ST
Maître de Conférences
Scientific activity
Researcher profile
Faculty researcher at the University of Yaoundé I. Grade: Maître de Conférences.
Scientific publications
Daniel Mackaire Eloung Nna, Alexis Jacob Nyangono Abolo, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Augustin Désiré Balla Ondoa, Paul Désiré Ndjigui
Geosciences Journal
Ferdinand Deffo, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah, Yannick Saturnin Evina Aboula, Mahamed Moustapha Ndam Njikam
Heliyon
[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26319.].
Boris Secke Bekonga Gouott, Yakup Niyazi, Ovie Emmanuel Eruteya, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Samuel Etame Makoube and 1 more
Submarine fans are deposits of sediments of continental origin in the deep sea, and are generally characterized by a complex depositional architecture, due to the multiple triggering mechanisms of deep-water sediment gravity flows.Consequently, this poses great challenges to deep-water petroleum exploration and development.We investigate the geomorphologic evolution and architecture of Campanian, deeply buried, submarine fans in the Kribi-Campo sub-basin, offshore Cameroon.Using a 3D seismic reflection data set and logs from two wells, we mapped horizons to produce seven strata slices including the fan base, fan top and five internal strata.In crosssection, the fan is characterized by high amplitude seismic facies exhibiting an aggradational pattern with parallel and continuous reflectors.The stacked fan-shaped morphology is up to 500 m thick, extends over an area of 600 km 2 and is oriented NE-SW, near the Kribi High.Analysis of the fan architecture reveals the presence of well-defined internal structures such as crevasse splay, a sinuous distributary channel and an elongated depositional lobe.The lobe whose beds are made up of sand, silt and mud.A detailed examination of the characteristics of the stratal slices has enabled us to propose a chronology of the Campanian submarine fan showing three phases of progression from its creation, and its growth to its abandonment.The detailed structure of this lobe has a finger-like morphology and is generally oriented at 90 o to the channel that delivered the sediment to the lobe.The finger-like features are interpreted as thick massive sands, formed as a result of gravity sedimentary flows which branched off the main flow eroding into pelagic clay substrate.It is important to note that the geomorphological evolution and architecture of the submarine fan were influenced by variations in sea level during the late Cretaceous and the underlying tectonics marked by the Kribi high.The 3D seismic geomorphological analysis of the submarine fan, as presented in this study, is essential to better understand their geometries, facies distribution, stacking patterns and depositional architecture to improve reservoir predictions.
Léandre Onana Enama, Lionel Mbida Yem, Renaud Menanga Tokouet, Lise Carole Okomo Atouba, Daniel Florent Akono, Yaouba Sidiki and 1 more
Journal of the Geological Society of India
ABSTRACT Groundwater is the main source of water for the population of the town of Bertoua (East Cameroon). However, most of the waterworks that have been built are characterized by low flow rates, which generally lead to dewatering. The aim of this study is to identify and locate the different types of aquifer in the Bertoua region and determine the influence of tectonics on their characteristics. To achieve this, satellite images and vertical electrical soundings (VES) were used. The major orientations of the lineaments highlighted are N030-060 (NE-SSW), N105-135 (ESE-WSW), and N345-10 (N-S). These directions represent 27, 12, and 9%, respectively, of the lineaments interpreted. The vertical electrical boreholes are characterized by four types of curves: KH, AK, HA, and A. The aquifer levels have resistivities between 86 and 1540 Ω m. These levels are located at a depth of 4.50–45 m. The thickness of the water table varies from 5 to 42 m. Flow rates range from 0.54 to 9.80 m3/h. The correlation between the borehole data, the geoelectric data, and the characteristics of the existing boreholes shows that the KH and AK type curves have the best hydrogeological potential. These are characterized by the presence of alterite aquifers and fracture aquifers. Those of type A have the lowest potential and are not very recommendable. The nature of the geological formations seems to play less of a role in borehole productivity. The direction of the lineaments, on the other hand, plays a key role in the productivity of these boreholes. The NE-SW direction, perpendicular to the flow of the watercourses, is the most productive, while those parallel (N-S) present less interesting potential. The model presented here is characterized by the variation in the number of terrains within the same direction. It can only be applied to areas with same geological and tectonic context and which have been affected by the same external geodynamic processes.
Ferdinand Deffo, Lionel Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah Na, Yannick Saturnin Evina Aboula, Jean Marc Medza Ekodo and 2 more
Journal of the Geological Society of India
Abstract Nkoteng-Elap, a hamlet in the Central Region of Cameroon (Central Africa), has water issues, particularly with access to drinking water. The current study aims at (1) mapping the fracture networks of aquifers in the conceptual hydrogeological model and (2) delimiting the groundwater potential zones of the study area. A study combining remote sensing and geoelectrical measurements was carried out along profiles sub-perpendicular to the elongation of the geological bodies. Borehole and field geology data were used to validate the results obtained. The findings point to more than 300 linear structures about 0.065-74.89 km long, with two main directions: N80-100°E and N30-50-70°E. According to the Electrical Resistivity Tomography approach, there are three (03) geoelectric levels: conductive (less than 500 Ωm), semi-resistive (6500-12500 Ωm). resistive (more than 12500 Ωm), and resistant intrusive body (2050 Ωm). Existing drillings display three main lithological formations: the alteration zone, the fissured/altered zone, and micaceous quartzite. The correlation between the ERT data and drilling data reveals that the fissured or altered zone observed at 50 m is potentially aquifers. This structure is characterized by medium resistivity values (6500 Ω.m), flow rates of 1 to 3 m3/h for positive boreholes, and by low resistivity values (500 Ω.m), flow rates less than 1 m3/h for negative boreholes. The final map is categorized into five classes: very good, good, moderate, poor, and very poor groundwater potential zones. These results can help find basement aquifers and be useful in the planning and management of groundwater resources in a meta-sedimentary context.
Jean Marc Medza Ekodo, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah, Georges Emmanuel Ekodeck
Journal of Seismology
Salimatou Diallo, Mohamed Moustapha Ndam Njikam, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, A. Ribodetti, Abdou Raouf
Exploration Geophysics
This study combines the processing and interpretation of magnetic data with geological fieldwork. The purpose is to establish the geological map and rutile mineralization targets map of Minta area (Haute-Sanaga, Cameroon). To this, a strategic geological field survey was first conducted. It highlighted some geological structures, especially magnetite quartzites, which is considered as the potential sources of primary rutile mineralization. Several methods were applied to the magnetic data, including upward continuation (UC), vertical derivative (DZ), analytical signal (AS) and horizontal gradient magnitude (HGM). The regional-residual separation method based on the UC was used to develop the residual map which was very helpful to understand the distribution of magnetic anomalies related to rutile mineralization in this area. The structural model of the study area was established by combining the analysis of the AS and HGM maxima with the analysis of the topographic model. Since magnetic relief variation characterizes the lithological information changes according to the filtered map considered, a set of categorization processes based on the anomaly signals was applied to each of filtered maps according to the geological information sought. It is based on the interpretation of structural models, combined with previous works and the spatial distribution of geological data collected. This process produced a set of partial lithological models, which were then combined with the interpreted structural model to produce the geological map of the study area. This map also shows the spatial distribution of the various targets of potential rutile mineralization interpreted on the DZ model as rectilinear anomalies, with a signal range of 0.78–0.88 nT/m.
Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Renaud Menanga Tokouet, Lionel Mbida Yem, Léandre Onana Enama, Marie Olivia Ntyame Ella, Paul‐Désiré Ndjigui
Acta Geophysica
Renaud Menanga Tokouet, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Mbida Yem, Emile Ekomane, Ferdinand Deffo, Florent Daniel Akono and 1 more
Studia Geophysica et Geodaetica
Mike-Franck Mienlam Essi, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Mbida Yem, P. Nguema, A. Ribodetti, Tedy Landry Tonye
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe)
International audience
M. Lionel, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, P. Nguema, A. Ribodetti
Summary The Kribi basin is one of a series of geotectonic elements formed as a result of Early Mesozoic crustal separation of Africa and South America continents. This study is focused on detailed analysis of selected lines of a regional 2D multichannel seismic program, CameroonSpan seismic survey designed to provide insights regarding total sediment thickness and basement structure of the North Equatorial Atlantic margin. The program consists of 5-km grid seismic profiles covering the offshore areas of CampoKribi and Douala. The interpreted seismic unconformities and their correlative conformities are defined according to well log formation top, ages dating of magmatic episodes of the central Africa corridor and published lthostractigraphic scheme South Atlantic margin basins. The results show thatthe sedimentary succession of the study area may include deep-seated evaporitic section associated with local compressional salt domes of up to 5000m high piercing the Mid-Jurassic to Late Albian karstified and shelf margin wedge sequence. Seismic patterns indicated that the mother salt layer extend over the basin and is located at the base of depict sedimentary succession. The salt structures of the Kribi offshore basin are allochthonous. This observation supports the idea of the existence of early rift salt section the Kribi Basin.
Daniel Mackaire Eloung Nna, Paul Désiré Ndjigui, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Alexis Jacob Nyangono Abolo, Constantin Maurice Ndongue
International Journal of Geosciences
Sedimentological methods such as granulometry, morphoscopy and heavy minerals analysis have been carried out to characterize alluvial gold deposits of Betare-Oya and its surroundings, with the aim to determine their origin and conditions in which they are formed and also to determine the mineralogical content of these deposits, their nature and distribution. It came out from this study the following: The alluvial deposits studied are sand, constituting of coarse fraction (grains), medium grains in abundant and fine grains. The average values of sorting index (S0) and coefficient of asymmetry (A) are respectively 2.53 and 0.73. These values indicate that the sand is poorly arranged and poorly sorted with a better classification or arrangement in the coarse fraction (grains). These are sediments that are deposited together by high competent currents. It would therefore probably be torrential deposits and or streams from short transport. Unused grains are dominating (80.5%) which translate a proximal source of the sediments. So it would be probably from the dismantling of the surrounding landforms. The heavy minerals studied revealed the presence of the following minerals; zircon, gold, sphene, green hornblende, tourmaline, rutile, augite, hypersthene, sillimanite, glau-cophane, biotite, staurotide, and the opaque. These minerals belong to the cortege of plutonic and metamorphic rocks from a single proximal distributing province.
Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah Na Lebogo, Mike Franck Mienlam Essi
Journal of the Cameroon academy of sciences
The Paleocene aquifer of the Douala-Massoumbou sub basin is a rhythmic sequence of sand and shale deposits. Resistivity pseudosections and profiles of half-distance between current electrodes of 350m were acquired at 20 different sites of the Douala-Massoumbou subbasin. These data coupled with mud and gamma-ray logging of deep groundwater boreholes led to the identification of two major sand sequences through the Paleaocene-Eocene stratigraphic section. The upper sequence associated with Ypresian 30-50 m thick unconformity made up with semi-conductive records, is punctuated by lenses of substantially water bearing sand (WBS). While the lower sequence locally associated with H2S and iron pollution plumes, displays high conductive records. In such sequences, the distribution of sand and clay deposits settled by channel incision appears fundamental in predicting reservoir geometry and the hydrological potential of the Paleocene WBS.Keywords: Sag basin, electrical tomography, Paleocene formation, water-bearing sand.L’aquifère du Paléocène du sous-bassin de Douala-Massoumbou est une séquence rythmique de dépôts de sable et d’argile. Des sondages géoélectriques tripole (OA=350m) et des tomographies de résistivitéont été acquis sur 20 sites différents de la zone de faible enfouissement de cet aquifère. Ces données, couplées aux résultats des diagraphies gamma-ray et des déblais des forages hydrogéologiques profonds, ont permis d’identifier deux séquences de sable hydrostratigraphique au sein de l’aquifère paléocèneéocène. La séquence supérieure semi-conductrice correspond à dépôts de sable aquifère sain, épaisse de 30 à 50 m et associés à la discordance ypresienne. La séquence inférieure très conductrice, correspond à des chenaux de sable aquifère pollué par le sulfure d’hydrogène (H2S) et le fer. La mise en corrélation de l’ensemble des résultats obtenus a permis de constater que la prise en compte du développement spatial des chemins hydrologiques fossiles est un critère fondamental pour la prédire la distribution et l’exploitation des niveaux de sable aquifère sain du Paléocène du sous-bassin de Douala-Massoumbou.Mots clés: Bassin de fossé d’éffondrement, tomographie électrique, Formation paléocène, Sag basin, electrical tomography, Paleocene formation, niveaux de sable aquifère sain.
Mike-Franck Mienlam Essi, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana
International Geophysical Conference, Beijing, China, 24-27 April 2018
In order to highlight the sedimentary succession and the tectonic style of the deposits of the deep marine domain of the Kribi-Campo sub-basin, a study based on the reinterpretation of a CameroonSpan seismic line was carried out. The results obtained are as follows: from the acoustic point of view, the amplitude variations of the seismic reflections make it possible to distinguish the limit between the basement and sedimentation around 10 km deep. The pre-Barremian sedimentary prism, which is about 5 km thick at the basin scale, ends in a bevel on the submarine horst of Kribi-Campo. The internal configuration of this sedimentary stack distinguishes two surfaces of seismic discontinuities (S1 and S2). The geological meaning of these boundaries, respectively, represents a downlap surface and an erosion surface. These discontinuities define three seismic sequences (SE1, SE2 and SE3). They are all sub phases deposits belonging to a first order sedimentary cycle. The correlation between seismic and global eustatic chart, shows that these deposits are pre-Cretaceous; structurally, this sedimentary cover is intersected on the East side (Kribi high) by synthetic normal faults and on the west side (Yassoukou under marine high), by antithetic inverse faults. The observation of normal and inverse structures in the same sub-basin, suggest an inversion of the initial tectonic. The synthesis of all these data suggests an older sedimentation in the basin in comparison with sedimentation known on onshore.
Jean Marcel Abaté Essi, Jean Marcel, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Ahmad Diab Ahmad, Elisabeth Fita Dassou, Eddy Ferdinand Mbossi and 2 more
Arabian Journal of Geosciences
M.D.R. Lionel, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, P. Nguema, A. Ribodetti
Proceedings
Summary The Campo-Kribi subbasin is part of the Cameroon Atlantic rifted Margin. Detailed analysis of long offset pre-stack depth migrated seismic lines coupled with boreholes data enabled mapping of the Jurassic Early-Cretaceous fan-delta system at approximately 10 km southwest of the Kribi-Batanga oil and gas field. The fan is up to 25 km wide, 4km thick and is morphologically expressed in the form of bank clinoform sequences. Following the internal reflections pattern, it appears that the fan is divided into two seismic units (upper and lower fans). The lower fan uniformly returns transparent weak seismic facies, with intermittent parallel and high amplitude reflections. The upper fan display continuous oblique high frequency seismic facies and reveals westward progradation. Within this depositional sequence, listric growth faults are common and seem to be associated with NE to NW basement faults reactivation or tertiary volcanic activity. These results opened up Jurassic Early-Cretaceaous fan-delta play of the Cameroon Atlantic Basin and help to introduce new hydrocarbon concepts and exploration opportunities.
Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Monique Abossolo Angue, Brunot Nyeck, Constantin Ndongue, Jules Tchamdou Tchatat
Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics
Abstract The study presented herein highlights the existence of a diversity of spontaneous sources of electric potential in weathering cover within the inter-tropical humid zone of south Cameroon. The study site presents a spatial mineralogical heterogeneity, which reveals the dominance of gibbsite more generally upslope, transitioning to a residual kaolinite downslope. The spatial characterization of these weathering mantles at the site revealed a general negative correlation between self-potential (SP), elevation, and sand and silt contents, confirming the existence of a dominant SP electrokinetic source. The main electrokinetic source is attributed to the presence of gibbsite, an abundant mineral at well drained relief summits of intertropical landscapes, likely resulting from the intense alteration of kaolinite. The electrofiltration phenomena related to fluid flow in the gibbsitic summit, quite rich in sand and silt, might justify this origin. A separate SP survey carried out in the kaolinitic mantles 5 km away, which lacked gibbsite, but was richer in clay, revealed a positive correlation between SP, elevation, and clay content of the surface horizons. The difference in correlation is attributed to the electrochemical nature of the SP within the second site. Thus, the diversity of sources of SP gives way to formulation of hypotheses on mineralogical differentiation and spatial characterization of lateritic covers.
Etienne Leonel Amoug Menkpa, Philippe Njandjock Nouck, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Joseph Mvondo Ondoua
Journal of Applied Sciences
Hubert Mvondo, Jean Essono, Joseph Mvondo Ondoa, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana
Journal of African Earth Sciences
Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Brunot Nyeck, Dieudonné Bitom, Henri Robain
Journal of Applied Geophysics
Boris Secke Bekonga Gouott, Ovie Emmanuel Eruteya, Yakufu Niyazi, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Pierre Eric Nkoa Nkoa and 1 more
Marine and Petroleum Geology
Ferdinand Deffo, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah, Yannick Saturnin Evina Aboula, Mohamed Moustapha Ndam Njikam
Heliyon
Finding drinking water in a Precambrian (Pan-African) basement context is a major concern for many Central African countries. For example, most groundwater is in fissured or fractured basement aquifers. To enhance the success rate of boreholes, this study aims to identify the features and the geographic reach of the lineament directions likely to drain groundwater. The research area has a size of 23 045 km 2 , is 120 km from Yaoundé, Cameroon, and is located there. The methodological approach integrates current borehole and outcrop data with spatial data (Landsat-8 OLI/SRTM and gravity). The main NE-SW (N20–70°E), E-W (N80–100°E), and secondary N–S (N0–20°E) and NW-SE (N120–140°E) fracture directions display on the generated structural lineament map. The Pan-African orogeny is linked to the E-W direction, and the Sanaga Fault is related to the NE-SW direction. The other directions (N–S and NW-SE) correspond to the post-collisional decompression phase. This study locates medium-flow boreholes on or near the NE-SW, E-W, and NW-SE trending fractures, hence enhancing the knowledge of fissured and fractured basement aquifers in the Central region of Cameroon. The corresponding water flow rates range from 1 to 3 m 3 /h as well. The extensive exploration of fractured bedrock aquifers can benefit from these findings.
Marie Diane Marquise Ngono Mveng, Philémon Zo’o Zame, Joël Fabrice Nyemb Bayamack, Dieudonné Bisso, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana
Discover Applied Sciences
Abstract Searching for borrow pits often used during civil engineering constructions is an important step that requires a lot of time and money. The nature of the parent rock, climate, topography, vegetation and time influence the formation of lateritic gravels with different geotechnical properties within the same region. The present study aims at finding the spatial variability of geotechnical parameters of lateritic gravels from two different deposits using a variogram and statistical analysis. Out of 122 lateritic gravel samples collected, 69 were from underdeveloped lithic ferrallitic soils (LFS) and 53 from under developed non-lithic ferrallitic soils (NLFS). The mean values of the coefficient of variation (CV) shows that the geotechnical parameters of LFS-derived lateritic gravels are more dispersed than those developed on NLFS. The fines content, plasticity index (PI) and Californian bearing ratio (CBR) variograms observed mainly in the North and NNE parts of the study area, suggest that, the lateritic gravels in this area have average to good geotechnical characteristics. The principal component analysis (PCA) indicates that the CBR and the maximum dry density (MDD) are inversely related to the optimum moisture content (OMC). The discriminant factor analysis (DFA) coupled to the ascending hierarchical classification (AHC) shows three families of lateritic gravels: (1) class 1/3, lateritic gravels characterized by MDD, CBR, consistency index (CI), gravels content, and plastic limit (PL); (2) class 2/3, lateritic gravels characterized by fines content, and maximum grain diameter (D max ) and, (3) class 3/3, lateritic gravels characterized by OMC, liquid limit (LL), PI, PL, and fines content, that fit for road construction.
Mike-Franck Mienlam Essi, Eun Young Lee, Mbida Yem, Jean Marcel Abaté Essi, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana
Geosciences
The Kribi-Campo sub-basin, located in the Gulf of Guinea, constitutes the southeastern segment of the Cameroon Atlantic Margin. Drilling in the Aptian salt unit revealed a sparse hydrocarbon presence, contrasting with modest finds in its counterparts like the Ezanga Salt in Gabon and the Rio Muni Salt in Equatorial Guinea. This discrepancy prompted a reassessment of the depositional context and hydrocarbon potential of the Mundeck salt unit. By integrating 2D seismic reflection and borehole data analysis, this study established the structural and stratigraphic framework of the area, emphasizing the salt unit’s significance. Borehole data indicate a localized salt unit offshore Kribi, with seismic reflection data revealing distinct forms of diapir and pillow. This salt unit displays a substantial lateral extent with thicknesses ranging from 4000 m to 6000 m. The depositional context is linked to the following two major geological events: a significant sea-level drop due to margin uplift during the Aptian and thermodynamic processes driven by transfer faults related to mid-oceanic ridge formation. These events were crucial in forming and evolving the Mundeck Salt. Regarding hydrocarbon prospects, this study identifies the unit as being associated with potential petroleum plays, supported by direct hydrocarbon indicators and fault-related structures. The findings suggest that untapped hydrocarbon resources may still exist, underscoring the need for further exploration and analysis.
Ferdinand Deffo, Lionnel Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Serge Parfait Koah Na, Yannick Saturnin Evina Aboula, Mohamed Moustapha Ndam Njikam
SSRN Electronic Journal
Mike-Franck Mienlam Essi, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Mbida Yem, Serge Edouard Angoua Biouélé, Eun Young Lee
This work re-examines the salt unit through the Kribi-Campo sub-basin on the southeast part of the Cameroon Atlantic Margin. The results obtained from borehole data analysis show the occurrence of an evaporitic unit, localized in the Kribi area. The well to seismic-tie analysis reveals that this unit is observed beneath the Top Albian Unconformity and between the Flooding and Maximum Flooding Surfaces. Two characteristics of the salt dome and salt strips are described. Their depositional context seems to be related to a significant sea-level drop induced by a margin uplift during the Aptian. Concerning the petroleum implications, the target units constitute the good potential of stratigraphic traps in the study area, due to the observation of flatspot indicators.
Boris Secke Bekonga Gouott, Ovie Emmanuel Eruteya, Yakufu Niyazi, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Adolphe Lorcin Maloh and 2 more
Submarine fans are deposits of coarse sediments of continental origin in the deep sea, and are generally characterized by a complex depositional architecture, due to the multiple triggering mechanisms of deep-water sediment gravity flows. Consequently, this poses great challenges to deep water petroleum exploration and development. We analyzed the geomorphologic evolution and architecture of Campanian, deeply buried, submarine fans in the Kribi-Campo sub-basin, offshore Cameroon. Using a 3D seismic reflection data set and logs from two wells, we mapped seven horizons, including the fan base, fan top and five internal horizons. In cross-section, the fan is characterized by a high amplitude seismic facies exhibiting an aggradational pattern with parallel and continuous reflectors. The stacked fan-shaped morphology is up to 340 ms TWT thick, extends over an area of 600 km2 and oriented NE-SW, near the Kribi High. The analysis of lobes and channels on each horizon provided a timelapse that captures the major geomorphologic transformations of the submarine fan from its initiation, growth, and abandonment.  The submarine fan is composed of depositional lobes whose beds consist of sand, silt and mud. The detailed structure of these lobes has a finger-like morphology and is generally oriented at high angles to the channel that delivered the sediment to the lobes. The finger-like features are interpreted as thick massive sands, formed as a result of sediment-gravity flows which branched off the main flow eroding into pelagic clay substrate. Two types of channel morphology were identified (straight and sinuous). Our results show that channel and sand-body architecture evolve in a predictive manner, primarily controlled by fan aggradation. The elongated shape and morphology of the submarine fan may arise from the interaction of the fault-related folds and Kribi High, with sandstone deposition within the intervening topographic lows, sourced from the east. The 3D seismic geomorphological analysis of the submarine fan, as presented in this study, is essential to better understand their geometries, facies distribution, stacking patterns and depositional architecture to improve reservoir predictions.
Boris Secke Bekonga Gouott, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Pierre Eric Nkoa Nkoa, Serge Edouard Angoua Biouélé, Yakufu Niyazi and 1 more
Marine and Petroleum Geology
Boris Secke Bekonga Gouott, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Eric Pierre NKOA NKOA, Serge Edouard Angoua Biouélé, Yakup Niyazi and 1 more
In this study, a seismic reflection dataset and well-log data were integrated to investigate the geometry and internal configuration of a turbidite channel system within the Late Cretaceous interval of the deep-water Kribi-Campo sub-basin, offshore Cameroon. This interval is characterized by a well-developed submarine channel system consisting of an early and a late-stage channel. Morphologically, the submarine channel system has a northeast-southwest trend and is U-shaped in cross-section with a length of 56 km within the study area. The early-stage channel has a relatively straight morphology and varies in width and depth from 3 to 5 km and 89 to 197 m, respectively. However, the late stage of the channel is characterized by a narrower (1 to 3 km) and shallower (41 to 103 m) incision, with sinuous morphology carved into the early channel infill. The changing interaction of differential tectonic subsidence, relative sea level, source sediment supply and slope gradient change are considered to be the major control on the geometry and internal characteristics of the submarine channel system. Sag subsidence during the Campanian led to basin deepening and the widespread development of basinal sediments as submarine fans and promotion of submarine channel system development. The filling of the channel system occurred during a long-term Maastrichtian relative sea level rise, punctuated by falls in relative sea level. Sand appears to have been fed to the channel system by the palaeo-Sanaga and palaeo-Nyong Rivers, with sand rich aprons developed were these rivers debouched into the study area. The early stage of the submarine channel is dominated by coarse-grained sediments in the southwest and fine-grained sediments in the northeast, while the late-stage channel is mainly filled with fine-grained sediments. The presence of coarse-grained sediments occur within the submarine channel axis downstream represents a potential for hydrocarbon reservoirs with enhanced petrophysical qualities due to a low depositional gradient. The geomorphological analysis of this ancient submarine channel system along the western African margin, as presented in this study, has broad implications in the understanding of the distribution of deep-water sediments with potential for hydrocarbon exploration in the region.
M.E. Mike-Franck, Mbida Yem, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, P. Nguema, A. Ribodetti
Summary The study area is located at the southern part of the Cameroon Atlantic Margin (CAM) in the Gulf of Guinea. This work analyses 20 wells and 02 CameroonSpan seismic lines to re-examine the stratigraphical nature of the Top Albian surface of the CAM for a better understanding of the Basin evolution. The wells analysis results show that, from onshore to deep marine, this surface has an erosive shape. The seismic analysis reveals that this surface has two characters: erosive from the continental shelf to continental slope and concordant in the deep basin. This observation indicates that the Top Albian surface corresponds to an unconformity (u/c) on shallow waters with its correlative conformity (cc) in deep domain. The well-to-seismic tie reveals that in shallow waters, the Top Albian u/c erodes Aptian-Albian deposits. These sediments mainly consist of sandstones, shales and evaporitic unit. The occurrence of dark shales before late Albian epoch, suggests that the study area was already transgressed by marine sediments at this time. Hence, the Top Albian surface resulted probably from a sea-level drop, mainly caused by the margin uplift. The 3D modeling carried out provides a better resolution of its regional extension in the South Cameroon Atlantic Margin.
Mike-Franck Mienlam Essi, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Jean Marcel Abaté Essi, Mbida Yem, Serge Edouard Angoua Biouélé, Ponce Nguema and 1 more
Marine and Petroleum Geology
Hendratta Ali, Njilah Isaac Konfor, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Alice Magha, Arkhat Kalbekov, Mathias Pohl and 4 more
The availability of portable water continues to be a major challenge in many parts of the world and the rural community of Nkoteng in Cameroon is no exception. In this community, challenges associated with access to safe drinking water are mostly due to problems of surface water contamination and pollution. Consequently, deep groundwater within the fractured basement rock should be a relatively cleaner and safer option for domestic use. The Society of Exploration Geophysicists – Geoscientists Without Borders program funded this project with the goal to use geoscience tools to investigate fault–zone aquifers, the water quality of existing water sources in the project community, and to mentor students in applied geoscience field experiences. Presentation Date: Monday, October 12, 2020 Session Start Time: 1:50 PM Presentation Time: 3:55 PM Location: 360C Presentation Type: Oral
Jean Marcel Abaté Essi, Jean Marcel, Diab Ahmad Diab, Joseph Quentin Yene Atangana, Monique Abossolo Angue, Joseph Mvondo Ondoa
Natural Resources Research
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