Author(s)

Hassan Ibrahim Maharou^1*, Karimou Laouali Idi², Diafarou Alzouma Amadou¹, Salissou Abdoul Ganiou Amadou¹, Gnissa Sidibé¹, Moussa Konaté¹

¹Department of Geology, Faculty of Science and Techniques, Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.
²Department of Life and Earth Sciences, Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENS), Abdou Moumouni University, Niamey, Niger.

This study focuses on exoscopic analyses of detrital zircon grains of Archean and Paleoproterozoic age, contained in the sediments from the Niamey Neoproterozoic sandstones (Niamey region), with a view to confirming the sediments sources already proposed (Kénéma-Man domain for Archean-age zircons and Baoulé Mossi domain for Paleoproterozoic-age zircons). Exoscopic analysis reveals that Archean zircon grains are more corroded, with rounded to sub-rounded shapes, while Paleoproterozoic zircon grains are less corroded and mostly angular in shape. The strong corrosion of Archean zircon grains, implying long-distance transport, is consistent with the remoteness of the Kenema-Man domain which are the source these sediments. The fact that the Paleoproterozoic zircon grains show little or no wear implies a proximal source of sediments, corresponding to the Baoulé Mossi domain.

Exoscopic Analysis, Detrial Zircon Grains, U-Pb Ages, Niamey Neoproterozoic Sandstones, Niamey Region

Maharou, H. , Idi, K. , Amadou, D. , Amadou, S. , Sidibé, G. and Konaté, M. (2024) Exoscopy of Detrital Zircons from Niamey Neoproterozoic Sandstones (Eastern Edge of the West African Craton, Southwestern Niger): Interpretation of Detrital Sediments Provenance. Open Journal of Geology, 14, 617-628. doi: 10.4236/ojg.2024.145026.