covered with vegetation.
3
4
CHAPTER 2
GEOLOGY OF GHANA
2.1 Introduction
About two-thirds of Ghana is covered by Paleoproterozoic Birimian rocks, which are
made up of five evenly spaced volcanic belts that trend northeast-southwest. The
intervening basins between the volcanic belts are filled by sediments. The remaining one-
third is post-Birimian rocks.
5
2.2 A Summary of the Geology of Ghana
Ghana is a country located in West Africa with a rich geological history. The geology of
Ghana can be broadly divided into three main units: the Precambrian basement complex,
the Voltaian Basin, and the Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks.
The Precambrian basement complex, which is the oldest and most extensive geological
unit in Ghana, consists of several different rock types including granite, gneiss,
migmatite, and schist. These rocks are typically highly metamorphosed and deformed,
reflecting their ancient history of intense tectonic activity.
The Voltaian Basin is a large sedimentary basin that covers much of northern Ghana. It
contains a thick sequence of sedimentary rocks, including sandstones, shales, and
conglomerates, that were deposited during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. The basin is
also home to several important mineral deposits, including gold, manganese, and bauxite.
The Tertiary and Quaternary sedimentary rocks are relatively young compared to the
other two geological units and consist of sands, gravels, and clays that were deposited
during the Cenozoic era. These rocks are primarily found in the coastal regions of Ghana
and have important economic significance, as they contain deposits of oil and natural gas.
Overall, the geology of Ghana is complex and diverse, reflecting its long and varied
geological history. The country's rich mineral resources have played an important role in
its economic development, and continue to be a significant source of revenue and
employment.
6
CHAPTER 3
REGIONAL GEOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
The Sekondi Series consists mainly of sandstones, shale with conglomerates, pebble beds,
grits & mudstones resting with a major unconformity on a complex of granites, gneisses
and schists. The series occur as several disconnected outcrops along the coast between
Cape Coast and the mouth of the Butre River near Dixcove. It extends inland for a
distance varying from 3 to 6 km and covering an area of approximately 200 sq km. The
total thickness of the series is about 1200- 1350m.
7
3.3 Literature
The geology of Kojokrom-Sekondi Takoradi in Ghana has been studied by several
researchers. One of the notable studies is by Egyir et al. (2012) who conducted geological
mapping and structural analysis of the area. According to their study, the geology of
Kojokrom-Sekondi Takoradi is dominated by metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks of
the Birimian Supergroup, which is part of the West African Craton.
The metavolcanic rocks consist mainly of basaltic and andesitic lava flows and pyroclastic
deposits, while the metasedimentary rocks comprise sandstones, siltstones, shales, and
conglomerates. The Birimian Supergroup has been affected by multiple deformational
events that have resulted in folding and faulting. The authors also identified granitic
intrusions and mafic dykes in the area.
In addition to the Birimian Supergroup, Egyir et al. (2012) also identified granitoids of the
Dixcove suite in the area. These granitoids intrude the metavolcanic and metasedimentary
rocks and are believed to be associated with the late-tectonic evolution of the West
African Craton.
Overall, the geology of Kojokrom-Sekondi Takoradi is complex and has been shaped by
several geological processes over time, including sedimentation, volcanism, tectonism,
and magmatism.
8
CHAPTER 4
LOCAL GEOLOGY (FIELD STUDIES)
Station 1
Station 1 is located on longitude 64132N and latitude 54865E with an elevation of
26.84m. Outcrop is an igneous rock with a sedimentary protolith, in contact with a
metamorphosed sedimentary rock. The igneous outcrop has small – medium grains
composed of light to dark minerals. It feels gritty when broken. It has a porphyritic
texture with white to reddish brown color. It is composed of biotite, plagioclase and quartz
as the major minerals.
There is a pegmatite intrusion at the very edge of the igneous outcrop striking 20˚NE. The
pegmatite vein is dominated by quarts and plagioclase.
9
There is a quartz vein running through the outcrops across the contact. The quartz vein
intrusion moves along the foliated plane of the schist, Xi = Xo, striking 27 ˚NE.
A felsic granitoid dominated by quartz exists close to the schist. It has a small to medium
grain size with a phaneritic texture. It contains micas such as muscovite and biotite.
Station 2A
Station 2 lies on longitude 641297N and latitude 548523E. It is characterized by a felsic
granitoid with a pegmatite intrusion striking at 20 ˚NE. There are sets of joints running
through the outcrop with strikes of 68 ˚NE, 95 ˚NE, 61 ˚NE and 75 ˚NE.
The outcrop consists of minerals such as biotite, muscovite, with less than 10% of quartz,
plagioclase and sericite. It has a phaneritic texture.
10
There is a quartz vein running through the outcrop with a strike of 78 ˚NE. There are
traces of K-feldspar in the quartz vein.
Station 2B
Outcrop is a mafic igneous rock which is very hard. It is composed of minerals like biotite
and less than 5% of plagioclase with traces of iron oxide alterations. It has small grain
sizes with a phaneritic texture.
11
mentioned outcrops are in the same direction (NE). Therefore, the two outcrops are the
same
Station 3
Station 3 hosts a mafic igneous rock with traces of felsic minerals. The outcrop lies on
longitude 640692 and latitude 540692The outcrop has small to large grain sizes and a
phaneritic texture. It contains minerals such as biotite, pyroxene, less than 10% quartz and
plagioclase, as well as traces of garnet.
There is the presence of spheroidal weathering on the outcrop. It also hosts different
generations of quartz vein with the size of these veins fused making it difficult to take the
dip readings. The strikes of the veins are 188˚SW, 52˚SW, 60˚SW,343˚NE and 206˚NE.
Quartz vein 1 and 3 lie on top of vein 2. Hence could be the first formed.
There are groove marks on top of the outcrop that could be as a result of the evaporation
of volatile gases as crystallization was taking place.
Assumptions and Relationship made:
12
The mineral composition, color and texture of the outcrop are similar to the outcrop at
station 2D. It can be concluded that they are same or were formed from the same
magmatic activity.
Station 4
This station lies on longitude 640692 and latitude 540792The outcrop is made up of small
to medium grained minerals. Minerals such as biotite and plagioclase muscovite with K-
felspar dominating at the edge of the outcrop containing traces of iron oxide. There is a
fused bedding plane striking 030 ˚SW.
Part of the outcrop is folded with the alternation of dark and light minerals at one end of
the fold (gneissosity) and sericite and K-feldspar dominating at the other side of the
fold(schist). The fold is classified as parasitic from its shape, striking 334˚NW and dipping
20˚NE.
About 20cm from the fold lies a Xenolith. A pegmatite vein as well as quartz vein
intrusions run through the outcrop. The outcrop contains some iron oxide, which
alongside the fused bedding confirms partial metamorphism.
13
14
Figure 4.1.6 Outcrop at Station 4
Assumptions and Relationships made:
Pieces of quartz pebbles in the saprolithic zone concludes it is the same rock at station 4a.
Foliation close to the xenolith, folding, lineation and fusing of bedding planes on the same
outcrop signifies dominant tectonic activities accompanied by low grade metamorphism.
Station 5
Station 5 is allocated on longitude 640692 and latitude 540892 The outcrop is of igneous
protolith which has been metamorphosed into a schistose granite with platy heads.
15
Station 6
Station 6 is located on longitude 640692 and latitude 540692 The whole place looks like
an inselberg. The outcrop at this station is a very large igneous rock that contains quartz
intrusions, which is rich in K-feldspar. The orientation of the quartz vein shows folding.
There is a pegmatite vein intrusion in the igneous rock striking 065˚(ENE) and dipping 19˚
to the east.
The dip direction of the pegmatite is 155˚(SSE). The outcrop has a phaneritic texture
containing biotite, k-feldspar and plagioclase. There is a sharp contact between the
igneous rock and the schist.
16
Station 7
Station 7 is located near the Accra–Kumasi road on longitude 641362N and latitude
529119E at an elevation of 69.36ft. The outcrop is an igneous rock with similar
characteristics to the outcrop at station 6. Hence, could be from the same magmatic
activity. By texture, color and some mineral composition, it could be a granite.
Station 8
This is located along the Accra-Kumasi road on longitude 641193N and latitude 549126E.
It is an igneous rock of same color, texture and same major mineral composition of that at
station 6 and 7. It is a granite with quartz vein intrusions. The upper part of the outcrop has
been altered by weathering.
Station 9
Outcrop at this station is located on longitude 640266N and latitude 548459E along the
Accra-Kumasi road. The outcrop is mafic with smaller grains generally dipping 60˚ to the
south.
17
Figure 4.1.10 Outcrop at Station 9
The topmost part of the outcrop has been subjected to spheroidal weathering similar to that
at station 3.
Station 10
An igneous outcrop located on longitude 640643N and latitude 547803E. There are two
joints in the outcrop, with the first dipping 08 ˚ and striking 20 ˚SE and the second joint
dipping 20 ˚ and striking 322 ˚SW. Minerals found in the outcrop are pyroxene, quartz,
plagioclase and biotite. There are traces of garnet in the outcrop as well.
18
Figure 4.1.11 Outcrop at Station 10A
There is a massive pegmatite intrusion which is dominated by quartz and plagioclase. The
pegmatite is generally striking 30 ˚NE with a thickness of 67cm.
Station 10B
Outcrop with larger grain sizes containing quartz, plagioclase, ion-oxide and less than 5%
of biotite. The outcrop is a felsic granitoid with a pegmatite intrusion striking 231 ˚SW.
There is a faulting in the outcrop dipping 88 ˚ and striking 280 ˚SW of the faulted plane.
Station 11
Station 11 is located at the Keta Basic School on longitude 640579N and latitude
547867E. The outcrop is a mafic igneous rock with a rough texture and a large grain size.
The surface of the outcrop slopes, averagely dipping 35 ˚. The igneous outcrop is
dominated by pyroxene and about less than 10% plagioclase and muscovite. (The outcrop
is a diorite).
19
Figure 4.1.12 Outcrop at Station 11A
Station 11c
The outcrop is located on longitude 640451N and latitude 547970E at the Ketan Basic
School. There are pockets of insitu rocks at this station. These insitu rocks have similar
characteristics to the outcrop at station 10.
Station 12
Station 12 is located on the Ketan School field on longitude 640471N and latitude
548003E. There is a contact striking 20 ˚NE between the mafic igneous rock (diorite) and
the felsic igneous rock. The mafic igneous rock has similar characteristics to the outcrop at
20
station 9. There are different generations of quartz veins running through the outcrops at
this station.
Station13
Station 13 host a mafic igneous rock on longitude 640533N and latitude 548042E. The
outcrop is similar in texture, color and mineral composition to the outcrop at station 11a
and 3a.
Station14
Outcrop is located on longitude 640522N and latitude 547826E. The outcrop is dominated
by felsic minerals such as quartz, sericite and plagioclase. There are traces of iron-oxide
and garnet in the outcrop. There is a folding with part of the fold having fine grains and
the other having coarse grains.
There is an alternation of light and dark igneous rocks between station 13 and 14 with
traces of garnet along longitude 640474N and latitude 548132E.
21
Station 15
Outcrop is located on longitude 640692N and latitude 547937E. Outcrop is a mafic
igneous rock with protrusions averagely striking 285 ˚SW. It is dominated by biotite with
less than 5% of plagioclase.
Station 15b
The outcrop is a mafic igneous rock that has a lot of felsic minerals such as quartz and
plagioclase. It is dominated by pyroxene with less than 10% of biotite. The outcrop has a
phaneritic texture.
22
Figure 4.1.15 Outcrop at Station 15
Station 16
Station 16 is located on longitude 640512N and latitude 547853E. The outcrop is a mafic
igneous rock with a lot of felsic minerals as well as a phaneritic texture similar to the
outcrop at station 15b.
Station 16b
This station is located on longitude 640468N and latitude 547880E. The outcrop is a very
dark igneous rock with a pegmatite intrusion. There are traces of biotite mineral in the
pegmatite vein, striking 190 ˚SW. There are several protrusions in the outcrop with some
quartz vein intrusion. There are crosscuts of pegmatite veins striking 51˚NE, 126˚SE,
53˚NE and 310˚NW. The pegmatite vein striking 310˚NW was formed first because all the
other veins appear to move over it.
23
Figure 4.1.17 Outcrop at Station 16
Based on the color, texture and mineral composition, the outcrop is a dolerite. There is a
pegmatite vein between station 16A and 16B, dominated by plagioclase and quartz.
Station 17
Station 17is located on longitude 640260N and latitude 548050E Outcrop is a felsic
granitoid with an intrusion of a pegmatite vein. The pegmatite vein is dominated minerals
such as quartz and plagioclase, with traces of monzonite. The felsic granitoid generally
trends 320˚NW and the pegmatite vein trending 23˚NE.
24
Figure 4.1.18 Outcrop at Station 17
Station 17B
Station 17B is located on longitude 640228N and latitude 548096E. The outcrop is a mafic
granitoid with a phaneritic texture. Based on the color and texture as well as major mineral
composition, the mafic granitoid at this station is a dolerite.
Station 18
25
Figure 4.1.19 Outcrop at Station 18
Station 19
A mafic granitoid with a lot of protrusions generally striking 115˚SE, located on longitude
640369N and latitude 548123E. The lower part of the outcrop has been weathered. The
outcrop has a phaneritic texture.
26
outcrop contains biotite, muscovite, quartz and plagioclase. Some of the mineral grains
have been stretched on the outcrop, generally striking 130˚SE (SE).
There is a quartz vein intrusion that has been partly folded striking 40˚NE with an axis of
4cm. There is a pegmatite vein containing some amount of K-feldspars.
Assumptions:
This station is characterized by some active tectonic activities in the past which lead to the
formation of a lot of lineation and different folds on the outcrop. The partly
metamorphosed igneous rock is a diorite based on the color, texture and mineral
composition. The quartz veinlet has a characteristic of a parasitic fold.
Station 21
A felsic granitoid with a pegmatite vein intrusion located on longitude 641265N and
latitude 548705E. Minerals present are muscovite, K-feldspar, less than 30% of quartz and
biotite. The minerals have been stretched generally striking 120˚SE, with the pegmatite
vein striking 91˚SE. There are joints set with three major joints striking 315˚NW, 60˚NE
and 65˚NE. There is some minor recrystallization, making part of the outcrop darker.
Station 21B
Station 21B is located on longitude 641310N and latitude 548707E. There is a contact
between a mafic granitoid and a pegmatite vein, with the contact striking 230˚SW. There
is a lineation in the outcrop striking 155˚SE. The outcrop has a porphyritic texture. There
are sets of quartz vein through the outcrop.
The outcrop is partly metamorphosed due to the minor recrystallization of some minerals
in the outcrop.
Station 22
27
Station 22 is located on longitude 641255N and latitude 547166E. The outcrop is a
sedimentary rock, specifically, pebble bearing feldspathic arenite (Arkose). The mineral
grains are arranged in a definite order, (bedding), striking 65˚NE. The pebbles are rounded
to sub-rounded in nature which shows a very long distance of transport.
28
Station 23
Station 23 is located on longitude 642010N and latitude 547274E. The outcrop is a
feldspathic arenite that has been indurated to form a laterite (Iron coating).
29
4.2 General Observations
There is an intercalation of schist and the igneous rock at station 1. The sedimentary
protolith lies between the felsic igneous rock at station 1.
The sedimentary protolith is an inclusion in the igneous in the igneous rock a station,
therefore, from the law of inclusion, it is the oldest outcrop in the community.
At station 2, the pegmatite intrusion occurred after the formation of the granitoid based on
its outer position, hence it is the latest event that occurred.
30
CHAPTER 5
PETROGRAPHIC STUDIES
Experimental petrology is the study of the physical and chemical behavior of rocks and
their constituents in order to determine the conditions under which rock formation occurs.
The study of the composition and properties of rocks in thin section using a petrographic
microscope is known as petrography. Petrographic studies were conducted on samples
collected from all areas mapped in Kojokrom and its environs. Thin sections were created
from the various examples taken at various locations. The following is a description of
various samples under the microscope.
31
Figure 5.2 Minerals Under XPL
shows a photomicrograph of a granite having plagioclase, quartz and hornblend observed
under crossed and plane polarized light and also the presence of Biotite and plagioclase
32
CHAPTER 6
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
6.1 Conclusions:
The field mapping has shown that the outcrops found at Ketan and its environs are mafic
and felsic intrusions from the Birimian. The presence of deformational structures such as
fault and fold in the rock mass also shows the fact that the rocks have been subjected to
stresses. The intrusions have pegmatite veins running across them indicating alteration
and metamorphism.
33
6.2 Recommendations:
Pegmatite veins are unique geological formations that are often associated with granitic
rocks. These veins are characterized by their large crystal size, which can range from a
few millimeters to several meters. This is due to the slow cooling process that occurs
when the magma that forms the pegmatite vein intrusion cools and solidifies
underground.
Because of their unique formation process, pegmatite veins are known to contain a wide
range of rare minerals, including lithium, tantalum, and beryllium. In fact, pegmatite
veins are one of the most important sources of these rare minerals, which are essential for
a variety of high-tech applications, such as batteries, electronics, and aerospace
components.
One approach could be to identify the specific minerals present in the pegmatite vein, as
well as their concentrations and distribution. This could be done through a combination of
fieldwork and laboratory analysis, including petrographic analysis, X-ray diffraction, and
electron microscopy.
Another approach could be to evaluate the economic feasibility of extracting these
minerals from the pegmatite vein. This would involve an assessment of the costs
associated with mining and processing the minerals, as well as an analysis of the market
demand for these minerals and their potential market value.
Overall, a detailed analysis of the pegmatite vein intrusion could provide valuable
information on the potential of this geological formation as a source of rare minerals. This
information could be used to guide future exploration and mining activities, as well as to
inform policy decisions related to the development and management of mineral resources.
34
CHAPETER 7
REFERENCES
35