Interpretation of Aeromagnetic Data to Investigate Crustal Structures of the Contact Congo Craton - Pan-African Belt at the Eastern Cameroon

Abstract

The collision between the Congo Craton and the Pan African fold belt of Central Africa had great impacts on the geological and tectonic points of view, notably the installation of several tectonic accidents such as faults, fractures, dikes, folds, domes. This aeromagnetic study is based on Paterson's aeromagnetic data interpretations through the use of multiple operators. These data were processed by Oasis Montaj software. The total magnetic intensity map reduced to the equator (RTE-TMI) shows important anomalies features the major important regional anomalies. Maps of the vertical gradient, analytical signal and tilt angle maps have meanwhile highlighted several short wavelength anomalies assimilated to folding, dykes, fractures or faults. The map of maxima upward to 2 km allowed to establish the structural map of the study area. It turns out that the different types of geological accidents follow ENE-WSW, ESE-WNW, NE-SW, NW-SE and even E-W and N-S directions. All these directions are very similar to the geological history of the area. Anything that seems to confirm that the study area was the scene of intense tectonic movements resulting from the collision between the Congo Craton and the Central Africa Fold Belt.