Scientific publications
2010Journal articleEnglishOpen access
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Scientific publications
Nzenti Jean Paul
Timoléon Ngnotué
Boniface Kankeu
Kouankap Nono Gus Djibril
Journal of Geology and Mining Research
The structures of the Pan-African fold belt in North-western Cameroon (Kimbi area) are the result of a succession of several events. Petrographic description and detailed kinematical analysis of the various structures with emphasis on superposed folds discovered in the metamorphic and plutonic complex of Kimbi area provided detailed information on the structures and the relative timing of deformation, which are as follows: (1) an early Pan-African stage (D1) of tangential movement immediately followed by (2) two stages (D2 and D3). D2phase is heterogeneous simple shear in dextral transpressive context. D3tectonic phase, also marked by dextral transpressional movements, is the phase of superposed folding with a NNE-SSW kinematics direction. D2 and D3 are associated with medium-grade amphibolites facies metamorphism. (3) A brittle stage (D4) responsible for the emplacement of granitic veins, faults and joints. The similarities of these last phases with the central Cameroon shear-zone suggest that the D3 and D4 stage are controlled by transcurrents tectonics. Transpressive tectonic seem to be the main deformation style in major shear zones of Central Africa and NE Brazil. Key words: Transpressive tectonic, Pan-African, tangential movement, transcurrent tectonics, Cameroon.