Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study of Central African Fold Belt in Cameroon

*Benjamin Ntieche, Pauline Wokwenmendam Nguet, Zakari Nchouwet, Mahomed Aziz Mounjouohou and Daouda Mfepat*

#### **Abstract**

The first phase is marked by the S1 foliation. The second phase is marked by fold (F2), lineation (L2), and boudins (B2). The third phase is marked by subvertical foliation (S3), shear (C3), and lineation (L3). The fourth phase is essentially a brittle phase. Granites present mostly magmatic deformation features; meanwhile, granite mylonites and gneisses present submagmatic to nonmagmatic deformation features. Mylonitization occurred during a ductile-brittle transition phase. Coarse-grained granites emplaced in the lower crustal level, while protomylonites and mylonites occurred in the middle crust and ultramylonites in the upper crustal level. Finegrained granite was filtered and channeled through the middle crust shear zone areas to be settled on an upper crustal level as irregular spot within the ultramylonites and gneisses. Granites and granites mylonites were syntectonically emplaced during the D3 sinistral shearing phase.

**Keywords:** Mgbanji, granitoids, deformation, ductile-brittle, syntectonically, shearing

#### **1. Introduction**

Igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks generally host structures or features characterizing their condition or their emplacement environment. For igneous and metamorphic rocks, the deformation features provide information on the condition of the emplacement, the tectonic environment, and or the protolith nature. The Central African Fold belt to which belongs the Mgbanji area is situated between the Congo-Saõ Francisco and the West African cratonic masses, and it is mostly composed of Neoproterozoic plutonic and Pan-African metamorphic rocks [1–3]. The Mgbanji granites and their host gneisses present several deformation features testifying multiple deformation phases underwent by the area and the complex rock emplacement mechanism.

In this chapter, we present structural and petrographic data derived from systematic geological mapping, detailed petrographic descriptions, and structural characterization carried out in outcrops and rock thin sections coupled with kinematic studies in order to determine the petrography, the deformation phases, the origin, and the emplacement condition of the rocks.

#### **2. Geological setting**

The Mgbanji area belongs to the eastern part of the Adamawa-Yade Domain in the Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in Cameroon (**Figure 1**). The CAFB was formed as a result of the convergence of the West African and the Congo-São Francisco cratons as well as the Sahara Metacraton during the assembly of West Gondwana [5, 6]. The CAFB is a major collisional belt that underlies the region from the West African craton to East Africa [3, 7]. It underlies parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Central African Republic, and extends further eastward to Sudan and Uganda [7]. Also known as the Oubanguide Fold Belt or the Pan-African Equatorial Fold Belt (PANEFB: [8]), the Central African Fold Belt in Cameroon belongs to the orogenic belt of Central Africa. It is a mega-chain-oriented E-W with a length of more than 5000 km over a 300-km width.

Three lithological domains have been identified in the CAFB in Cameroon, namely the Adamawa-Yade Domain (AYD), the Yaounde Domain (YD), and Northwestern Cameroon Domains (NWC) [3, 9]. Moreover, in [1, 10–12], the PANEFB (or CAFB) is subdivided into three (03) distinct geodynamic domains separated by four main shear and fault zones. They are from North to South:

**55**

studied.

**4. Field relationship**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

The AYD [3, 9] or the Center Cameroon Domain [10] to which belongs our study area is the largest domain of the CAFB in Cameroon. It extends from the north of Bafia to the south of Poli. It is separated from the North by the Tchollire-Banyo fault (TBF), and its southern boundary is marked by the Sanaga fault. It displays syn to post-tetonic granitoids (leucogranites, granites, and syenites). These granitoids intrude high-grade gneisses that represent a Palaeoproterozoic basement, which was likely dismembered during the Pan-African assembly of western Gondwanaland [3, 9, 13]. According to [1, 10–12, 14], the geological formations of this domain are polycyclic and have been affected by three (03) deformation phases accompanied by metamorphic recrystallization in the amphibolite facies. The first phase D1 is marked by a schistosity S1, which carries a mineral line L1; shear planes C1; and the folds P1. The metamorphism associated with this phase is characterized by the amphibolite facies assemblages from low to medium level. The second phase D2 corresponds to a phase of transcurrent tectonics. It presents shear C2, folds P2, axial plane schistosity S2, and lineation L2. The associated metamorphism is characterized by assemblages of the amphibolite facies of high degree. Phase D3 is a brittle

Few geological works have been done in Mgbanji area. However, the early works taking into account the study area are mainly those done by [15–20]. Those studies demonstrated the presence of granites, gneisses, and mylonites on Foumban-Bankim shear zone that includes our study area. Those granitoids are igneous in nature and of calc-alkaline character. They are I-type and pre- to syn-tectonically emplaced [16, 19, 20]. Ntiéche et al. [20] demonstrated that the Magba area, adjacent to the Mgbanji area, underwent four phases of deformation under a transpres-

For the field part of the work, a global positioning system (GPS), camera, clinometer, geological hammers, and map were used. This phase involved mapping, collection of samples, and investigation of structural elements on outcrops. A total of 30 samples were collected in the field. To assess the trend of structures, dip and strike measurements were taken. Other field assessment and tectonic features

The laboratory phase involved the preparation of thin sections for petrographic

Three main rock types are recorded in the Mgbanji area. They are granites, granite mylonites, and gneisses (**Figure 2**). Granites are mostly coarse-to-fine grained cropping in the hill top and the valley (**Figure 3(a)**). They are cropped in the form

study of selected samples. Structural analyses and petrographic studies were done by observing thin sections under the microscope. The deformation history and kinematic analysis of the whole area were deduced from the field measurements. Foliation and lineation, fault and shears trajectories along with meso-tomicroscopic criteria of coaxial, or noncoaxial strain (e.g., symmetry or asymmetry of shear bands, boudins, and tails around porphyroclasts, fault, and folds) were

the North Cameroon Domain, the Center Cameroon Domain, and the South

tectonic phase, characterized by shear C3 and large folds P3.

helped to determine the geotectonic setting of the rocks.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

Cameroon Domain.

sive tectonic regime.

**3. Methods**

**Figure 1.** *Geological map of the western Adamawa Yade domain (modified from [4]).*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

the North Cameroon Domain, the Center Cameroon Domain, and the South Cameroon Domain.

The AYD [3, 9] or the Center Cameroon Domain [10] to which belongs our study area is the largest domain of the CAFB in Cameroon. It extends from the north of Bafia to the south of Poli. It is separated from the North by the Tchollire-Banyo fault (TBF), and its southern boundary is marked by the Sanaga fault. It displays syn to post-tetonic granitoids (leucogranites, granites, and syenites). These granitoids intrude high-grade gneisses that represent a Palaeoproterozoic basement, which was likely dismembered during the Pan-African assembly of western Gondwanaland [3, 9, 13]. According to [1, 10–12, 14], the geological formations of this domain are polycyclic and have been affected by three (03) deformation phases accompanied by metamorphic recrystallization in the amphibolite facies. The first phase D1 is marked by a schistosity S1, which carries a mineral line L1; shear planes C1; and the folds P1. The metamorphism associated with this phase is characterized by the amphibolite facies assemblages from low to medium level. The second phase D2 corresponds to a phase of transcurrent tectonics. It presents shear C2, folds P2, axial plane schistosity S2, and lineation L2. The associated metamorphism is characterized by assemblages of the amphibolite facies of high degree. Phase D3 is a brittle tectonic phase, characterized by shear C3 and large folds P3.

Few geological works have been done in Mgbanji area. However, the early works taking into account the study area are mainly those done by [15–20]. Those studies demonstrated the presence of granites, gneisses, and mylonites on Foumban-Bankim shear zone that includes our study area. Those granitoids are igneous in nature and of calc-alkaline character. They are I-type and pre- to syn-tectonically emplaced [16, 19, 20]. Ntiéche et al. [20] demonstrated that the Magba area, adjacent to the Mgbanji area, underwent four phases of deformation under a transpressive tectonic regime.

#### **3. Methods**

*Geochemistry*

complex rock emplacement mechanism.

**2. Geological setting**

the origin, and the emplacement condition of the rocks.

a length of more than 5000 km over a 300-km width.

*Geological map of the western Adamawa Yade domain (modified from [4]).*

between the Congo-Saõ Francisco and the West African cratonic masses, and it is mostly composed of Neoproterozoic plutonic and Pan-African metamorphic rocks [1–3]. The Mgbanji granites and their host gneisses present several deformation features testifying multiple deformation phases underwent by the area and the

In this chapter, we present structural and petrographic data derived from systematic geological mapping, detailed petrographic descriptions, and structural characterization carried out in outcrops and rock thin sections coupled with kinematic studies in order to determine the petrography, the deformation phases,

The Mgbanji area belongs to the eastern part of the Adamawa-Yade Domain in the Central African Fold Belt (CAFB) in Cameroon (**Figure 1**). The CAFB was formed as a result of the convergence of the West African and the Congo-São Francisco cratons as well as the Sahara Metacraton during the assembly of West Gondwana [5, 6]. The CAFB is a major collisional belt that underlies the region from the West African craton to East Africa [3, 7]. It underlies parts of Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Central African Republic, and extends further eastward to Sudan and Uganda [7]. Also known as the Oubanguide Fold Belt or the Pan-African Equatorial Fold Belt (PANEFB: [8]), the Central African Fold Belt in Cameroon belongs to the orogenic belt of Central Africa. It is a mega-chain-oriented E-W with

Three lithological domains have been identified in the CAFB in Cameroon, namely the Adamawa-Yade Domain (AYD), the Yaounde Domain (YD), and Northwestern Cameroon Domains (NWC) [3, 9]. Moreover, in [1, 10–12], the PANEFB (or CAFB) is subdivided into three (03) distinct geodynamic domains separated by four main shear and fault zones. They are from North to South:

**54**

**Figure 1.**

For the field part of the work, a global positioning system (GPS), camera, clinometer, geological hammers, and map were used. This phase involved mapping, collection of samples, and investigation of structural elements on outcrops. A total of 30 samples were collected in the field. To assess the trend of structures, dip and strike measurements were taken. Other field assessment and tectonic features helped to determine the geotectonic setting of the rocks.

The laboratory phase involved the preparation of thin sections for petrographic study of selected samples. Structural analyses and petrographic studies were done by observing thin sections under the microscope. The deformation history and kinematic analysis of the whole area were deduced from the field measurements. Foliation and lineation, fault and shears trajectories along with meso-tomicroscopic criteria of coaxial, or noncoaxial strain (e.g., symmetry or asymmetry of shear bands, boudins, and tails around porphyroclasts, fault, and folds) were studied.

#### **4. Field relationship**

Three main rock types are recorded in the Mgbanji area. They are granites, granite mylonites, and gneisses (**Figure 2**). Granites are mostly coarse-to-fine grained cropping in the hill top and the valley (**Figure 3(a)**). They are cropped in the form

#### *Geochemistry*

of slab or dome of varying size (1–50 m long). They are gray or pink in color and host epidote veins in some outcrop (**Figure 3(b)**). Some outcrops present biotite flakes molding feldspar phenocrysts.

Medium- and fine-grained granites are mostly mylonitized and situated at the hill top or in the river bed. They are characterized by mantled and fractured feldspar porphyroclasts preferentially oriented.

Few coarse-grained granites outcrops show magmatic of stage (pre-full crystallization fabric (pfc)) marked by oriented feldspar porphyroclasts, while the mylonitized one show mostly solid-state deformation fabric.

Fine-grained granites display millimetric-sized quartz and feldspar with biotite flakes sparsely dotted in the rock.

Mylonitized granites are well represented in the study area. They occur as slabs or domes at the hill top and valley. Depending on the degree of crushing, granites mylonites can be classified into protomylonite, mylonites, and ultramylonites (**Figure 3(c)**–**(e)**). Some outcrops present banding or foliation marked by the

**57**

**Figure 3.**

*layers.*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

alternation of dark mafic and clear felsic bands. Clear bands present oriented sigma "σ" and delta "Ө" porphyroclasts, giving the sinistral sense of shear to the rock. They also present mineral lineation marked by aligned biotite, quartz, and feldspar porphyroclasts (**Figure 3(c)** and **(d)**). In some outcrops amphibolites injections are notice in the granite mylonite. The fine-grained mylonitized granites present some chlorite and epidote vein enrichments. The mylonitic foliation is outlined

*Field photographs. (a) Fine-grained granite outcrop. (b) Coarse-grained granite outcrop. Note aligned and oriented euhedral K-feldspar megacrysts perpendicular to the epidote vein. (c) Protomylonite outcrop showing aligned deformed quartz and feldspar grains. (d) Mylonite outcrop with reduced quartz and feldspar grain size. (e) Ultramylonite outcrop presenting cataclasis marked by the reduction of the grain size to a pasty matrix. (f) Gneiss outcrop presenting foliation marked by alternation of amphibolites and quartzofeldspathic* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

**Figure 2.**

*Geological map of the study area.*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

#### **Figure 3.**

*Geochemistry*

flakes molding feldspar phenocrysts.

flakes sparsely dotted in the rock.

feldspar porphyroclasts preferentially oriented.

mylonitized one show mostly solid-state deformation fabric.

of slab or dome of varying size (1–50 m long). They are gray or pink in color and host epidote veins in some outcrop (**Figure 3(b)**). Some outcrops present biotite

Medium- and fine-grained granites are mostly mylonitized and situated at the hill top or in the river bed. They are characterized by mantled and fractured

Few coarse-grained granites outcrops show magmatic of stage (pre-full crystallization fabric (pfc)) marked by oriented feldspar porphyroclasts, while the

Fine-grained granites display millimetric-sized quartz and feldspar with biotite

Mylonitized granites are well represented in the study area. They occur as slabs or domes at the hill top and valley. Depending on the degree of crushing, granites mylonites can be classified into protomylonite, mylonites, and ultramylonites (**Figure 3(c)**–**(e)**). Some outcrops present banding or foliation marked by the

**56**

**Figure 2.**

*Geological map of the study area.*

*Field photographs. (a) Fine-grained granite outcrop. (b) Coarse-grained granite outcrop. Note aligned and oriented euhedral K-feldspar megacrysts perpendicular to the epidote vein. (c) Protomylonite outcrop showing aligned deformed quartz and feldspar grains. (d) Mylonite outcrop with reduced quartz and feldspar grain size. (e) Ultramylonite outcrop presenting cataclasis marked by the reduction of the grain size to a pasty matrix. (f) Gneiss outcrop presenting foliation marked by alternation of amphibolites and quartzofeldspathic layers.*

alternation of dark mafic and clear felsic bands. Clear bands present oriented sigma "σ" and delta "Ө" porphyroclasts, giving the sinistral sense of shear to the rock. They also present mineral lineation marked by aligned biotite, quartz, and feldspar porphyroclasts (**Figure 3(c)** and **(d)**). In some outcrops amphibolites injections are notice in the granite mylonite. The fine-grained mylonitized granites present some chlorite and epidote vein enrichments. The mylonitic foliation is outlined

#### *Geochemistry*

by aligned biotite and quartz ribbons. In some places, the progressive increase in strain is marked by the presence of the protomylonite, mylonite, and ultramylonite subzones within the sheared granite.

Gneisses occur in a slab form and mostly confined to the hill slopes. They present foliation highlighted by alternating dark mafic and clear quartzofeldspathic bands (**Figure 3(f )**). In some places, lineations are characterized by the alignment of biotite flakes, quartz ribbons, and feldspar porphyroclasts.

Some gneiss outcrops present migmatitic features such as the combination of melted and unmelted gneissic components.

#### **5. Microscopic features**

#### **5.1 Granites**

Granites present coarse- to fine-grained texture and consist of quartz, feldspar, biotite pyroxene, and amphibole as principal minerals, while apatite, sphene, epidote, and opaques are the accessory mineral phase (**Figure 4(a)**). Sericite, perthite, myrmekite, and chlorite are the secondary minerals.

Quartz is fine- to coarse-grained and mostly anhedral and present in few places, tilled and imbricated porphyrocrysts. Quartz phenocrysts are associated to plagioclase and K-feldspar, while microcrysts are filling phenocrysts interstices. Some quartz grains develop from plagioclase porphyrocryst suggesting the incipient metasomatism during granite formation (**Figure 4(b)**). Plagioclases are predominantly subhedral and present twins. Some plagioclase laths are partially altered into sericite. K-feldspars are subhedral and mostly transformed into perthite. They are associated to quartz and plagioclase and present opaque inclusions in places. Biotites are subhedral and partially altered into chlorite. They fill quartz and feldspar interstices along with euhedral sphene (**Figure 4(a)**). Pyroxene and apatite are rare in the rock and occur respectively as subtabular and acicular crysts associated to amphibole and biotite.

#### **5.2 Granites mylonites**

Granites mylonites present granoclastic, cataclastic, and mylonitic texture (**Figure 4(c)**). They consist of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, amphibole, pyroxene and microcline as principal mineral, chlorite and sericite as secondary minerals, and sphene and opaques as accessory minerals. The rock is marked by weakly to well-developed fabric characterized by elongated quartz and feldspar grains.

Quartz is in the form of polycrystalline ribbon preferably oriented and forming the clear band with feldspar. Some thin sections present also pasty or flame quartz molding feldspar and amphibole clasts. Some quartz and feldspar yield to brittle failure characterized by crystal fragmentation or shearing. In places, crystal underwent grain refinement through recrystallization. Some microclasts present waving or curved form testifying the deformation intensity (**Figure 4(c)**). Plagioclase and K-feldspar are subhedral to anhedral and present in places seritization reaction (**Figure 4(d)**). Plastic deformation is marked on feldspar by deformation lamellar, kinking or folding and the sigma "σ" and delta "Ө" porphyroclast giving the sense of shear to the rock. Mylonitic texture is developed in some thin sections and characterized by clear quartz and feldspar bands and dark ferromagnesian bands. In some places, subrounded feldspar and quartz are aligned in the clear band giving the ocellar mylonitic texture to the rock. Amphibole and biotite present flaky form or fish-like structure testifying the deformation of the rock. In some places,

**59**

**Figure 4.**

biotite minerals.

*extinction. (f) Perthitization reaction on K-feldspar in gneiss.*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

amphibole or biotite are altered into chlorite. Opaques and zircon are located in the mineral interstices or are present as inclusions in the center or the margins of some

*Photomicrographs of mineral textures and reactions (cross-polarized light). (a) Coarse-grained texture marked by euhedral to subhedral feldspar, quartz, amphibole, and biotite. This is a typical evidence of magmatic structure in the rock. (b) Quartz replacing plagioclase in granite suggesting the incipient metasomatism by fluids derived from evolved crustal rocks. (c) Mylonitic texture marked by K-feldspar and plagioclase molded by biotite and quartz. Note the curved or waving quartz at the photo top and quartz grain embayment by plagioclase. (d) Sericitization reaction on plagioclase. Also note early sphene crystals trapped within the microfracture fillings in granite mylonite. (e) Grano-lepidoblastic texture on gneiss. Note the quartz and feldspar porphyroblasts in the matrix of fine-grained-elongated and recrystallized quartz with undulose* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

#### **Figure 4.**

*Geochemistry*

subzones within the sheared granite.

melted and unmelted gneissic components.

myrmekite, and chlorite are the secondary minerals.

**5. Microscopic features**

to amphibole and biotite.

**5.2 Granites mylonites**

**5.1 Granites**

by aligned biotite and quartz ribbons. In some places, the progressive increase in strain is marked by the presence of the protomylonite, mylonite, and ultramylonite

of biotite flakes, quartz ribbons, and feldspar porphyroclasts.

Gneisses occur in a slab form and mostly confined to the hill slopes. They present foliation highlighted by alternating dark mafic and clear quartzofeldspathic bands (**Figure 3(f )**). In some places, lineations are characterized by the alignment

Some gneiss outcrops present migmatitic features such as the combination of

Granites present coarse- to fine-grained texture and consist of quartz, feldspar, biotite pyroxene, and amphibole as principal minerals, while apatite, sphene, epidote, and opaques are the accessory mineral phase (**Figure 4(a)**). Sericite, perthite,

Quartz is fine- to coarse-grained and mostly anhedral and present in few places, tilled and imbricated porphyrocrysts. Quartz phenocrysts are associated to plagioclase and K-feldspar, while microcrysts are filling phenocrysts interstices. Some quartz grains develop from plagioclase porphyrocryst suggesting the incipient metasomatism during granite formation (**Figure 4(b)**). Plagioclases are predominantly subhedral and present twins. Some plagioclase laths are partially altered into sericite. K-feldspars are subhedral and mostly transformed into perthite. They are associated to quartz and plagioclase and present opaque inclusions in places. Biotites are subhedral and partially altered into chlorite. They fill quartz and feldspar interstices along with euhedral sphene (**Figure 4(a)**). Pyroxene and apatite are rare in the rock and occur respectively as subtabular and acicular crysts associated

Granites mylonites present granoclastic, cataclastic, and mylonitic texture (**Figure 4(c)**). They consist of quartz, K-feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, amphibole, pyroxene and microcline as principal mineral, chlorite and sericite as secondary minerals, and sphene and opaques as accessory minerals. The rock is marked by weakly to

Quartz is in the form of polycrystalline ribbon preferably oriented and forming the clear band with feldspar. Some thin sections present also pasty or flame quartz molding feldspar and amphibole clasts. Some quartz and feldspar yield to brittle failure characterized by crystal fragmentation or shearing. In places, crystal underwent grain refinement through recrystallization. Some microclasts present waving or curved form testifying the deformation intensity (**Figure 4(c)**). Plagioclase and K-feldspar are subhedral to anhedral and present in places seritization reaction (**Figure 4(d)**). Plastic deformation is marked on feldspar by deformation lamellar, kinking or folding and the sigma "σ" and delta "Ө" porphyroclast giving the sense of shear to the rock. Mylonitic texture is developed in some thin sections and characterized by clear quartz and feldspar bands and dark ferromagnesian bands. In some places, subrounded feldspar and quartz are aligned in the clear band giving the ocellar mylonitic texture to the rock. Amphibole and biotite present flaky form or fish-like structure testifying the deformation of the rock. In some places,

well-developed fabric characterized by elongated quartz and feldspar grains.

**58**

*Photomicrographs of mineral textures and reactions (cross-polarized light). (a) Coarse-grained texture marked by euhedral to subhedral feldspar, quartz, amphibole, and biotite. This is a typical evidence of magmatic structure in the rock. (b) Quartz replacing plagioclase in granite suggesting the incipient metasomatism by fluids derived from evolved crustal rocks. (c) Mylonitic texture marked by K-feldspar and plagioclase molded by biotite and quartz. Note the curved or waving quartz at the photo top and quartz grain embayment by plagioclase. (d) Sericitization reaction on plagioclase. Also note early sphene crystals trapped within the microfracture fillings in granite mylonite. (e) Grano-lepidoblastic texture on gneiss. Note the quartz and feldspar porphyroblasts in the matrix of fine-grained-elongated and recrystallized quartz with undulose extinction. (f) Perthitization reaction on K-feldspar in gneiss.*

amphibole or biotite are altered into chlorite. Opaques and zircon are located in the mineral interstices or are present as inclusions in the center or the margins of some biotite minerals.

#### **5.3 Gneisses**

Gneisses present various textures. The principals are granoblastic and lepidoblatic textures (**Figure 4(e)**). Quartz, plagioclase, orthoclase, amphibole, and biotite are principal minerals; chlorite and perthite are secondary minerals, while sphene and epidote are the accessory phases.

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the rock and is represented by two generations. The first generation is the porphyroblasts and the second generation is the microblasts (**Figure 4(e)**). The porphyroblasts are subhedral to anhedral and present boundary relationship with plagioclase and K-feldspar. The microblasts form the matrix and also fill the feldspar and hornblende interstices (**Figure 4(e)**). Both microblasts and porphyroblasts are generally confined and oriented in the clear microbands with some feldspar porphyroblasts. Plagioclases are in the form of elongated subhedral laths with polysynthetic twining. Some crystals present quartz crystal inclusions. The most represented feldspar is orthoclase. They are subhedral in some thin section, and mantled in the form of delta "Ө" porphyroblast. Perthitization reaction is common on feldspar porphyroblasts (**Figure 4(f )**). Amphiboles are anhedral and occur mostly in the form of amphibole fish. They are associated with biotite and sphene. Biotites are in the form of elongated flake in the dark microbands along with amphibole and sphene. Some flakes are totally or partially altered into chlorite.

#### **6. Deformation features and kinematic indicators**

Several deformations features and kinematic indicators are observed on Mgbanji granitoids in the Central African Fold Belt in Cameroon, either on outcrops scale or under the microscope. They are foliations, lineations, folds, faults, joints, delta "Ө," and sigma "σ" porphyroclasts, shears, boudins, kinking, micas, and amphibole fish.

On the outcrop scale, gneisses are of the rock types presenting all the deformation features observed on the study area. They are foliation, lineations, shears, joints, faults, and folds. The foliation is marked by the alternation of clear quartzofeldspathic and dark ferromagnesian bands. There are three different foliation generations on gneisses. The first is represented by parallel E-W-oriented horizontal bands (**Figure 5(a)**). The second is rare and is N-S oriented and results from the reorientation of the first foliation generation. It is mostly parallel to the isoclinals fold axes (**Figure 5(b)**). The third foliation generation is subvertical and oriented NE-SW (**Figure 5(c)** and **(d)**). It originated from the reorientation of the second generation foliation. Lineations follow mostly the foliation trend. Shears are mostly present on the third foliation generation and are mostly sinistral. Joints and faults are chronologically the last structures on all the rock types of the study area. Some joints are dry, while others are filled with quartzofeldspathic materials (**Figure 5(d)**).

Granites mylonites present several deformation features. Protomylonites and mylonites present some plastic deformation features, while ultramylonites present only brittle features such as faults, joints, and shears. Protomylonites present lineations marked by feldspar and quartz-oriented grains (**Figure 5(e)**). Foliation consists of alternation of quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands. S-C structures are in places seen on protomylonites and mylonites. Folds are rarely seen on ultramylonites but are common on protomylonites and mylonites. Fault and shears are present on all the mylonitic rocks.

Granites present lineations, faults, joints, and "false" boudins. Linenations consist of aligned feldspar porphyroclast on the outcrop, generally oriented

**61**

study area.

**Figure 5.**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

NE-SW. Faults are mostly normal faults. In some places, they are reduced to dry joints characterized by undisplaced component and empty fracture. Some joints are filled of quartzofeldspathic materials which are rarely boudinated. False boudins are made up of concentric quartzofeldspathic layers surrounding the granite material (**Figure 5(f )**). Depending on crosscutting relationship, faults and joints are the last deformation features on all the rock types in the

*also the "false" boudin B4 made of quartzofeldspathic material encircling a portion of granite rock.*

*Photomicrographs showing field deformation structures. (a) Foliation S1 on gneiss; (b) F2 folded asymmetric boudins B2 on gneiss; (c) S3 subvertical foliation on gneiss; (d) S3 vertical gneissic foliation perpendicular to the J4, quartzofeldspathic filled joint; (e) L2 and L3 lineations on granite mylonite; (f) F4 fault on granite. Note* 

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

#### **Figure 5.**

*Geochemistry*

**5.3 Gneisses**

sphene and epidote are the accessory phases.

partially altered into chlorite.

**6. Deformation features and kinematic indicators**

Gneisses present various textures. The principals are granoblastic and lepidoblatic textures (**Figure 4(e)**). Quartz, plagioclase, orthoclase, amphibole, and biotite are principal minerals; chlorite and perthite are secondary minerals, while

Quartz is the most abundant mineral in the rock and is represented by two generations. The first generation is the porphyroblasts and the second generation is the microblasts (**Figure 4(e)**). The porphyroblasts are subhedral to anhedral and present boundary relationship with plagioclase and K-feldspar. The microblasts form the matrix and also fill the feldspar and hornblende interstices (**Figure 4(e)**). Both microblasts and porphyroblasts are generally confined and oriented in the clear microbands with some feldspar porphyroblasts. Plagioclases are in the form of elongated subhedral laths with polysynthetic twining. Some crystals present quartz crystal inclusions. The most represented feldspar is orthoclase. They are subhedral in some thin section, and mantled in the form of delta "Ө" porphyroblast. Perthitization reaction is common on feldspar porphyroblasts (**Figure 4(f )**). Amphiboles are anhedral and occur mostly in the form of amphibole fish. They are associated with biotite and sphene. Biotites are in the form of elongated flake in the dark microbands along with amphibole and sphene. Some flakes are totally or

Several deformations features and kinematic indicators are observed on Mgbanji granitoids in the Central African Fold Belt in Cameroon, either on outcrops scale or under the microscope. They are foliations, lineations, folds, faults, joints, delta "Ө," and sigma "σ" porphyroclasts, shears, boudins, kinking, micas, and amphibole fish. On the outcrop scale, gneisses are of the rock types presenting all the deformation features observed on the study area. They are foliation, lineations, shears, joints, faults, and folds. The foliation is marked by the alternation of clear quartzofeldspathic and dark ferromagnesian bands. There are three different foliation generations on gneisses. The first is represented by parallel E-W-oriented horizontal bands (**Figure 5(a)**). The second is rare and is N-S oriented and results from the reorientation of the first foliation generation. It is mostly parallel to the isoclinals fold axes (**Figure 5(b)**). The third foliation generation is subvertical and oriented NE-SW (**Figure 5(c)** and **(d)**). It originated from the reorientation of the second generation foliation. Lineations follow mostly the foliation trend. Shears are mostly present on the third foliation generation and are mostly sinistral. Joints and faults are chronologically the last structures on all the rock types of the study area. Some joints are dry, while others are filled with quartzofeldspathic materials

Granites mylonites present several deformation features. Protomylonites and mylonites present some plastic deformation features, while ultramylonites present only brittle features such as faults, joints, and shears. Protomylonites present lineations marked by feldspar and quartz-oriented grains (**Figure 5(e)**). Foliation consists of alternation of quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands. S-C structures are in places seen on protomylonites and mylonites. Folds are rarely seen on ultramylonites but are common on protomylonites and mylonites. Fault and shears

Granites present lineations, faults, joints, and "false" boudins. Linenations consist of aligned feldspar porphyroclast on the outcrop, generally oriented

**60**

(**Figure 5(d)**).

are present on all the mylonitic rocks.

*Photomicrographs showing field deformation structures. (a) Foliation S1 on gneiss; (b) F2 folded asymmetric boudins B2 on gneiss; (c) S3 subvertical foliation on gneiss; (d) S3 vertical gneissic foliation perpendicular to the J4, quartzofeldspathic filled joint; (e) L2 and L3 lineations on granite mylonite; (f) F4 fault on granite. Note also the "false" boudin B4 made of quartzofeldspathic material encircling a portion of granite rock.*

NE-SW. Faults are mostly normal faults. In some places, they are reduced to dry joints characterized by undisplaced component and empty fracture. Some joints are filled of quartzofeldspathic materials which are rarely boudinated. False boudins are made up of concentric quartzofeldspathic layers surrounding the granite material (**Figure 5(f )**). Depending on crosscutting relationship, faults and joints are the last deformation features on all the rock types in the study area.

#### **Figure 6.**

*Photomicrographs presenting microstructures and kinematic indicators ((b), (c), (d), and (f) = cross polarized light; (a) and (e) = plane polarized light). (a) Microfoliation marked by alternated clear quartzofeldspathic and dark ferromagnesian band crosscut by C3 conjugated sinistral shear on granites ultramylonite; (b) stream quartz with undulatory extinction molding plagioclase and filling their cracks. Note also deformation lamellae in plagioclase; (c) kink deformation on plagioclase. The subeuhedral outline of the plagioclase phenocryst is oblique to aligned recrystallized quartz grain (lineation L3) giving the S-C fabric to the section. The plagioclase phenocryst is recrystallized along its margins, and present visible twins. The shape fabric and the intracrystalline deformation features can therefore be interpreted as submagmatic. This granite mylonite is syntectonically emplaced; (d) granite mylonite present embayed biotite fish on feldspar porphyroclasts; (e) "Ө" and "σ" porphyroclasts give the sinistral shear sense to the rocks. Also note the quiet pressure shadow around porphyroclast on the right; and (f) normal microfault on plagioclase megacryst. Note also the biotite mineral filling the plagioclase crack and epidote trapped in the fault fracture.*

**63**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

On thin sections, deformation structures are common. They are foliations, lineations, kink deformation on plagioclase, undulatory extinction on quartz, and deformation lamellae on feldspar, micas and amphibole fish, delta "Ө" and sigma

Foliation consists of alternation of quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands on mylonites. Bands are in place crosscut by conjugated sinistral shears (**Figure 6(a)**). Mylonites present flame and pasty quartz with undulatory extinction molding residual quartz grains. They also present feldspar porphyroclast with crystal deformation lamellae (**Figure 6(b)**). Mineral lineation is marked in mylonite by aligned recrystallized quartz crystals along with few biotite flakes. The feldspar porphyroclasts are in places recrystallized along their margins. They show kink deformation marks and visible polysynthetic twinning. The feldspar porphyroclast orientation is oblique to the recrystallized quartz mineral lineation, giving the microscopic S-C foliation to the rock section (**Figure 6(c)**). Biotite fish crystals are also present on mylonite. They are embayed on feldspar porphyroclasts and also

Granite mylonites in general host delta "Ө" and sigma "σ" porphyroclasts giving the shear sense of deformation to the outcrop. On ultramylonites, those porphyroclasts are located in the crushed matrix resulted from cataclasis (**Figure 6(e)**). They show a sinistral sense of shear as the conjugated shears are early described. The last deformation microstructure present in the Mgbanji granitoids is fault. On granite and granite mylonites, they are present on several minerals. The most faulted mineral is plagioclase. It presents normal microfault with sinistral sense of movement. The fault crack is more or less filled with epidote and sphene crystals which are a

Depending on crosscutting relationship, four deformation phases have been

The first phase is exclusively represented on gneisses and is marked by the horizontal foliation (or banding) (S1) and lineation (L1). The foliation consists of the alternation of clear quartzofeldspathic and dark bands. They are mostly subhorizontal and oriented E-W (**Figure 5(c)**). Lineation is marked by randomly oriented

The second phase of deformation is recorded on gneisses and granite mylonites. That phase is characterized by folding (P2), lineation (L2), and boudin (B2). Folds (P2) are isoclinals with fold axes oriented principally N-S. The lineations are parallel to P2 fold axes. Boudins (B2) are complete and asymmetric. They are made of ferromagnesian layer (mostly amphibolites) and are folded in places

The third phase of deformation is represented on gneisses and granite mylonites. It seems to be the major phase on the field. It presents more deformation features compared to the other phases. Those features are resulting from the reorientation of previous phase's features. It hosts foliation (F3), lineation (L3), and shear (C3). The foliation (S3) is mostly subvertical and consists of alternated quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands oriented NE-SW (**Figure 5(c)** and **(d)**). Lineations (L3) are hosted by foliation (S3) and oriented in the same direction. Shears (C3) consist of the

quartz feldspar and biotite minerals. It is mostly parallel to foliation.

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

seen at the feldspar edge (**Figure 6(d)**).

**7. Discussion**

(**Figure 5(b)**).

**7.1 Deformation phases**

identified on studied rocks.

continuous phase in the rock matrix (**Figure 6(f )**).

"σ" porphyroclasts, and faults.

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

On thin sections, deformation structures are common. They are foliations, lineations, kink deformation on plagioclase, undulatory extinction on quartz, and deformation lamellae on feldspar, micas and amphibole fish, delta "Ө" and sigma "σ" porphyroclasts, and faults.

Foliation consists of alternation of quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands on mylonites. Bands are in place crosscut by conjugated sinistral shears (**Figure 6(a)**). Mylonites present flame and pasty quartz with undulatory extinction molding residual quartz grains. They also present feldspar porphyroclast with crystal deformation lamellae (**Figure 6(b)**). Mineral lineation is marked in mylonite by aligned recrystallized quartz crystals along with few biotite flakes. The feldspar porphyroclasts are in places recrystallized along their margins. They show kink deformation marks and visible polysynthetic twinning. The feldspar porphyroclast orientation is oblique to the recrystallized quartz mineral lineation, giving the microscopic S-C foliation to the rock section (**Figure 6(c)**). Biotite fish crystals are also present on mylonite. They are embayed on feldspar porphyroclasts and also seen at the feldspar edge (**Figure 6(d)**).

Granite mylonites in general host delta "Ө" and sigma "σ" porphyroclasts giving the shear sense of deformation to the outcrop. On ultramylonites, those porphyroclasts are located in the crushed matrix resulted from cataclasis (**Figure 6(e)**). They show a sinistral sense of shear as the conjugated shears are early described. The last deformation microstructure present in the Mgbanji granitoids is fault. On granite and granite mylonites, they are present on several minerals. The most faulted mineral is plagioclase. It presents normal microfault with sinistral sense of movement. The fault crack is more or less filled with epidote and sphene crystals which are a continuous phase in the rock matrix (**Figure 6(f )**).

#### **7. Discussion**

*Geochemistry*

**62**

**Figure 6.**

*Photomicrographs presenting microstructures and kinematic indicators ((b), (c), (d), and (f) = cross polarized light; (a) and (e) = plane polarized light). (a) Microfoliation marked by alternated clear quartzofeldspathic and dark ferromagnesian band crosscut by C3 conjugated sinistral shear on granites ultramylonite; (b) stream quartz with undulatory extinction molding plagioclase and filling their cracks. Note also deformation lamellae in plagioclase; (c) kink deformation on plagioclase. The subeuhedral outline of the plagioclase phenocryst is oblique to aligned recrystallized quartz grain (lineation L3) giving the S-C fabric to the section. The plagioclase phenocryst is recrystallized along its margins, and present visible twins. The shape fabric and the intracrystalline deformation features can therefore be interpreted as submagmatic. This granite mylonite is syntectonically emplaced; (d) granite mylonite present embayed biotite fish on feldspar porphyroclasts; (e) "Ө" and "σ" porphyroclasts give the sinistral shear sense to the rocks. Also note the quiet pressure shadow around porphyroclast on the right; and (f) normal microfault on plagioclase megacryst. Note also the biotite mineral* 

*filling the plagioclase crack and epidote trapped in the fault fracture.*

#### **7.1 Deformation phases**

Depending on crosscutting relationship, four deformation phases have been identified on studied rocks.

The first phase is exclusively represented on gneisses and is marked by the horizontal foliation (or banding) (S1) and lineation (L1). The foliation consists of the alternation of clear quartzofeldspathic and dark bands. They are mostly subhorizontal and oriented E-W (**Figure 5(c)**). Lineation is marked by randomly oriented quartz feldspar and biotite minerals. It is mostly parallel to foliation.

The second phase of deformation is recorded on gneisses and granite mylonites. That phase is characterized by folding (P2), lineation (L2), and boudin (B2). Folds (P2) are isoclinals with fold axes oriented principally N-S. The lineations are parallel to P2 fold axes. Boudins (B2) are complete and asymmetric. They are made of ferromagnesian layer (mostly amphibolites) and are folded in places (**Figure 5(b)**).

The third phase of deformation is represented on gneisses and granite mylonites. It seems to be the major phase on the field. It presents more deformation features compared to the other phases. Those features are resulting from the reorientation of previous phase's features. It hosts foliation (F3), lineation (L3), and shear (C3). The foliation (S3) is mostly subvertical and consists of alternated quartzofeldspathic and ferromagnesian bands oriented NE-SW (**Figure 5(c)** and **(d)**). Lineations (L3) are hosted by foliation (S3) and oriented in the same direction. Shears (C3) consist of the fracturation and displacement of foliation (S3). The shear axes are mostly oriented NW-SE or NE-SW. They are observed both on outcrop and on thin sections. On thin section, D3 deformation phase is marked by conjugated shears (C3), lineation (L3), and sinisterly oriented "Ө" and "σ" feldspar porphyroclasts (**Figure 6(a), (c)**, and **(e)**).

The fourth phase of deformation is present on all the three rock types of the study area, but it is mostly highlighted on granite. It is mostly a brittle phase. It is marked by dry and filled joints. The filled joints are made of quartzofeldspathic materials and may be qualified as a late D3 phase. The filled joints crosscut the foliation (S3) and are oriented E-W to NE-SW (**Figure 5(d)**). In some places, filled joints are circular and surround the granite material as a "false" boudin (B4) (**Figure 5(f )**). The dry joints are chronologically the last feature on the study area of rocks. They are characterized by fractures classified as diaclase or fault (F4) depending respectively on the tilling (diaclase) or the displacement (fault) of the component (**Figure 5(f )**). This chronology has been also mentioned in the recent study from the Central Cameroon Shear Zone [20].

#### **7.2 Rock emplacement mechanism**

Rocks within deformation areas are generally slightly, moderately, or highly strained and may exhibit very nice deformation microstructures. Deformed rocks present matrix with reduced grain size surrounding elongated faulted or sheared grains or grain aggregates. Many questions are steel a debate nowadays. Among them, we have the question of the identification of the presence or the absence of melt during deformation in rocks. Those questions are important for the problem of the melt extraction, the interpretation of plutonic magma ascent, and the mechanisms of emplacement. To have a good understanding of those questions, it is important to use macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic structural criteria.

Coming to the present study, field relationships, mesoscopic and microscopic observations, and the structural data testify that Mgbanji granitoids were emplaced during the brittle-ductile deformation events occurring under the influence of an active strike-slip shear zone.

Conjugated mechanism may have acted simultaneously during the studied granitoid emplacement. They are cataclasis (microcracks, microfaults), diffusive mass transfer by solution (interpenetrating grain, pressure shadow), intracrystalline plasticity (deformation twin, odulatory extension, kink band, subgrain, grain shape fabric and ribbon, new grain), and solid-state diffuse mass transfer transformation (reaction rim, corona, relic mineral). All these mechanisms can be regrouped into magmatic, nonmagmatic (solid state), or submagmatic (few melt) deformation and can help to qualify the shear zone as magmatic, submagmatic, or nonmagmatic.

It is important to mention that nonmagmatic microstructures are those formed during deformation without any melt present. Such a deformation has previously been called subsolidus or solid-state deformation. Submagmatic deformation is characterized by the presence of few melt during deformation, while the magmatic deformation refers to the total presence of melt.

On Mgbanji granitoids, magmatic microstructures are only seen on granite. They are coarse-grained texture containing euhedral feldspar, amphibole, biotite, and sphene minerals (**Figure 4(a)**) and the presence of magmatic myrmekitic textures [21, 22]. In contrast to granites, granite mylonites (protomylonites, mylonites, and ultramylonites) present nonmagmatic to submagmatic deformation microstructures.

**65**

earth areas.

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

The nonmagmatic structures on Mgbanji granitoids are represented by plagioclase deformation lamellae, pressure shadows filled by epidote around megacrysts, and ribbon grains formed by intracrystalline plasticity in quartz, embayed, or overgrown grain boundaries [23, 24]. Granite mylonites contain new recrystallized quartz grains with higher frequencies of contacts between like grains (**Figure 7(b)**). This feature has been also revealed in [25] and is justified by the fact that new grains

The submagmatic structures on studied granite mylonites are highlighted by the tectonically induced myrmekites (**Figure 7(d)**) formed in volumes perpendicular to

The Mgbanji granite mylonites present elongated ribbons of quartz grains showing undulatory extinction. Quartz presents sutured margins on ribbons and some areas of small strain free polygonal grains. The new quartz or feldspar grains are in places concentrated in a mantle that partly surrounds the older mega feldspar grains, giving the core-and-mantle structure to the mineral (**Figure 7(a)**). These features are characteristic of syntectonic emplacement of the granite mylonites. Reaction rims of altered mineral around feldspar grains are present on granite

The high frequency of undulose extinction in quartz within granites mylonites suggests that intracrystalline plasticity occurs during submagmatic deformation (**Figure 7(b)**). This assumption is mentioned here because quartz subgrain formation or recrystallization has been taken as an indicator of submagmatic deformation in rock where an overall igneous texture is preserved without any nonmagmatic deformation [26]. Plagioclase and calcite microcracks present biotite, quartz, and sphene or epidote trapped within the fillings (**Figure 7(a), (c),** and **(f )**). In some places, microcracks are intragranular and filled with pasty quartz suggesting that the plagioclase crystal was in contact with melt (**Figure 7(c)**). The microcracks filling is petrographycally continuous with groundmass phase of the rock.

Other submagmatic microstructures are the deformation twins and bent twins (kinking) in granite mylonites plagioclases. Such deformation features are known to be formed by intracrystalline plasticity in submagmatic phase

On the field scale, the melt was localized in pressure shadows at the ends of boudins, and also faults and joints on Mgbanji granitoids were filled [30]. This observation coupled to the microscopic observation of some kinematic indicators ("σ" and "δ" porphyroclasts) indicate that the rock was syntectonically emplaced [31]. The presence of quartz replacing plagioclase in some granite mylonite samples suggests the possible incipient metasomatism by fluids derived from evolved crustal

Considering all abovementioned features, the granitoids of the Mgbanji area

It has been also demonstrated that intracrystalline plasticity and solid-state DMT are strongly controlled by temperature but relatively insensitive to pressure. That is why cataclasis is generally attributed to the upper crust (because of the low pressures at that level). Following that rule, crystal plasticity is supposed to occur in the lower crust or in the lithospheric mantle due to the high temperatures in deep

The brittle-plastic transition (cataclasis—plasticity) results to intermediate deformation regime of semi-brittle behavior characterized by microfractures

may form either in submagmatic or nonmagmatic deformation [29].

seem to be emplaced during plastic- to solid-state deformation stage.

Paradoxically, some authors demonstrated that the cataclasis of the crystal is not only occurring exclusively during the non-magmatic deformation but can also occur during sub-magmatic events [22, 27, 28]. Also, it has been proved that S-C fabrics

mylonite. This texture may surely testify to DMT (**Figure 7(e)**).

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

preferentially nucleate on the same phase.

the shortening direction [21, 22].

(**Figures 6(c)** and **7(d)**).

rocks (**Figure 4(b)**) [32].

#### *Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

The nonmagmatic structures on Mgbanji granitoids are represented by plagioclase deformation lamellae, pressure shadows filled by epidote around megacrysts, and ribbon grains formed by intracrystalline plasticity in quartz, embayed, or overgrown grain boundaries [23, 24]. Granite mylonites contain new recrystallized quartz grains with higher frequencies of contacts between like grains (**Figure 7(b)**). This feature has been also revealed in [25] and is justified by the fact that new grains preferentially nucleate on the same phase.

The submagmatic structures on studied granite mylonites are highlighted by the tectonically induced myrmekites (**Figure 7(d)**) formed in volumes perpendicular to the shortening direction [21, 22].

The Mgbanji granite mylonites present elongated ribbons of quartz grains showing undulatory extinction. Quartz presents sutured margins on ribbons and some areas of small strain free polygonal grains. The new quartz or feldspar grains are in places concentrated in a mantle that partly surrounds the older mega feldspar grains, giving the core-and-mantle structure to the mineral (**Figure 7(a)**). These features are characteristic of syntectonic emplacement of the granite mylonites. Reaction rims of altered mineral around feldspar grains are present on granite mylonite. This texture may surely testify to DMT (**Figure 7(e)**).

The high frequency of undulose extinction in quartz within granites mylonites suggests that intracrystalline plasticity occurs during submagmatic deformation (**Figure 7(b)**). This assumption is mentioned here because quartz subgrain formation or recrystallization has been taken as an indicator of submagmatic deformation in rock where an overall igneous texture is preserved without any nonmagmatic deformation [26]. Plagioclase and calcite microcracks present biotite, quartz, and sphene or epidote trapped within the fillings (**Figure 7(a), (c),** and **(f )**). In some places, microcracks are intragranular and filled with pasty quartz suggesting that the plagioclase crystal was in contact with melt (**Figure 7(c)**). The microcracks filling is petrographycally continuous with groundmass phase of the rock.

Other submagmatic microstructures are the deformation twins and bent twins (kinking) in granite mylonites plagioclases. Such deformation features are known to be formed by intracrystalline plasticity in submagmatic phase (**Figures 6(c)** and **7(d)**).

Paradoxically, some authors demonstrated that the cataclasis of the crystal is not only occurring exclusively during the non-magmatic deformation but can also occur during sub-magmatic events [22, 27, 28]. Also, it has been proved that S-C fabrics may form either in submagmatic or nonmagmatic deformation [29].

On the field scale, the melt was localized in pressure shadows at the ends of boudins, and also faults and joints on Mgbanji granitoids were filled [30]. This observation coupled to the microscopic observation of some kinematic indicators ("σ" and "δ" porphyroclasts) indicate that the rock was syntectonically emplaced [31]. The presence of quartz replacing plagioclase in some granite mylonite samples suggests the possible incipient metasomatism by fluids derived from evolved crustal rocks (**Figure 4(b)**) [32].

Considering all abovementioned features, the granitoids of the Mgbanji area seem to be emplaced during plastic- to solid-state deformation stage.

It has been also demonstrated that intracrystalline plasticity and solid-state DMT are strongly controlled by temperature but relatively insensitive to pressure. That is why cataclasis is generally attributed to the upper crust (because of the low pressures at that level). Following that rule, crystal plasticity is supposed to occur in the lower crust or in the lithospheric mantle due to the high temperatures in deep earth areas.

The brittle-plastic transition (cataclasis—plasticity) results to intermediate deformation regime of semi-brittle behavior characterized by microfractures

*Geochemistry*

and **(e)**).

fracturation and displacement of foliation (S3). The shear axes are mostly oriented NW-SE or NE-SW. They are observed both on outcrop and on thin sections. On thin section, D3 deformation phase is marked by conjugated shears (C3), lineation (L3), and sinisterly oriented "Ө" and "σ" feldspar porphyroclasts (**Figure 6(a), (c)**,

The fourth phase of deformation is present on all the three rock types of the study area, but it is mostly highlighted on granite. It is mostly a brittle phase. It is marked by dry and filled joints. The filled joints are made of quartzofeldspathic materials and may be qualified as a late D3 phase. The filled joints crosscut the foliation (S3) and are oriented E-W to NE-SW (**Figure 5(d)**). In some places, filled joints are circular and surround the granite material as a "false" boudin (B4) (**Figure 5(f )**). The dry joints are chronologically the last feature on the study area of rocks. They are characterized by fractures classified as diaclase or fault (F4) depending respectively on the tilling (diaclase) or the displacement (fault) of the component (**Figure 5(f )**). This chronology has been also mentioned in the recent

Rocks within deformation areas are generally slightly, moderately, or highly strained and may exhibit very nice deformation microstructures. Deformed rocks present matrix with reduced grain size surrounding elongated faulted or sheared grains or grain aggregates. Many questions are steel a debate nowadays. Among them, we have the question of the identification of the presence or the absence of melt during deformation in rocks. Those questions are important for the problem of the melt extraction, the interpretation of plutonic magma ascent, and the mechanisms of emplacement. To have a good understanding of those questions, it is important to use macroscopic, mesoscopic, and microscopic

Coming to the present study, field relationships, mesoscopic and microscopic observations, and the structural data testify that Mgbanji granitoids were emplaced during the brittle-ductile deformation events occurring under the influence of an

Conjugated mechanism may have acted simultaneously during the studied granitoid emplacement. They are cataclasis (microcracks, microfaults), diffusive mass transfer by solution (interpenetrating grain, pressure shadow), intracrystalline plasticity (deformation twin, odulatory extension, kink band, subgrain, grain shape fabric and ribbon, new grain), and solid-state diffuse mass transfer transformation (reaction rim, corona, relic mineral). All these mechanisms can be regrouped into magmatic, nonmagmatic (solid state), or submagmatic (few melt) deformation and can help to qualify the shear zone as magmatic, submagmatic, or

It is important to mention that nonmagmatic microstructures are those formed during deformation without any melt present. Such a deformation has previously been called subsolidus or solid-state deformation. Submagmatic deformation is characterized by the presence of few melt during deformation, while the magmatic

On Mgbanji granitoids, magmatic microstructures are only seen on granite. They are coarse-grained texture containing euhedral feldspar, amphibole, biotite, and sphene minerals (**Figure 4(a)**) and the presence of magmatic myrmekitic textures [21, 22]. In contrast to granites, granite mylonites (protomylonites,

mylonites, and ultramylonites) present nonmagmatic to submagmatic deformation

study from the Central Cameroon Shear Zone [20].

**7.2 Rock emplacement mechanism**

structural criteria.

nonmagmatic.

microstructures.

active strike-slip shear zone.

deformation refers to the total presence of melt.

**64**

#### **Figure 7.**

*Photomicrographs presenting microstructures ((a), (b), (c), (d), and (f) = cross-polarized light; (e) = plane polarized light). (a) Megacryst of feldspar (orthoclase) from granite mylonites presenting microcracks filled with biotite and quartz. The biotite and quartz are the same phases observed in the groundmass. Also note the core-mantle structure on plagioclase. (b) Typical feature of dynamic recrystallization in quartz involving grain boundary migration. Note the sutured margins on quartz ribbons and also domains of small strain free polygonal grains. Also note the K-feldspar presenting a leave like shape with unfilled microcracks (c) perthite exsolution and stream quartz molding K-feldspar porphyroblasts. Note the K-feldspar microcryst presenting microcrack filled with pasty quartz. (d) Tectonically induced myrmekites characterized by their grow in volumes perpendicular to the shortening direction. Also note exsolution lamellae on plagioclase. (e) Reaction rims of altered minerals around K-feldspar megacryst. This texture testifies to the transformation by diffusive mass transfer (DMT). Also note the biotite embayment and (f) calcite microveins filled with epidote and quartz.*

interaction with intracrystalline plasticity [33, 34]. Two transitions in deformation mechanism, namely the brittle-semi-brittle transition and semi-brittle-plastic transition are registered with increasing depth respectively in the upper crust and

**67**

**Figure 8.**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

in the middle crust levels. But, even though it has been proved that high stresses may also cause cataclasis at greater depths or higher temperatures, the mechanism we suggest for the Mgbanji magma emplacement operates on three different crustal

In the lower crustal level, the granitic magma may have originated from the in situ crustal melting [35]. That level favored the formation of coarse-grained granite

The middle level is characterized by the presence of mylonites and protomylonites, presenting submagmatic and mylonitic structures, typical of syntectonic magmatism. The presence of subvertical lineation on mylonites and protomylonites may indicate that the middle level zone reacted as feeder zones acting as melt collec-

The presence of both submagmatic and solid-state deformation features demonstrates that the strike-slip event may have been the active phenomenon during and

The magmatic to mylonitic fabric of the Mgbanji granitoids are in general parallel to the solid-state deformation features encountered in the country rocks, demonstrating that the Mgbanji granites seems coeval with the transcurrent tectonics in

The upper crustal level or subsurface display spots of fine-grained granites (with homogeneous appearance in the field and few or no solid-state deformation features) surrounded progressively by ultramylonites, mylonites, and protomylonites (**Figure 8**). The fine-grained granite may be the outcome of tectonically driven solid-liquid partitioning, operating as filter-press, in the middle crust. At upper crustal levels, real magmatic fabrics are not common because of the higher temperature contrasts with the surrounding rocks, facilitating rapid

Magma intrusion may have been forced to flow toward local dilatational, low

Field and microscopic observations of kinematic indicator point to the emplacement of the Mgbanji granitoids during the D3 sinistral deformation within an active

levels, namely lower, middle, and upper crustal levels (**Figure 8**).

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

after the total crystallization of the magma.

the Cameroon Central Shear Zone [20].

pressure sites, such as the boudin necks [37].

*A schematic model for the emplacement of the Mgbanji granitoids.*

in the study area.

tors (**Figure 8**) [36].

magma cooling.

strike-slip shear zone.

#### *Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

in the middle crust levels. But, even though it has been proved that high stresses may also cause cataclasis at greater depths or higher temperatures, the mechanism we suggest for the Mgbanji magma emplacement operates on three different crustal levels, namely lower, middle, and upper crustal levels (**Figure 8**).

In the lower crustal level, the granitic magma may have originated from the in situ crustal melting [35]. That level favored the formation of coarse-grained granite in the study area.

The middle level is characterized by the presence of mylonites and protomylonites, presenting submagmatic and mylonitic structures, typical of syntectonic magmatism. The presence of subvertical lineation on mylonites and protomylonites may indicate that the middle level zone reacted as feeder zones acting as melt collectors (**Figure 8**) [36].

The presence of both submagmatic and solid-state deformation features demonstrates that the strike-slip event may have been the active phenomenon during and after the total crystallization of the magma.

The magmatic to mylonitic fabric of the Mgbanji granitoids are in general parallel to the solid-state deformation features encountered in the country rocks, demonstrating that the Mgbanji granites seems coeval with the transcurrent tectonics in the Cameroon Central Shear Zone [20].

The upper crustal level or subsurface display spots of fine-grained granites (with homogeneous appearance in the field and few or no solid-state deformation features) surrounded progressively by ultramylonites, mylonites, and protomylonites (**Figure 8**). The fine-grained granite may be the outcome of tectonically driven solid-liquid partitioning, operating as filter-press, in the middle crust. At upper crustal levels, real magmatic fabrics are not common because of the higher temperature contrasts with the surrounding rocks, facilitating rapid magma cooling.

Magma intrusion may have been forced to flow toward local dilatational, low pressure sites, such as the boudin necks [37].

Field and microscopic observations of kinematic indicator point to the emplacement of the Mgbanji granitoids during the D3 sinistral deformation within an active strike-slip shear zone.

**Figure 8.** *A schematic model for the emplacement of the Mgbanji granitoids.*

*Geochemistry*

**66**

**Figure 7.**

interaction with intracrystalline plasticity [33, 34]. Two transitions in deformation mechanism, namely the brittle-semi-brittle transition and semi-brittle-plastic transition are registered with increasing depth respectively in the upper crust and

*Photomicrographs presenting microstructures ((a), (b), (c), (d), and (f) = cross-polarized light; (e) = plane polarized light). (a) Megacryst of feldspar (orthoclase) from granite mylonites presenting microcracks filled with biotite and quartz. The biotite and quartz are the same phases observed in the groundmass. Also note the core-mantle structure on plagioclase. (b) Typical feature of dynamic recrystallization in quartz involving grain boundary migration. Note the sutured margins on quartz ribbons and also domains of small strain free polygonal grains. Also note the K-feldspar presenting a leave like shape with unfilled microcracks (c) perthite exsolution and stream quartz molding K-feldspar porphyroblasts. Note the K-feldspar microcryst presenting microcrack filled with pasty quartz. (d) Tectonically induced myrmekites characterized by their grow in volumes perpendicular to the shortening direction. Also note exsolution lamellae on plagioclase. (e) Reaction rims of altered minerals around K-feldspar megacryst. This texture testifies to the transformation by diffusive mass transfer (DMT). Also note the biotite embayment and (f) calcite microveins filled with epidote and quartz.*

#### **8. Conclusion**

The Mgbanji area is made up of three main rock types, namely granite, granite mylonites, and gneisses. Field, mesoscopic and microscopic observations show coarse- to fine-grained texture for granites, granoclastic, cataclastic, and mylonitic texture for granite mylonites and granoblastic and lepidoblastic textures for gneisses.

Four deformation phases have been recorded in the study area's rocks. The first phase is marked by the foliation (S1) which is mostly recognized on gneisses. The second phase is marked by fold (F2), lineation (L2), and boudins (B2) on gneisses and granite mylonite. The third phase is marked by subvertical (S3) foliation, shears (C3), and lineations (L3) recognized on granites mylonites and gneisses. The fourth phase is essentially a brittle phase and was recognized on all the three rock types of the study area.

Granites present mostly magmatic deformation features, while granite mylonites and gneisses present submagmatic to nonmagmatic deformation features. Mylonitization occurred on a brittle-ductile transition phase. Coarse-grained granites emplaced in the lower crustal level, while protomylonite and mylonites occurred in the middle crust and ultramylonites in the upper crust. Fine-grained granite was filtered and channeled through the middle crust shear's areas to be settled at the upper crustal level as irregular spot within the mylonites and gneisses. Deformation structures demonstrated that the studied area is a composite ductilebrittle shear zone. Granites and granites mylonites were syntectonically emplaced during the D3 sinistral shearing phase.

#### **Author details**

Benjamin Ntieche1 \*, Pauline Wokwenmendam Nguet2 , Zakari Nchouwet3 , Mahomed Aziz Mounjouohou4 and Daouda Mfepat<sup>3</sup>

1 Geology Laboratory, Higher Teacher Training College, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

2 National Institute of Geological and Mining Research, Cameroon


\*Address all correspondence to: ntiechebenjo@yahoo.fr

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

**69**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

gneisses (Cameroon). Precambrian

[9] Toteu SF, Penaye J, Djomani YP. Geodynamic evolution of the Pan-African belt in Central Africa with special reference to Cameroon. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences.

[10] Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Bertrand JML, Macaudière J. The pan-African chain in Cameroon: Let's look for suture and model. In: S.G.F., 15th Earth Sciences

Meeting. Nancy, France; 1994

Sciences. 2000;**31**:369-381

Sciences. 2006;**44**:494-510

2005;**337**:551-562

Research. 2001;**108**:45-73

[11] Ngnotué T, Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Tchoua FM. The Ntui-Betamba highgrade gneisses: A northward extension of the Pan-African Yaounde gneisses in Cameroon. Journal of African Earth

[12] Njanko T, Nedelec A, Affaton P. Synkinematic high-K calc-alkaline plutons associated with the Pan-African Central Cameroon shear zone (W-Tibati area): Petrology and geodynamic significance. Journal of African Earth

[13] Tanko NEL, Nzenti JP, Njanko T, Kapajika B, Nédélec A. New U–Pb zircon ages from Tonga (Cameroon): Coexisting Eburnean-Transamazonian (2.1 Ga) and Pan-African (0.6 Ga) imprints. Comptes Rendus Geosciences.

[14] Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Penaye J, Michard A. New U–Pb and Sm–Nd data from north-Central Cameroon and its bearing on the pre-Pan African history of Central Africa. Precambrian

[15] Njonfang E. Contribution to the study of the relationship between the "Cameroon line" and the

Adamawa direction: 1-Petrology and Geochemistry of associated tertiary

Research. 1988;**38**:91-109

2004;**41**:73-85

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

[1] Ngako V, Affaton P, Njonfang E. Pan-African tectonics in northwestern Cameroon: Implication for the history of western Gondwana. Gondwana

[2] Bouyo Houketchang M, Toteu SF, Deloule E, Penaye J, Van Schmus WR. U–Pb and Sm–Nd dating of highpressure granulites from Tcholliré and Banyoregions: Evidence for a Pan-African granulite facies metamorphism in northcentral Cameroon. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2009;**54**:144-154

[3] Van Schmus WR, Oliveira EP, Da Silva Filho AF, Toteu SF, Penaye J, Guimaraes IP. Proterozoic Links between the Borborema Province, NE Brazil, and the Central African Fold Belt. London: Geological Society, Special Publications

294 (No. 1); 2008. pp. 69-99

[4] Dumort JC. Geological map of Cameroon at a scale of 1:500,000, East of Douala sheet with explanatory note. Cameroon: Report of the Directorate of

Geology and Mines. 1968. p. 69

[5] Castaing C, Feybesse JL, Thieblemont D, Triboulet C, Chevremont P. Palaeogeographical reconstructions of the Pan-African/ Brasiliano Orogen; closure of an oceanic domain or intracontinental convergence between major blocks? Precambrian

Research. 1994;**69**:327-344

2002;**34**:119-136

[6] Abdelsalam MG, Liegeois J-P, Stern RJ. The Saharan Metacraton. Journal of African Earth Sciences.

[7] Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Penaye J. The Precambrian of Central Africa: Summary and perspectives. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2006;**44**:7-10

[8] Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Macaudiere J, Soba D. Origin and evolution of the late Precambrian high-grade Yaoundé

Research. 2008;**14**:509-522

**References**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

#### **References**

*Geochemistry*

gneisses.

the study area.

**8. Conclusion**

**68**

**Author details**

Benjamin Ntieche1

Cameroon

Mahomed Aziz Mounjouohou4

during the D3 sinistral shearing phase.

\*, Pauline Wokwenmendam Nguet2

2 National Institute of Geological and Mining Research, Cameroon

4 Department of Earth Sciences, University of Maroua, Cameroon

3 Faculty of Science, University of Yaounde I, Cameroon

\*Address all correspondence to: ntiechebenjo@yahoo.fr

provided the original work is properly cited.

and Daouda Mfepat<sup>3</sup>

The Mgbanji area is made up of three main rock types, namely granite, granite mylonites, and gneisses. Field, mesoscopic and microscopic observations show coarse- to fine-grained texture for granites, granoclastic, cataclastic, and mylonitic texture for granite mylonites and granoblastic and lepidoblastic textures for

Four deformation phases have been recorded in the study area's rocks. The first phase is marked by the foliation (S1) which is mostly recognized on gneisses. The second phase is marked by fold (F2), lineation (L2), and boudins (B2) on gneisses and granite mylonite. The third phase is marked by subvertical (S3) foliation, shears (C3), and lineations (L3) recognized on granites mylonites and gneisses. The fourth phase is essentially a brittle phase and was recognized on all the three rock types of

Granites present mostly magmatic deformation features, while granite mylonites

and gneisses present submagmatic to nonmagmatic deformation features. Mylonitization occurred on a brittle-ductile transition phase. Coarse-grained granites emplaced in the lower crustal level, while protomylonite and mylonites occurred in the middle crust and ultramylonites in the upper crust. Fine-grained granite was filtered and channeled through the middle crust shear's areas to be settled at the upper crustal level as irregular spot within the mylonites and gneisses. Deformation structures demonstrated that the studied area is a composite ductilebrittle shear zone. Granites and granites mylonites were syntectonically emplaced

1 Geology Laboratory, Higher Teacher Training College, University of Yaounde I,

© 2020 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium,

, Zakari Nchouwet3

,

[1] Ngako V, Affaton P, Njonfang E. Pan-African tectonics in northwestern Cameroon: Implication for the history of western Gondwana. Gondwana Research. 2008;**14**:509-522

[2] Bouyo Houketchang M, Toteu SF, Deloule E, Penaye J, Van Schmus WR. U–Pb and Sm–Nd dating of highpressure granulites from Tcholliré and Banyoregions: Evidence for a Pan-African granulite facies metamorphism in northcentral Cameroon. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2009;**54**:144-154

[3] Van Schmus WR, Oliveira EP, Da Silva Filho AF, Toteu SF, Penaye J, Guimaraes IP. Proterozoic Links between the Borborema Province, NE Brazil, and the Central African Fold Belt. London: Geological Society, Special Publications 294 (No. 1); 2008. pp. 69-99

[4] Dumort JC. Geological map of Cameroon at a scale of 1:500,000, East of Douala sheet with explanatory note. Cameroon: Report of the Directorate of Geology and Mines. 1968. p. 69

[5] Castaing C, Feybesse JL, Thieblemont D, Triboulet C, Chevremont P. Palaeogeographical reconstructions of the Pan-African/ Brasiliano Orogen; closure of an oceanic domain or intracontinental convergence between major blocks? Precambrian Research. 1994;**69**:327-344

[6] Abdelsalam MG, Liegeois J-P, Stern RJ. The Saharan Metacraton. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2002;**34**:119-136

[7] Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Penaye J. The Precambrian of Central Africa: Summary and perspectives. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2006;**44**:7-10

[8] Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Macaudiere J, Soba D. Origin and evolution of the late Precambrian high-grade Yaoundé gneisses (Cameroon). Precambrian Research. 1988;**38**:91-109

[9] Toteu SF, Penaye J, Djomani YP. Geodynamic evolution of the Pan-African belt in Central Africa with special reference to Cameroon. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 2004;**41**:73-85

[10] Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Bertrand JML, Macaudière J. The pan-African chain in Cameroon: Let's look for suture and model. In: S.G.F., 15th Earth Sciences Meeting. Nancy, France; 1994

[11] Ngnotué T, Nzenti JP, Barbey P, Tchoua FM. The Ntui-Betamba highgrade gneisses: A northward extension of the Pan-African Yaounde gneisses in Cameroon. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2000;**31**:369-381

[12] Njanko T, Nedelec A, Affaton P. Synkinematic high-K calc-alkaline plutons associated with the Pan-African Central Cameroon shear zone (W-Tibati area): Petrology and geodynamic significance. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2006;**44**:494-510

[13] Tanko NEL, Nzenti JP, Njanko T, Kapajika B, Nédélec A. New U–Pb zircon ages from Tonga (Cameroon): Coexisting Eburnean-Transamazonian (2.1 Ga) and Pan-African (0.6 Ga) imprints. Comptes Rendus Geosciences. 2005;**337**:551-562

[14] Toteu SF, Van Schmus WR, Penaye J, Michard A. New U–Pb and Sm–Nd data from north-Central Cameroon and its bearing on the pre-Pan African history of Central Africa. Precambrian Research. 2001;**108**:45-73

[15] Njonfang E. Contribution to the study of the relationship between the "Cameroon line" and the Adamawa direction: 1-Petrology and Geochemistry of associated tertiary

magmatic formations. 2-Petrology Geochemistry and Structure of pan-African granitoids in the Foumban-Bankim shear zone (West Cameroon and Adamaoua) [PhD thesis]. Cameroon: University of Yaounde I; 1998. p. 392

[16] Njonfang E, Ngako V, Kwekam M, Affaton P. The Foumban-Bankim calcalkaline ortho-gneisses: Evidence of an internal area of active sheared pan-African margin. Reports of the Academy of Sciences Paris. 2006;**338**:606-616

[17] Njonfang E, Ngako V, Moreau C, Affaton P, Diot E. Restraining bends in high temperature shear zones: The "Central Cameroon Shear Zone," Central Africa. Journal of African Earth Sciences. 2008;**52**:9-20

[18] Ntiéche B. Petrographic and geoenvironmental study of the Magba granitoids West Cameroon [Master thesis]. University of Yaounde I; 2009. p. 53

[19] Ntiéche B, Mohan MR, Moundi A, Mounjouohou MA. Petrogenesis and geochemical characterization of the granitoids of the Magba shear zone West Cameroon Central Africa. Open Journal of Geology. 2016;**6**:812-839

[20] Ntiéche B, Mohan MR, Moundi A. Granitoids of the Magba Shear Zone, West Cameroon, Central Africa: Evidences for emplacement under transpressive tectonic regime. Journal of the Geological Society of India. 2017;**89**:33-46

[21] Simpson C. Deformation of granitic rocks across the brittle-ductile transition. Journal of Structural Geology. 1985;**7**:503-511

[22] Hibbard MJ. Deformation of incompletely crystallised magma systems: Granitic gneisses and their tectonic implications. Journal of Geology. 1987;**951**:543-561

[23] Dell'Angelo LN, Tullis J, Yund RA. Transition from dislocation creep to melt-enhanced diffusion creep in fine-grained granitic aggregates. Tectonophysics. 1987;**139**:325-332

[24] Park Y, Means WD. Direct observation of deformation processes in crystal mushes. Journal of Structural Geology. 1996;**18**:847-858

[25] Ashworth JR, Schneider H. Deformation and transformation in experimentally shock-loaded quartz. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals. 1985;**11**:241-249

[26] Bouchez JL, Gleizes G. Two-stage deformation of the Mont-Louis-Andorra granite pluton (Variscan Pyrenees) inferred from magnetic susceptibility anisotropy. Journal of the Geological Society. 1995;**152**:669-680

[27] Bouchez JL, Delas C, Gleizes G, Nedelec A, Cuney M. Submagmatic microfractures in granites. Geology. 1992;**20**:35-38

[28] Karlstrom KE, Miller CF, Kingsbury JA, Wooden JL. Pluton emplacement along a ductile thrust zone, Pine mountains, southeastern California: Interaction between deformational and solidification processes. Bulletin Geological Society of America. 1993;**105**:213-230

[29] Blumenfeld P, Bouchez J-L. Shear criteria in granite and migmatite deformed in the magmatic and solid states. Journal of Structural Geology. 1988;**10**:361-372

[30] Quick JE, Sinigoi S, Negrini L, Demarchi G, Mayer A. Synmagmatic deformation in the underplated igneous complex of the Ivrea-Verbano zone. Geology. 1992;**20**:613-616

[31] Wickham SM. The segregation and emplacement of granitic magmas. Journal of the Geological Society of London. 1987;**144**:281-297

**71**

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study…*

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

[32] Weeksteen G. The volcanic massifs of the Bamoun Area. Cameroon: Cameroon Geological Service. Annual

[33] Carter NL, Kirby SH. Transient creep and semibrittle behaviour of crystalline rocks. Pure and Applied Geophysics. 1978;**116**:807-839

[34] Kirby SH, Kronenberg AK. Deformation of clinopyroxenite: Evidence for a transition in flow mechanisms and semibrittle behaviour. Journal of Geophysical Research.

[35] Moyen J-F, Nédélec A, Martin H, Jayananda M. Syntectonic granite emplacement at different structural levels: The Closepet granite, South India. Journal of Structural Geology.

1984;**89**:3177-3192

2003b;**25**(4):611-631

[36] Vigneresse JL, Bouchez JL. Successive granitic magma batches during pluton emplacement: The case of Cabeza de Araya (Spain). Journal of Petrology. 1997;**38**(12):1767-1776

[37] D'Eramo F, Tubía JM, Pinotti L, Vegas N, Coniglio J, Demartis M, et al. Granite emplacement by crustal boudinage: Example of the Calmayo and El Hongo plutons (Córdoba, Argentina).

Terra Nova. 2013;**25**(5):423-430

Report; 1954

*Deformation Features and Structures in Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks: A Case Study… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.93201*

[32] Weeksteen G. The volcanic massifs of the Bamoun Area. Cameroon: Cameroon Geological Service. Annual Report; 1954

*Geochemistry*

1998. p. 392

magmatic formations. 2-Petrology Geochemistry and Structure of pan-African granitoids in the Foumban-Bankim shear zone (West Cameroon and Adamaoua) [PhD thesis]. Cameroon: University of Yaounde I;

[23] Dell'Angelo LN, Tullis J, Yund RA. Transition from dislocation creep to melt-enhanced diffusion creep in fine-grained granitic aggregates. Tectonophysics. 1987;**139**:325-332

[24] Park Y, Means WD. Direct observation of deformation processes in crystal mushes. Journal of Structural

[25] Ashworth JR, Schneider H. Deformation and transformation in experimentally shock-loaded quartz. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals.

[26] Bouchez JL, Gleizes G. Two-stage deformation of the Mont-Louis-Andorra granite pluton (Variscan Pyrenees) inferred from magnetic susceptibility anisotropy. Journal of the Geological

[27] Bouchez JL, Delas C, Gleizes G, Nedelec A, Cuney M. Submagmatic microfractures in granites. Geology.

processes. Bulletin Geological Society of

[29] Blumenfeld P, Bouchez J-L. Shear criteria in granite and migmatite deformed in the magmatic and solid states. Journal of Structural Geology.

[30] Quick JE, Sinigoi S, Negrini L, Demarchi G, Mayer A. Synmagmatic deformation in the underplated igneous complex of the Ivrea-Verbano zone.

[31] Wickham SM. The segregation and emplacement of granitic magmas. Journal of the Geological Society of

Geology. 1992;**20**:613-616

London. 1987;**144**:281-297

Geology. 1996;**18**:847-858

Society. 1995;**152**:669-680

[28] Karlstrom KE, Miller CF, Kingsbury JA, Wooden JL. Pluton emplacement along a ductile thrust zone, Pine mountains, southeastern California: Interaction between deformational and solidification

America. 1993;**105**:213-230

1988;**10**:361-372

1985;**11**:241-249

1992;**20**:35-38

[16] Njonfang E, Ngako V, Kwekam M, Affaton P. The Foumban-Bankim calcalkaline ortho-gneisses: Evidence of an internal area of active sheared pan-African margin. Reports of the Academy of Sciences Paris. 2006;**338**:606-616

[17] Njonfang E, Ngako V, Moreau C, Affaton P, Diot E. Restraining bends in high temperature shear zones: The "Central Cameroon Shear Zone," Central Africa. Journal of African Earth

[18] Ntiéche B. Petrographic and geoenvironmental study of the Magba granitoids West Cameroon [Master thesis]. University of Yaounde I; 2009.

[19] Ntiéche B, Mohan MR, Moundi A, Mounjouohou MA. Petrogenesis and geochemical characterization of the granitoids of the Magba shear zone West Cameroon Central Africa. Open Journal

[20] Ntiéche B, Mohan MR, Moundi A. Granitoids of the Magba Shear Zone, West Cameroon, Central Africa: Evidences for emplacement under transpressive tectonic regime. Journal of the Geological Society of India.

[21] Simpson C. Deformation of granitic rocks across the brittle-ductile transition. Journal of Structural

[22] Hibbard MJ. Deformation of incompletely crystallised magma systems: Granitic gneisses and their tectonic implications. Journal of Geology. 1987;**951**:543-561

Geology. 1985;**7**:503-511

of Geology. 2016;**6**:812-839

2017;**89**:33-46

Sciences. 2008;**52**:9-20

p. 53

**70**

[33] Carter NL, Kirby SH. Transient creep and semibrittle behaviour of crystalline rocks. Pure and Applied Geophysics. 1978;**116**:807-839

[34] Kirby SH, Kronenberg AK. Deformation of clinopyroxenite: Evidence for a transition in flow mechanisms and semibrittle behaviour. Journal of Geophysical Research. 1984;**89**:3177-3192

[35] Moyen J-F, Nédélec A, Martin H, Jayananda M. Syntectonic granite emplacement at different structural levels: The Closepet granite, South India. Journal of Structural Geology. 2003b;**25**(4):611-631

[36] Vigneresse JL, Bouchez JL. Successive granitic magma batches during pluton emplacement: The case of Cabeza de Araya (Spain). Journal of Petrology. 1997;**38**(12):1767-1776

[37] D'Eramo F, Tubía JM, Pinotti L, Vegas N, Coniglio J, Demartis M, et al. Granite emplacement by crustal boudinage: Example of the Calmayo and El Hongo plutons (Córdoba, Argentina). Terra Nova. 2013;**25**(5):423-430

**Chapter 5**

**Abstract**

anomaly.

**73**

**1. Introduction**

lanthanide tetrad effect, grain size

The Importance of Mechanical

Transport, Rock Texture, and

Weathering of Granites: The

*Václav Procházka, Miroslav Žáček, Petr Sulovský,*

Mineral Chemistry in Chemical

Melechov Massif, Czech Republic

*Tomáš Vaculovič, Lenka Rukavičková and Dobroslav Matějka*

Data of 41 or more elements in superficial as well as drill-core samples of the peraluminous Lipnice and Melechov granites, located several kilometers apart in northern Moldanubian Batholith, are evaluated. Weathering of both granite types proceeded in virtually identical time and environment, but it shows very different patterns. In the weathered Lipnice granite, Al2O3 slightly increased, loss on ignition (LOI) increased strongly, and contents of all other major elements except for Fe are lower (however, reconcentration of K, Mg, and Ti in secondary phases is possible). In the relatively coarse-grained and more acidic Melechov granite, the depleted major elements are Si, Fe, Ti, Mn, and Mg. Strongly increased Al in half of weathered samples is independent on the moderate increase of LOI and relatively small changes of Na, Ca, K, and P contents. These samples are relatively poor in quartz, which is the result of fossil weathering, mechanical mineral separation, and erosion processes. In the Lipnice granite, however, chemical weathering dominated over mechanical fractionation due to a more compact character of the rock (as well as of biotite and plagioclase). Regarding trace elements, enrichment in Ga and loss of U are the only changes documented in both granite types (in different proportions however). The rare-earth element (REE) fractionation is generally weak, but in the Lipnice granite, two processes are proven: (i) dissolution of apatite which has an Mtype lanthanide tetrad effect in the fresh rock and (ii) formation of positive Ce

**Keywords:** granite weathering, temperate climate, trace elements, apatite,

Knowledge of chemical weathering processes is important for pedology, sedimentology, hydrogeochemistry, environmental chemistry, and petrology. Chemical weathering is most frequently studied in magmatic and high-grade metamorphic

#### **Chapter 5**
