Memoir No.

18

Geologoical Survey of Ethiopia

Geology of Bure map sheet (NC-37/5)

Compiled by

Lulu Tsige

October, 2008
Addis Ababa
Contents

Page
Abstract …………………………………………………………………….………..4
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………..…….. ..6
1.1. Objective and scope of the work…………………………..……………………6
1.2. Geography………………………………………………..……………………..6
1.3. Methodology………………………………………………………..…………. .9
1.4. Previous work……………………………………………………..…………… 11
2. REGIONAL GEOLOGY……………………………………………...………………. 16
3. LITHOLOGY………………………………………………………………………… 20
Introduction………………………………………………………………….……… 20
3.1. Precambrian Basement rocks………………………………………………... 20
3.1.1. High grade metamorphic rocks (Dura Domain)…………………….. 20
3.1.1.1. Amphibolite (Pam) ………………………………….…………….. 21
3.1.1.2. Granitic gneiss (Pgtgn) ….………………………………………….22
3.1.1.3. Undifferentiated gneiss (Pugn) …………….……………………… 23
3.1.1.4. Migmatitic gneiss (Pmggn) ….……………………………………...25
3.1.2. Low grade metamorphic rocks (Shar Domain) ….…………………. 27
3.1.2.1 Quartzite (Pq)…………………………………………………….29
3.1.2.2. Marble (Pm).…………………………………………………......29
3.1.2.3. Undifferentiated metasediments (Pums) ………………………. .31
3.1.2.4. Undifferentiated metasediments and metavolcanics (Pmsv) ……32
3.1.2.5. Metavolcanics (Pmv)……………………………………………34
3.1.2.6. Ultramafic (Pum) ………………………………………………. 35
3.1.2.7. Ganzi mélange (Pgmg) ………………………………………….36
3.1.3. Precambrian Intrusive rocks……………………................................ 38
3.1.3.1. Syn-tectonic granite (Pgt1)……………….…………………….. 38
3.1.3.2. Late- to post-tectonic granite, diorite, granodiorite and gabbro
(Pgt2, Pdt, Pgdt & Pgb) …………………………………………39
3.1.3.3. Post-tectonic granite (Pgt3) …..………………………………… 41

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 3.2. Paleozoic - Mesozoic sedimentary rocks.………………………………..……42
3.2.1. Paleozoic (glacial) sediments (Plst).………………...…………………..42
3.2.2. Mesozoic sediments (Lower sandstone) (Msst)…………………………46
3.3. Cenozoic Volcanic rocks…...…………………………..………………..……..50
3.3.1. Lower basalt (Tlb) ……..……………………………………….……….51
3.3.2. Upper basalt (Tub) …….………………………………………………. 52
3.3.3. Agglomerate (Tag) …….………………………………………………. 55
3.3.4. Trachytic flows and plugs (Tty) .………………………………………..55
3.3.5. Pyroclasts (scoria cones and crater rims) (Qv1).……………………….56
3.3.6. Thin Scoraceous basalt flows (Qv2) …………………………………...57
3.4. Recent (Quaternary) sediments………………………..……………..……….59
3.4.1. Elluvial soil (Qel) ……………………………………………………….59
3.4.2. Alluvial soil (Qal) ………………………………………………………59
4. STRUCTURE……………………………………………………….…………….........60
4.1. Precambrian structures ………………………………………………………….60
4.2. Cenozoic structures ………………………………………………………..........65
4.3. Lineaments ……………………………………………………………………...65
5. METAMORPHISM……………………………………..………….…………………..70
6. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION…………………………..………………………….75
7. ECONOMIC GEOLOGY……………………………………………………………….81
References……………………………………………………………………………82
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………..85

Enclosure
Color print Geological map of Bure map sheet at a scale of 1:250,000 is enclosed.

2
 List of figures and tables in the report.
List of Figures Page

Figure 1. Location map of the project area (Bure map, sheet NC-37/5) showing its
relation with the general geology of Ethiopia……………………….………..8
Figure 2. Figure showing accessibility and drainage map of the area………….………..10
Figure 3. Generalized physiographic map of the map sheet………………….………….13
Figure 4. The Abay gorge and one of the inhabitants of the area……………..…………14
Figure 5. Figure showing reliability map of the project area…………………………….15
Figure 6. Simplified geological map of the area…………………………………………28
Figure 7. Field photos of the Shar Domain rocks ……………………………………….37
Figure 8. Section showing the Paleozoic sediments exposed in the area (the east Jewej
section where the tillite beds are well exposed)……………………………….44
Figure 9. Field photos of the Paleozoic glacial sediments. …………….……………….45
Figure 10.Stratigraphic section showing the exposed Mesozoic sediments in the area…49
Figure 11. Stratigraphic section for the Cenozoic volcanic rocks in the project area…...54
Figure 12. Fieldphotographs of the Cenozoic volcanic rocks……...…………………….58
Figure 13. Simplified structural map of the area………………………………………...62
Figure 14. Field photos of the earlier and migmatite structures in unit Pmgg.………….63
Figure 15. Figure showing poles to the N-trending regional foliation/gneissosity (for Dura
Domain) and schistosity (for Shar Domain) (D1/S1) in an equal area lower
hemisphere stereogram………………………………………………………66
Figure 16. Lower hemisphere equal area projection for lineations (stretched and mineral
lineations) in the area………………………………………………………...67
Figure 17. Field photographs of mesoscopic structures from the Menta Wuha - Suken
shear zone. ………………… ………………………………………………..68
List of Tables
Table 1. Mapping teams and subsheet layout of the Bure map sheet………………..…..12

Table 2. Regional metamorphic minera assemblges of the Shar and Dura Domain rocks.….…70

3
 Abstract

The Bure map sheet (NC-37/5) which covers about 18,000 km2 area was geologically
mapped at a scale of 1:250,000 and is located in west Ethiopia bounded by the
following latitudes and longitudes: 10o00’ – 11o00’ N and 36o00’ – 37o30’ E.

The map area is underlain by Precambrian crystalline rocks, Paleozoic-Mesozoic

sediments, Cenozoic volcanic rocks and Quaternary or recent unconsolidated
sediments. The Precambrian rocks of the area are divided into two litho-tectonic
domains. These are 1) the Dura Domain (DD) and 2) the Shar Domain (SD). The DD
consists of amphibolites (Pam), granitic gneisses (Pgtgn), undifferentiated gneiss
(Pugn) and migmatitic gneisses (Pmggn). The SD comprises marble (Pm), quartzites
(Pq), metavolcanics (Pmv), undifferentiated sediments (Pus), undifferentiated
sediments and volcanics (Psmv), ultramafics (Pum) and Ganzi mélange (Pgmg). This
rock assemblage of the SD is interpreted as a dismembered ophiolite sequence. Syn-
to post-orogenic intrusive rocks (units Pgt1, Pgt2, Pgdt, Pdt, Pgb and Pgt3) intrude
both these belts and they range in composition from gabbro to granite.

Preliminary structural and petrographic analysis indicates the presence of four major
structures and three deformational events and two metamorphic events within the
Precambrian rocks: 1) sub-horizontal E-W striking and north dipping foliations or
migmatitic layering and relic early folds (designated pre-D1) observed only within the
migmatitic gneisses (Pmggn) of the DD, 2) followed by N-trending penetrative or
regional foliation and associated oblique NE plunging lineations (D1) synchronious
with the first progressive metamorphic event (M1) which is high-grade condition (at
least upper amphibolite facies) in the gneisses and amphibolites of DD and low-grade
(greenschist facies condition) in the metavolcanic-ultramafic sedimentary association
of the SD; 3) folding of this N-trending regional foliation (D2) and 4) the brittle –
ductile shear zones and associated subhorizontal lineations (D3) synchronious with
the last retrogressive metamorphic event (M2). The two contrasting litho-tectonic
domains of the DD and SD are juxtaposed along the Menta Wuha – Suken shear
zone.

4
Interbedded siltstone, tillite (glacial beds), shale and mudstone constitute the
Paleozoic sediments exposed in the project area. These sediments are correlatives of
the glacial rocks of Edaga Arbi in north Ethiopia which are Upper Carboniferous age.

The Cenozoic volcanic rocks (Tlb, Tub, Tag) can be correlted with the Trap Series (or
Plateu basalts) and the Quaternary scoria cones and thin scoraceous basalt flows (Qv1
& Qv2) to the Quaternary plateau volcanic rocks of Ethiopia.

The low-grade rocks of the SD can be potential targets for future base metal and
precious metal (gold and platinum) mineralization in the area owing to their
association with huge intrusive rocks and their similarity with the geological setting
of the Yubdo area located southwest of the map area.

5
 1. Introduction
1.1. Objective and scope of the work

The main objective of this work is to produce the compiled geological map of Bure map
sheet (NC-37/5) at 1:250,000 scale with accompanying geological report. It is an integral
part of the long-term regional geological mapping program of the country by the
Regional Geology Department of the Geological Survey of Ethiopia. The Bure map sheet
is a part of the western Ethiopia Precambrian terrain and the northwest volcanic province
of Ethiopia.

Interpretation of aerial photographs and satellite imagery of the project area in office
prior to the commencement of the actual field work, geological mapping in the field,
petrographic description of thin sections of some of the selected samples, and structural
analysis are the major geological studies conducted in the compilation work of this
project area. In this report the rock units that have been identified and mapped are
described mainly indicating their field characteristics and petrographic description.
Moreover, whenever possible, correlation of each unit with the earlier grossly established
lithostratigraphy of the region has been attempted based only on limited field and
petrographic data. This, therefore, indicates that the scope of the report is limited as an
explanatory note to the geological map of the Bure map sheet. However, the possible
geodynamic evolution (i.e., structural, metamorphism, sedimentation and volcanism) of
the three major lithologies that cover the project area has also been attempted.

1.2. Geography

The Bure map sheet is located in northwestern Ethiopia bounded by 10°00’-11°00 N

latitudes and between 36°00’- 37°30’ E longitudes covering a total area of 18,000 km2 of
the northwestern plateau in the Abay river (Blue Nile) basin (Fig. 1). The northern and
eastern parts of the map sheet are in the Amhara national regional state; the southern part
(the area south of Abay river) falls in the Oromia national regional state and its western
part (the area west of Mentawuha village and north of Abay) is within the Benishangul
Gumuz national regional state administration.

6
The project area can be reached from Addis Ababa through two main routes (Fig. 2). One
is using the Addis Ababa Æ Debre Markos Æ Bure Æ Injibara Æ Chagni Æ Bulen road.
The road from Addis Ababa to Injibara is asphalted while the remaining is an all weather
gravel road. The other alternative is through Addis Ababa Æ Nekemte Æ Agemsa Æ
Bure road. The road from Addis Ababa to Nekemte is asphalted and the remaining route
from Nekemte to Bure is an all weather gravel road. The eastern and northern part of the
study area is relatively well accessible. Whereas the southwestern, northwestern (Shar
area) and the central part which is covered by the Abay gorge is in accessible by a field
car. The field geological mapping of these parts of the map sheet was carried out by
following the available few foot trails and by numerous make shift or fly camps. In areas
like Inabara (subsheet P), it was found to be totally inaccessible.

Generally, the whole study area lies in the northwestern plateau of the country and
descends toward the west. But as far as the local physiography of the area is concerned
there are two conspicuous topographic features in the map sheet: these are 1) the
relatively extensive highland plateau and 2) the deeply dissected wide canyon or gorge
along the Blue Nile river course (Fig. 3). The altitude of the area ranges from about 3000
m high in the northeast part of the map sheet (subsheet E) where the source of the mighty
river Abay (Blue Nile) is located at Sekela to down 600 m a.s.l. elevation in the southern
part in the Abay river gorge. Generally, within the plateau topography is subdued and
rolling except where deeply dissected gorges and U-shaped fertile valleys (e.g. Bir state
farm) are developed by perennial rivers like Dura, Fetem, Bir and Ayo that are tributaries
to the Abay river.

The map sheet has perennial rivers like Dura, Fetam, Bir, Temcha, Gonka/Dubuk and
Aleltu. All of them are tributaries of the mighty river Abay (Blue Nile) which crosses the
map area in a generally east-west direction in the south central part of the area. The
drainage patterns of both the perennial and seasonal streams in the area are mostly of
dendritic and angular pattern (Fig. 2). Tertiary flood basalts floor much of the north
central and eastern part of the project area. The extensive plain is locally broken or dotted
by recent volcanic features like scoria cones, extrusive centers or vents, and trachytic

7
 33° 36° 40° 44° 48°

Quaternary superficial deposits

N Adigrat Tertiary-Quaternary volcanics with
associated sediments
Mekele Mesozoic-Tertiary sediments

Precambrian metamorphics and

Bure map sheet Gonder intrusives
12° 12°
Rift Fault
Bahirdar
Dessie

Debremarkos

Diredawa
Harar
Nekemte Addis Ababa
Awash
Metu
8° Asela 8°
Jima
Awasa Goba

Arbaminch

Negele

4° 4°

Moyale
33° 36° 40° 44° 48°

Figure 1. Location map of the project area (Bure map, sheet NC-37/5) showing its
relation with the general geology of Ethiopia.

plugs. The area covered by the Abay river gorge is highly rugged and mostly
inaccessible with very hot and humid weather condition. Basement rocks mainly cover
the gorge area.

In the highlands or the plateau the inhabitants are mainly of the Amhara, Agew, Oromo
and Shinasha people and there is a permanent or stable agriculture that has been going for
millennium. However, along the gorge areas of the Blue Nile and its tributaries such as

8
Dura river, agricultural practice has not as such well developed and is practiced by semi-
Nomadic tribes of the Gumuz people (Fig. 4).

Generally, the climate of the project area can be divided in to two: a) The “Weyina Dega”
or highland/plateau area and b) the “kola” or lowland (<1500m a.s.l. elevation) and the
gorge area. The plateau has a sub-humid or “weyina Dega” climate with a mean annual
temperature of 20 oC and a mean annual rainfall of between 1400-1600 mm; and the
lowland and gorge areas are represented by a semi-arid climate or “Kola” with a mean
annual temperature of 25 oC (EMA, 1981). The main rainy season in the region is
between June – September and the dry season is between October – January. The areas
below 1300m elevation are arid and covered by thorny bush vegetation. Except the
occurrences of patchy rain forest cover in the north and west part of the area, in most of
the highlands or plateau area the original forest has been removed for agriculture. The
rainy season that runs between June to September and elephant grass cover (which is
usually burnt off in January) hampers field work for about half a year.

1.3. Methodology
The geological mapping of Bure map sheet (NC-37/5) was conducted during 1995-1996
E.C. (2003-2004) field seasons by individual mapping teams of the Regional Geology
and Geochemistry Department geologists (Table 1). However, the following subsheets or
areas- subsheet P, half of subsheet T (the area south of Abay river) and half of subsheet O
(the area east of Abay river) were mapped by aerial photographs interpretation mainly
due to inaccessibility problem (Fig. 5). Each mapping team has produced a 1:50,000 scale
geological map and accompanying report. The compilation work of the project area was
carried out in two phases: phase-I; field work during 1995-1996 E.C. (2003-2004) by
Lulu Tsige and Endashaw Hailu; phase-II; the remaining office work of the compilation
(that is, compiled geological map preparation and production, data investigation and
analysis and accompanying report writing) was carried out during 1997-2000 E.C. (2005-
2008) by Lulu Tsige.

Aerial photographs (prior to fieldwork) and satellite imagery geological interpretation,

ground field mapping, petrographic study of selected samples and structural analysis are

9
 o
11 N
Chagni
er
ri v
ar
Sh

er
Bure
riv
ra
Du

Abay river
er
riv
ke n
Su

Agemsa

o
10
36o00’E 37o30’E

Figure 2. Figure showing accessibility and drainage map of the area.

10
the basic methodologies used so far for this kind of regional geological mapping project
at the Department of Regional Geology. Aerial photographs of 1:50,000 scale were used
as a base map in field for navigation and plotting field data together with the 1:50,000
scale topographic map. Moreover, air photos were used for contact delineation of the
lithologies and tracing of structural features; semi-originals and blue paper prints at
1:50,000 scale were used as base maps. Field data was plotted on each alternate aerial
photo and transferred onto 1:50,000 scale topographic map. The field data after being
interpreted was free hand transferred onto topographic maps of the same scale.
Observation point map and the final geological maps were produced in the field.

Generally, geological traverses were planned across the general strike of the metamorphic
rocks and in the case of sedimentary and volcanic rocks traverses were carried out in
areas where one can get good stratigraphic sections (such as river or stream sections, road
sections, etc.). Thickness measurements in logged sections of the sedimentary (Plst and
Msst) and the Tertiary volcanic rock units of the map area were done solely on contour
intervals given in the 1:50,000 scale topographic maps of the area and hence may not be
reliable. Fresh and unaltered representative rock samples, where possible, were collected
from each rock type for further investigation.

1.4. Previous works

From the early 1970’s to recent times there have been several important inputs into the
study of the basement rocks of Ethiopia. However, there has been no previous systematic
study of the geology of the Bure map sheet with the exception of the recent works of
Zenebe et al. (1999) and Braathen et al. (2001). Zenebe et al. (1999) carried out mineral
exploration survey in most part of the area (north of Abay river) where as Braathen et al.
(2001) included only a portion of the western part of the area as part of the Ethio-Norway
mineral exploration project. These works have identified the occurrence of both low-
grade metavolcano-sedimentary rocks and minor high-grade rocks that are overlain by
recent (Cenozoic) volcanic rocks in the eastern part. Adjacent areas of the Bure map
sheet, i.e., Nekemte and Kurmuk Assosa map sheets that are located south and west of
Bure map sheet, respectively have been mapped by the Geological Survey of Ethiopia -

11
Gerra and Haile-Mariam (1999) and Tefera (1987). However, areas north and east of
Bure map sheet, i.e., Bahir Dar and Debre Markos map sheets, respectively have no
ground controlled geological map so far.

Table1. Mapping teams and subsheet layout of the Bure map sheet.
o
11 N

A B C D E F

G H J K L M

N O P Q R S

T U V W X Y
10oN
o o
36 00’E 37 30’E

Subsheets mapped Mapping geologists

A, G Aweke N. and Daniel M. + Lulu, T.,
Tarekegne T.
B, H & east part of J Getahun S. and Workineh H.
N, T, O Tadesse Y. and Fekadu H.+ Lulu, T.
C, D, E Solomon, G., Tewodros, N. & Solome M.
F, L, M. Tesfaye D. & Endashaw H.
S, Y Mulugeta H/M & Ilfiyos T.
North-Q, west-J, K Tadesse A. & Tagel L.
W, south-Q Ferede C. + Lulu T. and Endashaw H.
U, V Tewodros N., Alemayehu W., Gashawbeza
M., and Matebe M.
R, X Alemayehu W. and Asaye W.

12
 11

Legend
< 1500 m

1500 - 2500 m

> 2500 m

10 N 37o3 0'
36o0 0 E

Figure 3. Sketch showing generalized physiographic map of the project area.

13
 A) Gumuz women on their way
to collect crops.

(A)

B) Partial view of the rugged terrain formed by the course of the

Abay river (Blue Nile)- gorge area. It is typically covered by
high-grade gneisses, migmatites and intrusive rocks.

Figure 4. Showing one of the inhabitants of the area (A) and the
conspicuous topographic feature of the Abay gorge (B).

14
 (B)

Figure 5. Sketch showing the reliability map of the area.

15
 2. Regional Geology

From the compiled geological map of Ethiopia which is published at 1:2,000,000 scale
one can note that, the western Ethiopia Precambrian rocks, in general, are comprised of
high-grade gneisses (ortho- and para-gneisses), schists, migmatites and low-grade
volcano-sedimentary mafic-ultramafic associations that are intruded by intrusive rocks of
variable composition (Kazmin, 1972; Tefera et al., 1996). The contact relationship
between these two major groups of rocks have been under controversy for the last three
or more decades.

In the basement rocks of Ethiopia, the mafic-ultramafic assemblages are confined in

narrow belts that trend generally north-south. These distinct assemblages of rocks outcrop
discontinuously for a long distance in the country and also continue beyond its borders
north and southwards.

The strongly deformed or sheared ultramafic rocks that extend in a linear zone from the
Omo river valley in the southwestern Ethiopia (Davidson, 1983) to Yubdo-Tulu Dimtu in
western Ethiopia to further northwards into the Barka area in Eritrea after disappearing
below Tertiary volcanics in northwest Ethiopia have been interpreted as possible
ophiolites for the first time by Kazmin (1976). Later on, very regional works that have
been carried out on the Precambrian basement rocks of Ethiopia have shown the presence
of ophiolite belts and have correlated them with similar types of rocks in the Arabian-
Nubian Shield (ANS) in the north and the Mozambique Belt (MB) in the south (Kazmin
et al., 1978; Davidson, 1983; DeWit and Chewaka, 1981; Berhe, 1990; Abdelsalam and
Stern, 1996).

Ophiolite belts are believed to represent closed ocean basins (or are cites of suture zones).
Consequently, the western Ethiopia ophiolite belt (Tulu Dimtu belt) where the low-grade
rocks of the Bure map sheet are a part have been interpreted to be remnants of the
Mozambique Ocean or back arc basins within this major ocean (Abdelsalam and Stern,
1996; Johnson et al., 2004; Tadesse and Allen, 2005). These models explain the
geological evolution of the western Ethiopia basement rocks (where the Bure map sheet

16
is an integral part) in terms of a complete Wilson Cycle process - plate tectonic process-
with the opening and closing of ancient ocean basin. However, it is important to note that
complete or convincing ophiolite sequences that represent slices of obducted oceanic
crust and mantle (i.e., fragments of true Mid-Ocean Ridges like the Semail Ophiolite in
Oman) were not reported in the western Ethiopia basement rocks so far. Nor was any true
MORB geochemical signature of an ophiolite assemblage.

However, alternative models were forwarded by Abraham (1989) and recently by

Mogessie et al. (2000), Braathen et al. (2001) and Grenne et al. (2003). According to
these recent workers, the mafic-ultramafic bodies in the western Ethiopia basement rocks
were originally emplaced as solitary intrusions through deep-seated faults with out the
development of true oceanic crust contrary to the above model. It is important to note that
these two workers have carried out on a small area (on Yubdo ultramafic body by
Mogessie et al., 2000 and on the Baruda-Kilaj area by Braathen et al, 2001) compared to
the above very regional works. In the compiled geology of Gimbi map sheet Alemu and
Abebe (2000) argue that the presence of low angle thrust faults and the serpentinized
ultramafics in synform suggest that the Tulu Dimitu Belt is a westward transported
allochton not a suture contrary to the above model.

It is also important to observe that the continuity and contemporaneity of the Yubdo-Tulu
Dimtu ophiolite belt (where the Bure map sheet low-grade rocks are a part) to the north
into Sudan and Saudi Arabia and to the south in Kenya have been confirmed earlier (e.g.,
Schakleton, 1986; Berhe, 1990; Stern, 1994; Abdelsalam and Stern, 1996). Therefore, the
above two group of alternative models (i.e., plate tectonics vs. ensialic basin models)
forwarded indicate that the relationship between the two major group of Precambrian
basement rocks, i.e., the high-grade gneisses and the low-grade volcano-sedimentary
mafic-ultramafic associations, in west Ethiopia in general and in Bure map sheet in
particular have not been conclusively resolved yet. Recent studies in southeast Ethiopia
have found that low-grade mafic-ultramafic sedimentary association (the Bulbul belt)
similar to the Tulu Dimitu-Yubdo belt of west Ethiopia have been rotated in anti-
clockwise direction following oblique collision between the mafic-ultramafic belt and the

17
adjacent high-grade gneisses that occur to the west of the Bulbul belt (Tsige and
Abdelsalam, 2005; Abdelsalam et al., 2008).
It is interesting to mention here that the occurrence of ultramafic lavas within the
overlying succession around the Tulu Dimtu Dome has been reported and geochemically
confirmed by Warden et al. (1982). However, high-Mg ultramafic lavas or Komatites are
more characteristics of Archean ultramafic-greenstone associations. Therfore, the
presence of these ‘ultramafic lavas’ in the Tulu Dimtu Belt of the west Ethiopia
Precambrian Terrain, which is of Upper Proterozoic age (Ayalew et al., 1990; Johnson et
al., 2004; Kebede et al., 2001a), is an interesting task for further investigation of the
geodynamic evolution of the region.

At the end of Precambrian (or beginning of Paleozoic) time uplift occurred followed by a
long period of peneplanation. Hence, in Ethiopia during the Early Paleozoic time the
large part of the area covered by the Precambrian basement rocks is denuded.
Consequently, the country began its sedimentary history in Late Paleozoic time
(Ordovician?) with the deposition of the continental sediments in north-south and
northeast-northwest trending troughs (or sedimentary basins). The extent of the Late
Paleozoic – Early Mesozoic sedimentation in the Bure map sheet is revealed by the
presence of mainly continental units and by the absence of Marine sedimentation (or
Hamaneli Formation).

The main features of the Cenozoic volcanic geology of NW Ethiopia which includes the
Bure map sheet are illustrated in Kazmin (1979, 1972) and Tefera et al. (1996). As
indicated in the compiled geological map, volcanism in the area began in Eocene time
with the outpouring of fissural flood basalts of the Ashange Formation and ended with
the eruption of alkaline basalts and trachytes along the preexisting structures. These
groups of rocks are not dated, however, based on the preservation of untouched volcanic
features (or geomorphic features) such as prominent cinder cones and craters in a region
of heavy rainfall and perennial streams suggest a recent age (Quaternary) for these
volcanic rocks. Although the age of the Ashange Formation in the type locality is
disputed, the oldest reported age is 54 Ma (Kazmin, 1979).

18
In northwest Ethiopia extensive fracturing (or faulting) that occurred in early Cenozoic
time is believed to be accompanied by wide spread volcanic activity. It seems that a
consensus have been reached on the hypothesis that the flood basalt province of Ethiopia
was formed subsequent to the formation of the Afro-Arabian dome which itself is related
to the Afar Plume (Mohr, 1963; Tefera et al., 1996; and references in Berhe, 1987).
However, discrepancies exist in the detailed evolutionary models- i.e., in the formation of
domal uplifts and development of volcanic fields.

19
 3. Lithology
Introduction

The geological units that cover the project area belong to the following three major
categories: i) the Precambrian basement, ii) the Paleozoic - Mesozoic sediments, and iii)
the Cenozoic Volcanic rocks. These groups of rocks are separated from one another by
major unconformities. The distribution of these major geological units is shown in the
1:250,000 scale geological map (in the enclosure) and in the Figure 6 which shows the
simplified geological map of the area. The following description gives a brief account on
the geology (i.e., rock type description including mineralogy and texture, nature of
contact relationships, their thickness, etc.) of the map sheet that is covered by the above
three major lithological units but without any geochemical and geochrnological works.

3.1. Precambrian basement rocks

The Precambrian basement rocks in the Bure map sheet mainly cover the western and the
south central part of the area and along the Abay River Canyon (Figure 6). In the project
area tentatively two domains with distinct lithologies and structural and metamorphic
histories have been identified. These are from the Shar Domain in the west and the Dura
Domain in the east (see enclosed map and Fig.6). These two domains are juxtaposed at
the Menta Wuha-Suken Shear Zone. Intrusive rocks intrude these belts.

3.1.1. High grade metamorphic rocks (Dura Domain)

This domain is a very wide belt relative to the low-grade Shar domain and is mainly
exposed along the Abay (Blue Nile) river gorge. The Dura domain is named after the
river in the area covered by the high-grade rocks just east of the Menta Wuha-Suken
Shear Zone. It is dominantly made of high-grade rocks comprising gneisses, migmatites
and amphibolites.

20
3..1.1.1. Amphibolite (Pam)

The amphibolite unit outcrops mainly in the west central part of the area just east of the
Menta Wuha –Suken Shear Zone or east of the Dura river. The Pam extends from about 5
kilometers east of Menta Wuha town in the north to about 10 kms east and southeast of
Korka village (in the north east part of T subsheet). Good exposures of the amphibolite
are mainly encountered along the traverse routes of Aykel stream (on the topo map Dawi
stream) and its junction with the Dura river in B & H subsheets. Here the amphibolite is
well exposed in relatively small sheet like outcrop pattern. Outcrops of the unit Pam
outside stream sections occurs in a relatively low-lying areas and plain topography (in
subsheets N & O) usually in a patchy manner or in randomly oriented boulders and
fragments.

The amphibolite is mostly found as slightly massive and hard rock to foliated, medium to
coarse grained unit. It is dark grey in fresh outcrop and strongly deformed (well
schistosed) close to its western contact with the metasediments along the major shear
zone. Away from the shear zone towards the east it progressively becomes coarse grained
and somewhat massive rock. The foliation is NNE- trending in its northern part and N-S
in its central part and to NNW- trending in its southern part of the Pam. At places, it
contains thin quartz veinlets that are strongly deformed and close to the contact with the
intrusive rocks (Pgt2 & Pdt) and the gneisses (Pgtgn), it is intruded by the pegmatite
veins.

In thin section, the amphibolite is mainly composed of 67 % hornblende, 30 %

plagioclase, 2 % sphene and < 1 % quartz. Traces of chlorite and opaque minerals also
occur. Prograde alteration of hornblende minerals to pyroxene, rare alteration
(retrogressive) of amphiboles to chlorite and exsolution of plagioclase are noted. It is a
medium grained foliated rock. The foliation is defined by alignment of hornblende and
stretching of plagioclase minerals.

Within this unit minor outcrops of metasediments (marble, quartzite and phyllites) and
gabbroic to dioritic rocks have been found that are unmappable independently at the scale
of mapping. These minor metasediments are strongly deformed and are commonly found

21
as tectonically interleaved with the Pam rocks along the western contact of the
amphibolite with the metasediments. The gabbroic to dioritic intrusive rocks are
commonly encountered on its eastern contact with the gneisses and intrusive units of
Pgtgn and Pgt2.

3.1.1.2. Granitic gneiss (Pgtgn)

The granitic gneiss occurs in the east central, southwest and southeast part of the map
sheet. It is generally exposed in a relatively low-lying and rugged topography along the
Abay (Blue Nile) river gorge (in SW & SE part) and its tributary Dura river in the east
central part of the area. The unit Pgtgn has unconformity contact relations with the
phanerozoic rocks of Paleozoic and Mesozoic sediments (Plst, Msst) and Tertiary
volcanics (Tlb). As there is no significant compositional variation with the adjacent rocks
of Pdt, Pmggn and Pgt3 the contact is mostly not distinct but is gradational.

The granitic gneiss is well foliated and at some places it is mylonitized (in the SE corner
of the area) due to the occurrence of minor shear zones. The unit Pgtgn mainly consists of
granitic gneiss and minor or subordinate occurrences of tonalitic and biotite gneisses. The
granitic gneiss is commonly pinkish on fresh outcrop, medium to coarse grained (rarely
fine-grained varieties occur when it is strongly deformed or sheared) and gneissosed
rock. It is generally homogeneous both texturally and mineralogically. It is intruded by
pegmatite veins that show different sizes and generations (deformed and undeformed
ones).

In thin sections, the rock is medium to coarse grained and mainly composed of k-feldspar
(up to 43 %), quartz (up to 38 %), plagioclase (up to 15 %), biotite (up to 3 %) and
opaques about 1 %. Apatite, sphene, and zircon occur as accessory minerals. Alteration
of biotite to traces of chlorite and muscovite is observed. Sericitization of feldspars is
also common. The foliation is defined by elongation of quartz and feldspars and when
occurs by alignment of biotites. Most of the quartz grains show undulose extinction and
are unhedral. Granular and perthitic texture is common as well.

22
The biotite gneiss is mostly weathered and outcrops in a patchy manner. The rock shows
segregation of biotite and felsic (quartz and feldspars) minerals. In thin section it is
mainly composed of quartz (45 %), biotite (30 %), plagioclase (14 %), k-feldspar (10 %)
and traces of pyroxenes (hypersthene), calcite and opaque minerals. Quartz grains are
anhedral and show wavy extinction and sometimes are elongated or stretched parallel to
the foliation. Alteration of both feldspars to sericites and biotite and plagioclase to
epidote is observed.

The tonalitic gneiss is observed interlayered with the granitic gneiss rocks. It is well
foliated rock. Megascopically, it is mainly composed of plagioclase, quartz, k-feldspars,
biotite and minor amphiboles. There is no good representative sample for thin section
description of this rock.

3.1.1.3. Undifferentiated gneiss (Pugn)

The undifferentiated gneisses (unit Pugn) is exposed in the south central part of the map
sheet between the unit Pmggn in a north-south trending relatively moderately wide zone.
Its contact with the unit Pmggn is grdational (mainly placed where the migmatitic
structures are not dominant or absent). The unit Pugn mainly consists of various
interlayered gneisses and schists with subordinate intrusives, ultramafics and
metasedimentary rocks. The gneises include quartzofeldspathic gneisses (mainly granitic
gneiss or ortho-gneiss), biotite- and hornblende- gneiss. The schists are aluminum
silicates (Al2SiO5) bearing high-grade para-schists. The gneisses are more dominant in
abundance than the para-schists in the unit Pugn.

The granitic gneiss is the most dominant rock in the unit Pmggn. It varies in composition
from granitic to tonalitic but the granitic composition is the most dominant one. The
granitic gneiss is pinkish to gray, medium to coarse grained and gneissosed rock.
Outcrops of this rock unit are mostly found as large jointed blocks to boulder like
appearance. At places it shows clear segregation banding of mafic and felsic minerals.
The granitic gneiss, in some places, shows migmatization of both insitu and injection
types.

23
Biotite-hornblende gneiss is light gray to gray sometimes dark gray, medium grained
moderately to strongly gneissosed rock. It is mostly exposed or encountered at river
sections. The gneissosity of the rock is defined by segregation of mafic (hornblende and
biotite, rarely pyroxenes) and felsic (consisting of quartz and both feldspars) minerals.
In thin section, (TL-123B) the rock is composed of 56 % hornblende, 25 % plagioclase, 8
% k-feldspar and 6 % quartz with subordinate minerals of biotite, sphene and opaques
constituting upto 5 % by volume. In sample TL-195, the gneiss is composed of about 40
% plagioclase, 30 % hornblende, 25 % pyroxene (diopside) and subordinate amounts of
k-feldspar, sphene and opaques (~ 5 %). The rock exhibits granoblastic texture. In some
places like Siro Doro and north and east of Siro Doro locality in subsheet W and in the
lower course of Zingini river in Q subshet, the granitic gneiss is strongly deformed and
very fine grained (mylonitic to ultramylonitic pinkish rock).

The para schists within the unit Pugn occur as thin layers or silvers within the gneisses.
Their relationship and mode of occurrence is not well clear (i.e., whether they were the
host rocks that gave rise to the high-grade gneisses and migmatites through granitization
or someother mechanism is not clear). They are observed around the western contact of
the unit Pugn wit the Pmggn along the banks of the Aleltu river forming a small hill in
the western margin of the W subsheet and along an E – W traverse between the lower
course of Zingini river and Mabil village in Q (Gomer) subsheet. Lithologically, it is
represented by Alluminium silicates (Kyanite, sillimanite) bearing quartz mica schist.
The para schist is very light to silvery gray in color, medium grained and schistosed rock.
At localities described above, the para schist is found as jointed blocks occupying or
forming a small hill and intercalated or sandwhiched between the strongly deformed
granitic gneiss (granitic mylonites). The exposed thickness of the schists is not more than
100 m thick.

In thin section (TL-72), is composed of 60 % quartz, 30 % kyanite, 4 %

sericite/muscovite, ~3 % k-feldspar, 2 % plagioclase and subordinate minerals include
sillimanite and opaques constituting ~1 %. It is medium grained well schistosed rock and
the foliation is formed by the strong alignment of kyanite and quartz crystals that form
the pervasive regional foliation of the rock. Both prograde and retrograde alteration of

24
kyanite to sillimanite and sericite/muscovite, respectively are common occurrences. In
another sample (TL-72) this rock is folded (i.e., the pervasive or main foliation of the
rock is folded).

In a stream section about 2 km north of Siro Doro village in subsheet W, interlayered

metasedimentary rocks of marble, quartzite and psammo-pelitic schists and graphite
schists reaching about 100 m exposed thickness have been encountered. The
metasediments are intruded by felsic veinlets (granitic or pegmatitic) and these veins are
folded, boudined and are aligned parallel to the foliation (N-trending and west dipping) of
the rocks. The pelitic schists show sulphide mineralization. In contrast to the alluminum
silicate bearing schists (kyanite/silimanite quartz mica schists) and the gneisses, these
metasediments occupy a subduded topography. As in the previous description, their
relation or occurrence with the high-grade rocks is not clear.

Within the unit Pugn rare occurrences of ultramafic rocks represented by chlorite-
tremolite schists with exposed thickness not more than 10 m (in the upper course of
Jombir stream in the NE part of W subsheet) and diorite and granite intrusive rocks are
observed.

3.1.1.4. Migmatitic gneiss (Pmggn)

The migmatitic gneiss is the most wide spread Precambrian rock unit in the Bure map
sheet (see enclosed map). It is exposed in the south central and south eastern part of the
area in a wide north-south trending zone and forms a rugged topography. The exposure
commonly forms either elongated ridges or sheet-like pattern at river sections. The
pmggn is moderately to well banded (up to 5 m band thickness) and consists of variably
interlayered units of mafic gneisses (represented by biotite-hornblende gneiss),
quartzofeldspathick gneiss (or ortho-gneiss: granitic to tonalitic gneiss) and minor
sillimanite and garnet bearing gneisses (para gneisses) and associated intrusive rocks
which occur commonly as cross cutting veins and dykes of pegmatites and aplites
ranging in composition from diorite to alkali feldspar granite. Good exposures of this
gneiss are found along the main road cut section from Agemsa to kuch close to the Abay
river bridge in the southeast part of the map sheet, Jangir and Kelo areas (subsheets U &

25
V) in the south and in Albasa area in subsheet O, west of the Abay river. The contact of
this unit with the intrusive rocks (Pgt2, Pdt and Pgt3), gneisses (Pgtgn) and amphibolites
(Pam) is mostly grdational and is placed where the other rock units become dominant. Its
contact with the unit Pgt1 in the southeast part is tectonic (Goch – Beko Abo Shear zone).
The Pmggn has unconformable contact with the phanerozoic rocks of Paleozoic –
Mesozoic sediments (Plst & Msst), Tertiary volcanics (Tlb) and Recent deposits (Qel)
and shows flat topped topography close to the contact with these units.

The migmatitic structures commonly identified in the unit Pmggn include: rafts (angular
paleosome preserved in leucosomes), contorted or folded structures, agmatites, stromatic
or layered migmatitic structures and networks of irregular elongate veins and pods of
felsic composition (or the neosome) which are injected into the fracture patterns of the
country rock (the paleosome- biotite-hornblende gneiss) with variable orientations. The
foliation in the layered structures (banded or metamorphic segregation) of the migmatitic
gneisses as observed in R subsheet about 1 km north of Abay river bridge along the Bure
– Nekemt road, greatly deviates from the generally N-trending regional foliation and is
gently dipping to the southeast (25o Æ 130o). Petrographic description of the major rock
units is as follows.

Mafic gneiss or biotite-hornblende gneiss: This rock unit is dark grey in fresh color and
greenish grey on weathered surfaces. It is medium to coarse grained with occasional fine
to augened varieties as observed along the contact Goch – Beko Abo Shear zone in the
SE part of the area. Metamorphic banding or segregation is common in this unit
represnted by the mafic minerals biotite and hornblende (paleosom) and the felsic
minerals (quartz and feldspar rich zones represent the neosome). From a representative
sample of this unit, it is composed of 29 % hornblende, 27 % quartz, 18 % plagioclase,
10 % biotite and 4 % epidote. Accessory minerals include muscovite, sphene and k-
feldspar (~2 %), chlorite (~1%) and trace amounts of apatite, garnet, zircon, pyroxenes
and opaques. Chlorite and epidote occur as alteration products of hornblende minerals.
Plagioclase shows alteration to sericites and clinozoisites. Foliation is defined by
alignment of hornblende and biotite and elongation of quartz and feldspars parallel to this
alignment.

26
Quartzofeldspathic gneiss: The quartzofeldspathic gneiss (or the ortho-gneiss) is
tonalitic to granitic in composition. It usually occurs forming resistant hills or strongly
deformed lenses, minor intercalations or as pods with variable size within the mafic
gneisses or biotite-hornblende gneiss. The quartzofeldspathic gneiss is generally pinkish
gray to light gray and medium to coarse grained rock moderately to well foliated. Close
to high strain zones (Goch Beko Abo Shear zone) the quartzo feldspathic gneiss becomes
mylonitic to ultramylonitic rock consisting of quartz and feldspar ribbons with mica or
sericite. Petrographically, it is composed of 52 % quartz, 20 % plagioclase, 18 % k-
feldspar, 4 % biotite, 4 % opaques and accessory minerals include sericites, muscovite,
apatite, epidote and chlorite. Metasedimentary gneiss that are unmappable separately
have been found within the unit Pmggn east of Jewej area northwest corner of subsheet
X. It is composed of 30 % muscovite, 29 % quartz, 15 % sillimanite, 14 % garnet, 8 %
plagioclase, 5 % biotite, 5 % opaque and accessory and secondary minerals include
chlorite and epidote (up to 4 %). The garnets show alteration to chlorite.

3.1.2. Low grade metamorphic rocks (Shar Domain)

The Shar Domain is dominated by a variety of metasediments, ultramafics and

metavolcanic rocks and relatively forms a subdued topography (Fig. 7). It is named after
the relatively big river which crosses the area covered by the metasedimentary and
volcanic rocks in the northwestern part of the map sheet (see the enclosed map). The
metasediments comprise psammo-pelitic schist, graphite schist, quartzite, graphitic
quartzite, chert, marble and phylites. Ultramafic rocks are strongly associated with these
metasediments. The ultramafic rocks are comprised mainly of talc-tremolite schists,
Ganzi mélange, chlorite schists and pyroxenites. Basic metavolcanics occur mainly as
amphibole schists that are commonly associated with the marble rocks and are not
extensively exposed as the metasediments. Granitic and tonalitic intrusive rocks intrude
this domain.

27
 11 N

Volcanic rocks

Legend

Lakes
Quaternary
Tertiary
Soil cover Mesozoic
Paleozoic
Precambrian

Abay river

Metamorphic rocks

Sedimetary rocks

10 N
36 00 E 37 30' E
Figure 6. Generalized geological map of Bure map sheet.

28
 3.1.2.1. Quartzite (Pq)

Mappable quartzite unit in the map area occurs in a generally NE – SW trending narrow
zone or strip northeast and southwest of Menta Wuha village in subsheets B & H and as
small lenses in N subsheet in the western part of the area. Good exposures of this unit are
encountered in two main sections: one along the Menta Wuha river section and the other
along the Dawi river section (both streams drain to the Dura river in east-west direction)
in B (Dibati) subshet. They usually form small hills and less commonly a flat or subdued
topoghraphy. The quartzite is exposed as scattered broken fragments. It shows foliation
parallel to bedding or layering. It usually occurs in two varieties: one type is light
brownish to white in color and fine- to medium grained sugary textured quartzite. This
type is well exposed along the Dawi river section south of Nech Dingay in Dibati (B)
subsheet area. The other type is a coarse grained, glassy and smoky quartzite exposed in
small jointed blocks. This variety shows dark to brownish surfaces (due to limonitization)
that are now left as voids. It also contains thin layers of graphite and is well exposed
along the east-west draining Menta Wuha river about 2 km southeast of Menta Wuha
village. Both varieties of quartzites are strongly deformed and lineated especially the
quartzite southeast of Menta Wuha village is brecciated and looks like a quartz vein. This
could be due to a later introduction of additional silica from other sources along the
Menta Wuha Shear zone there by modifying the primary characteristics of the quartzite
rock. This variety of quartzite is also common west of Chagni town and few kilometers
northeast of Menta Wuha village. Ferugenous quartzite is occassionally encountered
giving the rock dark and brownish appearance and massive and hard features. In thin
section, it is mainly composed of quartz (> 90 %) and variable amounts of subordinate
minerals including muscovite, garnet (spessartine- Mn rich garnet), opaques (graphite and
magnetite/hematite) minerals constituting usually < 10 %.

3.1.2.2. Marble (Pm)

The marble outcrops in the western part of the map sheet within the low-grade rocks
domain (Shar Domain) in a narrow generally N – S trending zones that are not more than
2 km wide and extend discontinuously for about 60 km along strike length. The marble

29
unit is well exposed in localities such as west of Emanji ridge, south of Mora village and
Bapuri areas (in G or Bulen subsheet), along the strike length of the Gongo ridge in
subsheet N (or Galesa) and in subsheet B (Dibati areas) at Nech Dingay, Sas and Angtock
areas. Good exposures of this marble are especially encountered along the Dawi river
section (E-W draining river in B subsheet which is about 4 km east of Dibati town) and in
the western margin of the Bure map sheet south and west of Mora village and along the
Gongo ridge chain.

The marble has varied color ranging from white to light gray, rarely dark and medium to
coarse grained in texture. The white marble is the most common variety. Massive, banded
(color bands of dark because of graphite content and light bands as well as strongly
deformed (well foliated and fractured) varieties occur (Fig. 7A). The massive type in
most cases occurs as big jointed blocks and isolated mass with no well defined trend or
orientation. In the banded variety, the thickness of individual beds reaches from a few
mili metres to about 5 cm thick. Whereas, the strongly deformed and foliated type forms
short and narrow stretched ridges and fractured blocks especially in areas west of Emanji
and south of Mora village in the west part of the map sheet. The contact of the marble
with the adjacent crystalline rock units of Pam and Pgt2 is marked by high strain zones.
Its contact with the amphibolite (unit Pam) is tectonic along the Menta Wuha – Suken
Shear zone. Along this contact zone, the amphibolite rock inclusions with different size
and shape (such as boudined amphibolites, boulder like blocks & rock fragments) that
show sharp contacts and are angular occur as tectonic inclusions or mixed rocks within
the marble. Its contact with the late- to post-tectonic granite (Pgt2) is strongly deformed
and intercalations of both units are not uncommon and the marble is found as mega
xenoliths (like Emanji areas in G subsheet) within these intrusive rocks.

The marble (Pm) rock unit is mostly calcite marble but dolomite bearing varieties have
been encountered along the Gongo ridge in the western part of the area. At places, mafic
dykes that are dark green in color and texturally fine-grained intrude the marble rocks.
The Pm along the western margin of the area is commonly intruded by granitic and
pegmatite veins and also contains thin quartz veinlets. In thin section, the rock is
composed of ~90 % calcite and ~6 % quartz minerals and trace amounts of plagioclase,

30
muscovite, biotite, epidote and opaque (graphite) minerals constitute ~2 % of the marble.
Similar marble rock units have been mapped in the Kurmuk Assosa map sheet (Tefera,
1987) just west of the Bure map sheet and have reported the occurrences of
metasedimentary clasts within the marble. Along the Gongo rdge south of Mora village
the marble shows sulphide mineralization and geochemical analysis of samples from this
rock gave good values of associated gold mineralization (Assefa G., Midroc – Gold,
personal communication).

3.1.2.3. Undifferentiated metasediments (Pums)

The undifferentiated metasediments unit (Pums) occupies the central west and northwest
part of the mapsheet few kms west of the Menta Wuha - Suken shear zone and are
elongated in a narrow strip for about 50 km strike length. There are two major
occurrences of this unit: one is about 2 km south of Menta Wuha and the other strip
extends just west and south of Berber village in subsheets B, G, H and N. These two
occurrences are separated from along strike continuity by the Tertiary volcanic rocks
(lower basalt- unit Tlb) that cover Parzeit ridge and north of Berber areas.

The metasediments are schistosed and foliation generally trends NNE and dips steeply
(~70o) to the east and southeast. They are also well lineated close to the Menta Wuha -
Suken shear zone. Pelitic schists or phyllites, marble, graphite schists and quartzite are
the major rock types that constitute the unit Pums. Rarely mafic rocks or green schists are
interlayered with these undifferentiated measedimentary rocks. Good exposures of the
unit Pums are found in two stream sections that flow generally in east – west direction.
The first one is along the Werabu stream section- located in the southern part of subsheet
G and the second one is along the Bedesa (or Werari) river section which is a tributary of
Aykawo river located in the eastern part of subsheet G.

The contact of the unit Pums with the amphibolite (Pam) unit along its eastern boundary
is tectonic (the Menta Wuha – Suken Shear zone). Along this shear zone strongly
deformed amphibolite blocks are found within the metasediments. The amphibolite
blocks have sharp contact and mostly occur as lenses, boudins and brecciated blocks
within the undifferentiated metasediments (i.e., tectonic mixing of adjacent lithologies).

31
Around its contact with the intrusive rocks of units Pdt and Pgt1, the undifferentiated
metasediments are intruded by granitic veinlets that are both deformed and undeformed.
The metasediments are frequently interlayered or bedded with each other usually on tens
to hundreds of meteres thick and that is the basic criteria to map them as a separate unit
from the other similar rock units (like the unit Pmsv) within the Shar domain. When
approaching the eastern margin of the unit, discontinous folded layers of marble within
the quartzite and quartzite within marble (tectonic mixing of lithologies) are common
features.

3.1.2.4. Undifferentiated metasediments and metavolcanics (Pmsv)

This unit is exposed in the northwest part of the map sheet in a north – south trending
relatively broad zone compared to the other low-grade units. It extends from the northern
margin of the northwest part of the map sheet (north of Defli area in Shar or A subsheet)
southwards few kms north of Bulen town. The Shar river crosses this unit in a north-
south and northwest-southeast direction and hence the domain (Shar Domain) is given for
the low-grade rocks of the area. Good exposures of the unit Pmsv are found along stream
sections that drain to Shar river and along Shar river itself. The unit Pmsv extends outside
the map area northwards and its southward continuation as a separately mappable unit is
disrupted and/or truncated by the Tertiary volcanics cover and by the voluminous late- to
post-tectonic intrusions (units Pgt2 and Pdt). The western contact of this unit with the
metavolcanics (Pmv) and the late- to post-tectonic granite is tectonic (shear contact).
Post-tectonic granites (Pgt3) have intruded this unit. The Pmsv shows disseminated
sulphide mineralization along the joint planes. The unit Pmsv consists of interbedded
metasediments including quartz-sericite schists or phyllites, graphite schists, marble,
quartzite and mafic (or green) schist rocks.

The sericite-quartz schsist or quartz-sericite schist or phyllite is the most dominant rock
unit in the unit Pmsv. Good exposures of this unit occur along the Aware ridge chain (~2
km north of Bulen town). It is light brownish to silvery gray in color, fine to medium
grained well schistosed rock. Primary sedimentary layering is preserved. The layering is
compositional defined by quartz and feldspar – rich and mica (sericite and rarely biotite)

32
and graphite –rich (grayish to dark) layers (Fig. 7B). The foliation of the rocks is parallel
to bedding. The sericite schist is exposed in small jointed blocks especially at Aware
ridge chain exposure. It is commonly intruded by quartz veins and veinlets (up to 1 m
thick) and pegmatite veins that are both deformed (folded and boudined) and
undeformed. Around Benosch area (~2 km west of Zigih village) the quartz veins show a
fracture pattern which is orthogonal to the foliation of the rocks. Intercalation of this rock
unit with thin graphite schists, quartzites and mafic schists is not uncommon. In thin
section, the average composition of this rock unit is 57 % quartz, 29 % sericite, 10 %
biotite, 2 % plagioclase and trace amounts of k-feldspar, chlorite, calcite, garnet and
opaque minerals. However, the quartz and sericite concentration varies (quartz sometimes
less than sericites in volume percentage) depending up on the sample. Quartz crystals are
anhedral, sometimes stretched and commonly show undulose extinction. In samples taken
from close to the shear zone, the micas anasthomose around ball shaped boudins of
quartz and rarely garnet porphyroblasts. Sigmoidal foliations and crenulations are also
common in some of the thin sections. Alterations of sericite to clay minerals and biotite
to chlorite have been observed.

The marble is usually found as patches (not extending in strike and thickness)
intercalating with the the quartz-sericite schist. It forms or occupies a flat or gentle
topography. It is white to grayish, medium to coarse grained deformed marble. It is
dominantly composed of calcite (calcite marble).

The quartzite is usually found as a minor intercalating unit within the sericite-quartz
schist and marble and rarely found as fragments covering very small hills. It is medium
grained, somewhat black compact and hard rock. It is composed of > 94 % quartz and
subordinate minerals include graphite, sericite, biotite and feldspars.

The graphite schist is very minor rock unit within Pmsv and when it occurs mostly forms
discontinous layer within the unit Pmsv. It is found in cm to meter scale thickness
interbedded with the other metasedimentary rocks. It is dark and soft.

33
The mafic schist (or green schist) is dark green in color, fine grained and schistosed rock.
Megascopically it is composed of green minerals (actinolite and chlorite) and felsic
minerals of quartz and plagioclase (albite ?). At some places, it occurs as a chlorite schist
rock. It is strongly deformed (schistosed and crenulated) rock. It is intruded by pegmatite
veins that are also deformed. This mafic or green schist commonly occurs as a thin
(usually not more than hundreds of metres thick) intercalated or layered unit with the
metasediments specially around Mangud stream section (few kilometers north of Dibati
town) and Aware ridge north of Bulen town.

3.1.2.5. Metavolcanics (Pmv)

The metavolcanics are found mainly in the northeast corner and the western part of the
area and north of Dibati town as narrow but elongated strips. It usually forms a subdued
topography and is well exposed in stream sections. In the northwest part of the area the
Pmv has a tectonic (shear zone) contact with the adjacent units of Pmsv and Pgt2 (Figure
7C). It is also intruded by syn- to post-tectonic granite intrusive rocks (units Pgt1, Pgt2
and pgt3). The metavolcanics has a patchy or frgmental to a somewhat boulder-like
occurrence in its outcrop pattern.

The unit Pmv mainly consists of amphibole schists. However, rare occurrences of minor
discontinous beds of metasediments and frequent interlayering of intrusive especially in
the northwest corner of the area along the Shar river course and in the western part of the
map sheet along the Gongo ridge are observed. The intercalations of the metasediments
are observed along the contact of the Pmv with the undifferentiated metasediments and
metavolcanics unit (Pmsv) around the Geses area adjoing the boundary between
subsheets A and G.

The unit Pmv is identified in the field as amphibole shist or mafic schist and is usually
fine grained and dark green in relatively fresh outcrop and weathers to a somewhat
yellowish-green rock. Very thin (milimetre scale thick) layers of epidote and quartz
veinlets have been found within the amphibole schist. At some places, the epidotized
amphibole schist show disseminated sulphide mineralizations and strong silicification of

34
the unit (appears a quartzite). In thin section, the rock is composed of 70 % actinolitic
hornblende, 12 % plagioclase (albite), 4 % quartz, 2 % calcite, 3 % chlorite, opaque (~ 3
%) and subordinate minerals include epidote, sphene and rarely garnet. The schistosity is
defined by alignment of amphiboles and stretched feldspars and quartz crystalls. Some of
the opaques are elongated parallel to the schsitosity of the rock. Amphiboles show
alteration to chlorite, epidote and calcite minerals. Quartz veinlets parallel to the foliation
are rarely observed. Actinolite and albite sometimes occur as broad porphyroblasts
within the common fine grained matrix. This and their relatively extensive occurrence
within the low-grade rocks domain (Shar Domain) together with the presence of sphene
(up to 2 %) may suggest volcanic origin to these mafic schsits.

3.1.2.6. Ultramafic rocks (Pum)

The ultramafic rock unit (Pum) occurs as very thin, short and discontinous lenses that are
concordant with the regional foliation of the country rocks in the west central part of the
map sheet (Galesa or N subsheet). The major occurrence of this unit is found just north of
Korka village along the dry weather road between Galesa and Korka villages forming the
Dimtu ridge. The unit Pum mainly occurs associated with the metasediments and
metavolcanics of the Shar domain. Separately unmappable layers of these ultramafic
rocks are also found within the metasediments and volcanic rock units of the low-grade
belt. The unit Pum show variations from place to place and are mainly composed of
serpentinite and talc schists.

Serpentinite is exposed north of korka village at dimitu ridge and is light to dark and
greenish gray, massive rock. The hill covered by the serpentinite is devoid of vegetation
and shows somewhat grayish-white colored soil and light-brown weathered rock
fragments. In thin section, it is mainly composed of > 90 % serpentine (fibrous variety)
and ~6 % opaques (chromite? and magnetite). Accessory minerals include quartz (mostly
as a network of quartz veinlets), olivine, pyroxene, carbonates, talc, chlorite and reddish-
brown Fe-oxides. Foliation in the serpentinite is not distinct but occurs as a north – south
trending fracture cleavage of the jointed rock. Serpentinite seems to constitute the core of
the ultramafic body. Towards its margins, at Dimitu ridge, talc and amphibole schists are

35
exposed associated with the serpentinite. Silicified ultramafic or ‘Birbirite’ is also
encountered at the center of the serpentinite body at Dimtu ridge. It is reddish to buff
brown in color and shows characteristic box-work structures that have resulted from
silica replacement and limonitization (alteration products) of the ultramafic body.
Locally, the secondary silica or chalcedony is so extensive (from intensive silicification)
that its fragments cover a large part of the serpentinite and the rock becomes hard. In thin
section, it contains > 85 % quartz that crystallized as cavity fillings and 10 % opaques
and occasionally clay minerals that reach up to 5 %.

Talc schist is commonly associated with the metavolcano-sediments and along the
margins of the serpentinite at Dimitu ridge. It comprises associations or varieties of talc
and talc-tremolite-chlorite schists. They are commonly silvery gray to grayish green in
color and have soapy (soft and smooth) surfaces and are well schistosed rocks. In thin
section, the talc schists are mainly composed of up to 90 % talc, up to 5 % opaques and
subordinate minerals including serpentine and amphiboles. Some samples of the talc
schist show much higher concentrations of chlorite and tremolite.

3.1.2.7. Ganzi mélange (Pgmg)

This unit occurs as a short lensoidal body trending NE-SW within the undifferentiated
metasedimentary and metavolcanic units along the main road between Zigih village and
Dibati town. Minor discontinous occurrences of the Ganzi mélange (Pgmg), also lensoid
inshape, are found on the east, west and south of this major outcrop within the Shar low-
grade rocks. The Ganzi mélange comprises the tectonically mixed rocks of ultramafics
(serpentinites, silicified serpentinites, pyroxenites and talc-schists) and metasediments
(which include marble, quartz-mica schists and graphite schists). In the Pgmg, the
ultramafic rocks are dominant over the metasediments. The unit is named after the Ganzi
hill (which is located about 2 km south of Zigih village) where this rock assemblage is
well exposed. Another good exposure of this unit is found at Bekar and Kulmegsi stream
sections (especially under the bridge) located about 2 and 4 km, respectively east of Zigih
village along the main road to Dibati town. These nice exposures of the unit Pgmg along
the stream sections show the truly chaotic appearance or mixing of the rocks in the

36
 (A) (B)

(C)

Gongo ridge (unit Pgt2) Bapuri ridge

Low-grade Mafic-ultramafic metasedimentary rocks

(D)

Figure 7. Field photos showing: (A) Banded marble, (B) cm-scale primary layering parallel to the schistosity in metasediments
(graphite-dark layer & pelitic layer is lighter color), (C) intercalation of the syn-tectonic granite (Pgt2) with the
metavolcanic (Pmv) along the shear zone contact and (D) view of the area covered by the low-grade Shar Domain rocks
(in the foregoround) and the ridge forming late-tectonic granite (Pgt2) (at the back ground)- photo taken ~1.5 km west of
Dibati town and looking west wards.

37
tectonic mélange. All the rocks in the mélange are strongly deformed or sheared and
chaotically (tectonically) mixed. The ultramafic rocks occur as tectonic inclusions within
the metasedimenatry and metavolcanic rocks and vice versa. Sometimes boudins of
quartzite and mafic schists are found within the marble rock in the mélange. The contact
of this unit with the unit Pmsv is tectonic.

3.1.3. Precambrian Intrusive rocks

The intrusive rocks in the map area cover relatively large part of the map sheet and are
found intruding both the low-grade and high-grade domain rocks. They occur in various
sizes and orientations ranging from almost circular (the post-tectonic intrusives of Pgt3)
to broadly elongated north-south trending zones in the western and southwestern parts of
the area (see the enclosed geological map). Compositionally, they range from granitic to
gabbroic rocks.

The Precambrian intrusive rocks in the Bure map sheet are grouped and mapped into
three distinct groups: 1) the syn-tectonic granites (unit Pgt1), 2) the late- to post-tectonic
granites (Pgt2), diorites (Pdt), granodiorites (Pgdt) and gabbro (Pgb) and 3) the post-
tectonic granites (Pgt3). This grouping is based mainly on their field characteristics (such
as contact relationships) and the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the intrusive
rocks. Xenoliths of rocks from the high-grade and low-grade domains occur within the
felsic intrusive. The contact of the intrusive rocks with the high-grade gneisses and with
the other intrusive rocks of different generation is mostly characterized by diffusive
nature (i.e., not distinct). The contact with the Shar Domain rocks is mostly characterized
by tectonic contact (shear zones) and by the occurrence of numerous pegmatite, granitic
and apilitic veins/dykes along the contact zones.

3.1.3.1. Syn-tectonic granite (Pgt1)

The syn-tectonic granite is exposed in the northwest and south central part of the map
area. It forms north-south trending ridges like Sasinba (in H subsheet), Sirba (in B
subsheet), Geses at the boundar between subsheets A & B and Abay kola ridge chains in
the south central (Q & R subsheets) and also isolated hills with commonly rugged

38
topography. It is usually exposed in big jointed blocks and rarely in sheet like outcrop
pattern and in small boulders or patches (especially when it occupies a low-lying and
plain topography) in Sirban (north of Dibati town). The contact of unit Pgt1 with the
Pmggn rock unit in the south central part is tectonic (shear zone contact).

The unit Pgt1 is deformed (folded at Geses) and gneissosed rock. The contact effect of
this rock unit with the Shar Domain rocks in the northwest part of the area is tremendous.
Along this contact zone, the low-grade rocks are characterized by abundant quartz,
pegmatite, granite and apilitic veins and dykes and have resulted in the occurrence of big
pink k-feldspar crystals in the country rocks due to the associated metasomatism
facilitated by the accompanying deformation. The Pgt1 contains xenoliths of mafic
schists (or metavolcanic rocks).

The Pgt1 is pink in fresh and weathers to grayish and medium to coarse grained rock. It is
leucocratic with color index commonly not more than about 10 %. In thin section, it is
mainly composed of 40 % quartz, 35 % k-feldspar and 15 % plagioclase. Accessory
minerals include sericite, epidote, zircon, apatite and opaque. Biotite when occurs reachs
up to 15 %. It is medium to coarse grained rock and shows granular texture. Feldspars
show slight sericitization and biotites when present show alignment.

3.1.3.2. Late- to post-tectonic granite (Pgt2), diorite (Pdt), granodiorite (Pgdt)

and gabbro (Pgb).

Late- to post-tectonic granite (Pgt2)

The Pgt2 is the most wide spread intrusive rock unit within the map area. It mainly
occurs in the western part but several small to moderate size of this unit are found
scattered within the Precambrian rocks of the area. One of the major exposures of the
Pgt2 is particularly extensive and is traced from Emanji ridge in the northwest
southwards to the Ekusaki and Gongo ridges in a broad N-S trending ridge chains. The
Pgt2 especially in the western part is strongly deformed at its margins (see Fig. 7C) and
progressively becomes massive towards the central part of the pluton. Along its contact
with the Shar domain low grade rocks, in the western part of the area, frequent
intercalations (tectonically interleaved) of adjacent units is common. This is mainly due

39
to its intrusive contact effect on the host rocks and the accompanying deformation or
shearing. It contains xenoliths of marble and metavolcanic rocks. At its margin, it is
strongly deformed or schisrtosed rock and at places becomes quartz sercite or biotite
schist. Otherwise it is massive towards its central part. Numerous deformed and
undeformed pegmatite veins intrude this unit. Towards its southern part in the southwest
part of the area, the Pgt2 is associated with the diorite (Pdt) and granodiorite (Pgdt) rocks
and their contact relationship is gradational. It contains mega xenoliths of the unit Pmggn
in Jewej area in R subsheet.

It is pinkish to pinkish gray, medium to coarse grained rock and shows variation in
composition and texture or fabric especially along its contact with adjacent lithologies.
Otherwise it is a homogeneous rock both texturally and compositionally. The average
composition of the rock is 45 % k-feldspar, 37 % quartz, 14 % plagioclase, 3 % biotite
and subordinate and accessory minerals including sericite/muscovite, epidote, sphene,
calcite, rarely zircon, apatite and garnet and opaques.

Late- to post-tectonic diorite (Pdt)

The Pdt is exposed in two major places in the southwest and south central part of the map
sheet intruding both the low-grade and high-grade rocks of the area. It is inhomogeneous
rock both compositionally and texturally. It is commonly massive to weakly deformed
but at places schistosed (looks like a biotite schist in the field) especially along shear
zones (such as along Suken stream and minor shear zones) and when it contains relatively
abundant biotite mineral. Texturally, it is commonly medium to very coarse grained but
at places (when deformed) becomes finer in grain size (schistosed to phyllonitic). It forms
ridges and is exposed as jointed blocks. The Pdt is intruded by pegmatite and apilitic
veins that reach up to 5 m thick. Compositionally, it shows variations from mafic
(hornblende and biotite rarely pyroxene) – rich diorite (grading to hornblende-gabbro) to
plagioclase – rich diorite. At Gurajo area south central part of the map sheet (in Q
subsheet) xenolith of a 3 m by 2 m large pelitic schist have been observed within the Pdt.
The Pdt is grayish in color commonly coarse grained and megascopically composed of
mainly hornblende and plagioclase minerals. In thin section it is mainly composed of 40

40
% hornblende, 25 % plagioclase, 5 % quartz, ~10 % k-feldspar and ~5 % biotite.
Pyroxene when occurs reachs up to 5% and accessory minerals include apatite, zircon,
chlorite and opaque.

Late- to post-tectonic granodiorite (Pgdt)

The Pgdt is exposed only at two locations in the southwest corner of the area within the
metavolcanic units and other intrusive rocks occupying a roughly north-south trending
outline. It is medium to coarse grained, weakly deformed and variably composed of 5-15
% hornblende, 10 - 25 % biotite, 20 - 35 % quartz, 16 - 20 % plagioclase, 16 - 25 % k-
feldspars and accessory minerals include sphene, apatite, zircon and opaque. Epidote,
carbonates, chlorite and sericite occur as alteration (secondary) minerals. The foliation is
defined by the weak to moderate alignment of hornblende and biotite minerals. Its contact
with the adjacent diorite (Pdt) is made on variations in composition. These two intrusive
rocks might belong to a single pluton or may have been emplaced contemporaneously.

Late- to post-tectonic gabbro (Pgb)

The gabbro rocks in the map area occur as small (usually hundreds of metres in diameter)
circular to elongated bodies scattered mainly in the southwest part of the map sheet (in N
and t subsheets) and show a crude alignment along strike. They form a small hill as well
as cover low-lying areas (stream beds). They are dark green, medium to coarse grained
and weakly deformed rock. They occur as a somewhat mega enclaves within the fairly
large diorite body (unit Pdt). In thin section, it shows 42 % plagioclase, 38 % hornblende,
8-10 % biotite, 4 % k-feldspar and subordinate minerals include pyroxene, carbonate,
quartz and opaques. Epidote, calcite, chlorite and sericite minerals mainly occur as
alteration (secondary minerals) products. It is commonly equigranular texture.

3.1.3.3. Post-tectonic granite (Pgt3)

The unit Pgt3 in the map area occurs in the northwest and southwest part of the area.
They have characteristically sub-circular outline and are massive or undeformed granitic
bodies. The post-tectonic granites form moderate to steep ridges and hills. They intrude

41
both the low-grade and high-grade rocks and mostly show a somewhat sharp contact with
the adjacent country rocks.

The Pgt3 are pinkish, massive (show no features associated with the regional deformation
of the Precambrian rocks) and coarse grained (locally very coarse grained or pegamtoidal
varieties have been observed) granites. They contain pods of mafic (metavolcanic)
xenoliths and are mainly composed of quartz and k-feldspar and minor mafic (biotite and
amphibole) minerals. Petrographically, it is composed of 37 % quartz, 34 % k-feldspar,
21 % plagioclase, 5 % biotite and subordinate minerals include muscovite/sericite,
epidote, chlorite, sphene, apatite, zircon and opaque. Hornblende is found in Pgt3 rocks
that intrude the metavolcanics (Pmv). Alteration of feldspars to sericite and biotite to
chlorite are noted. Perthitic and myrmekitic textures are also not uncommon. It is
granular rock.

3.2. Paleozoic - Mesozoic Sedimentary rocks

The Paleozoic and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks in Bure map sheet occur in the south and
southeastern part of the area unconformably overlain and underlain by the Precambrian
high-grade rocks and intrusives and the Tertiary volcanic rocks, respectively. They do not
outcrop within the area covered by the low-grade volcano-sedimentary ultramafic
association (or Shar Domain).

3.2.1. Paleozoic (glacial) sediments (Plst)

The Paleozoic sediments in the map area are exposed in narrow zones and discontinuous
small (short and narrow) bodies that have a generally north-south trend. They usually
occur as erosion remnant small hills capping the basement rocks and in narrow zones
forming sheet-like outcrop across stream and river courses (such as Dubuk, Welmel,
Angeleb and Abay rivers) as channel filling sediments. The thickness of the Paleozoic
sediments (Plst) in Bure map sheet increases as one goes from west to east in the map
area. West of the NE-SW trending Goch – Beko Abo Shear Zone, the Plst usually has a
thickness of few metres (a metre to 50 m) and the maximum thickness attained by the Plst
in this part of the map area is not more than 100 m and they do not contain limestone in

42
the section. However, the maximum total measured thickness of the Plst succession in the
map area is 200 m and that occurs at Chemoga river section in the southeastern part of
the area (Genet Abo- Y subshet). In the southeastern part, the occurrences of limestone
and shale layers in the section become relatively dominant together with the complete
absence of tillite beds in the section. The Paleozoic sediments locally show up to 25o
tilting to the southeast and a general decrease in grain size from west to east. Its contact
with the overlying Mesozoic sediments in the SE part of the area seems gradational,
whereas with the underlying and at places overlying basement and volcanic rocks,
respectively is unconformable.

The Plst succession is represented by interbeds of siltstone, tillite, sandstone, shale and
limestone with variable lateral extent and thickness shown by the individual beds. The
Plst shows rapid lateral facies changes within few (in metres) distances. The description
of a representative section east of Jewej area in subshet R (Fig. 8) is given in the
following description. The lowest part of the succession which is 85 m thick mainly
comprises siltstones with thin limestone alternations. A 50 m thick, yellowish,
moderately bedded siltstone at lower part and a 33 m thick, laminated, light gray siltstone
with interbeds of greenish shale. The shale horizons become dominant at the upper part
of the lower sub-section. The two siltstone layers are separated by a 2 m thick, fine
grained unfossiliferous gray limestone unit.

The middle part of the section consists (from its bottom to top part) of 70 m thick
sediments comprising a 15 m thick, yellowish gray and greenish towards its top part,
tillite; a 25 m thick fine creamy (due to carbonate content) sandstone/siltstone and a 30 m
thick, thinly to moderately bedded yellow to light gray siltstone. The tillite beds are
contorted or show gentle undulations and slumping (or folding). This feature of the tillites
may suggest their soft unstable nature immediately after deposition.

The upper part of the Plst succession in the Jewej type section constitutes a 10 m thick
conglomeratic sandstone and a 20 m thick contorted gray siltstone which contains angular
fragments of granite that range gravel to boulder in size.

43
 1337 m
Tillite containing grit to boulder size
metamorphic rocks fragments angular
1317 m to subround and showing striations
Coglomeratic sandstone
1307 m
Elevation above sea level from topo map

Laminated siltstone
layer
1277 m

1252 m
Tillite containing grit to boulder
size metamorphic rocks fragments
1237 m angular to subround and showing striations

Laminated siltstone
with greenish shale
horizons
1204 m

Thin layer of limestone

Bedded yellowish siltstone

1152 m

Proterozoic rocks

Figure 8. Section showing the Paleozoic sediments exposed in the area (the east Jewej
section where the tillite beds are well exposed).

44
 (A) (B)

(C) (D)

Figure 9. Field photos of the tillite beds (Paleozoic glacial sediments): (A) Striations, (B) clasts from grit to boulder size, (C) shape of
fragments of basement rocks: angular to rounded shape and (D) convolution or ‘folding’ in the tillite beds.

45
The siltstone is cross-bedded, gray and tilted to the SE. It is mainly composed of quartz,
feldspar and calcite grains that are fine grained and constitute about 85 % of the rock. It
shows fining upward succession (the grain size decreases upwards). The limrestone is
gray in color and laminated. Its measured thickness reaches upto 1 m and is composed of
85 % calcite (which is cryptocrystalline matrix), 15 % fine-grained quartz and feldspar
and about 2 % opaque. The shale is light gray to dark-gray in color and is composed of
about 75 % cryptocrystalline calcite and about 25 % micrite. The sandstone is medium
grained and is mainly composed of 30 % quartz, 25 % plagioclase, 8 % muscovite and ~2
% opaque within 35 % cryptocrystalline matrix. The grains are very unsorted and angular
in shape (immature sandstone). The tillite layer contains randomly distributed or erratic
and unsorted fragments (both in size and shape of the fragments) of the basement rocks.
The fragments are angular to rounded in shape and range from grit or sand size to big
boulders or blocks of the crystalline rocks including granites, metavolcanics and black
marble (see Fig. 9). The boulders are fresh and show sub parallel striations and are
polished. The basement rock fragments lie within the sandstone and rarely mudstone
matrix. The tillites show prominent striations (Fig. 9A, B, C and D). When the basement
rock fragments are removed by erosion in the tillite beds they usually have left a whole.
Lateral interfingering of sandstone, siltstone and tillites is common in the Jewej area. In
Angeleb stream section (Q subsheet) the occurrences of mudstone layers within the Plst
is reported.

3.2.2. Mesozoic sediments (Lower sandstone) (Msst)

The Mesozoic sediments (Msst) occur in the south and southeast part of the map area.
Except two minor occurrences, all outcrops are found east of the NE-SW trending Goch-
Beko Abo shear zone and have relatively large area cover compared to the underlying
Paleozoic sediments (Plst). It usually forms gentle to steep slopes and rarely plain
topography. It is unconformably overlain by Tertiary volcanic rocks (mainly basalt- unit
Tlb) and their contact is usually marked by sharp topographic break. At the contact the
sandstone is reddish in color with indurated pebbles probably indicating the baking effect
of the basalt on the sandstone rocks. The maximum measured thickness of the Msst in the

46
area is 957 m and that is in the SE part of the map area (Genet Abo- Y subsheet).
Generally the Msst is friable and buff colored when weathered and commonly shows
closely spaced vertical joints. It is horizontally bedded sandstone. The Msst is divided
into two sandstone subunits mainly based on lithologic associations and topographic
expressions of the units. Moreover, these two subunits are commonly separated by thin
iron stone and limestone beds. Four stratigraphic sections namely: Semtom, Semo,
Wamet and Mekeno section taken from west to east in R subsheet have been described
below for ease of discussion (see Fig. 10).

The lower sandstone subunit generally forms gentle slopes and unconformably overlays
the high-grade rocks in the area and at places on the Paleozoic glacial sediments. It is
mainly consist of fine grained sandstone, siltstone and mudstone with thin beds of shale,
medium grained sandstone and limestone. The upper subunit usually forms steep slopes
and is unconformably overlain by the Tertiary basalts. This subunit consists of medium to
coarse grained sandstone, minor layers of conglomerate and thin layers of iron stone.
This ironstone layer probably indicates the lateritization (due to weathering) of the
sandstone unit.

The lower subunit

The thickness of this unit ranges from 303 m at Mekeno area to about 562 m in Wamet
area (probably due to the paleotopography of the underlying basement rocks) and
generally increases eastwards. At Wamet section, which is at the base of Temcha river
dissection, is exposed a 41 m thick medium grained quartz arenite. It is composed of
rounded and equal sized quartz grains (that is, well sorted and free of clay and therefore
matured sandstone both texturally and mineralogically). It is cross-bedded at the top and
thin beds of limestone and shale occur at its base. It is overlain by 43 m thick sandstone
which shows a coarsening of grain size up the section. At Semo area, the base is
represented by a 5 m thick polymictic conglomerate containing quartz, microcline and
plagioclase minerals and gneiss and granite rock fragments with calcite, clay and silica
cement. It passes to 89 m thick interbedds of laminated fine subarkosic arenite, siltstone
and mudstone with thin shale horizons. The subarkosic arenite is composed of 77 %

47
quartz, 6 % plagioclase, 1 % microcline and muscovite and about 14 % calcite cement. It
is moderately sorted rock characterized by the grain size and shape of the dominant
minerals (quartz and feldspar) in the rock.

The middle part of this subunit at Wamet section is 140 m thick red to purple laminated
to thinly bedded fine grained feldspathic greywacke at the bottom, siltstone, mudstone,
fissile shale and quartz arenite lie on the top of the middle section. The thickness of the
greywacke and mudstone varies from place to place within the area. At Semo locality the
greywacke is thicker than the mudstone and at Semtom the mudstone is much thicker
than the fine greywacke. The feldspathic greywacke is composed of 67 % quartz, 23 %
clay and quartz cement, 5 5 microcline, 2 % plagioclase, 2 % rock fragments and trace
amounts of muscovite and Fe-oxides or hematite. Upward in the section, the greywackes
give way to gray cross-beded sandstone which becomes sugary white quartz arenite
upwards. This sugary white sandstone is capped by thin oomicrite and calcretes.

The top part of the lower subunit in Wamet area is comprised of 151 m thick, medium to
coarse grained cross-bedded to horizontally bedded sandstone containing minor shale
intercalations. It becomes quartz arenite toward the top most part of the section. Around
Semo locality, thick mudstone occurs together with the shale. The quartz arenite is
medium grained and composed of 97 % well sorted quartz and about 3 % feldspar and
clay cement. The quartz wacke is fine to medium grained and contains 72 % quartz, 15 %
clay and microcrystalline quartz cement, 8 % Fe-oxides, 5 % muscovite and traces of
zircon. At Semtom area the top most part is covered by cross-bedded medium grained
quartz arenite capped by 1 m thick Fe-stone/laterite. Generally this subunit is dominated
by fine sediments (mudstone, siltstone and shale) separated by thinner beds of matured
sandstone (quartz and subarkosic arenites) with subordinate beds of quartz wacke and
feldspathick greywacke.

The upper subunit

At Semo area, the upper subunit reaches up to 320 m thickness. The lower part of this
subunit contains 65 m thick, coarsely bedded red to gray lithic greywacke and very thin
(~1 m) ironstone and shale. Eastwards at Mekeno area, it consists of 60 m thick coarse,

48
49
pinkish gray quartz wacke with thin ironstone layers at the base and medium grained,
horizontally bedded white quartz wacke at the top part (showing fining up in the
succession). However, at Wamet area the whole succession is made of reverse graded
(coarsening up ward) quartz wacke with occasional beds of feldspathic greywacke; the
succession at this locality is cyclic and reaches about 200 m in thickness and is cliff
forming.

The middle part of this subunit at Semo locality contains 93 m thick cliff forming
medium grained quartz arenite bedded to massive quartz wacke separated by cross-
bedded, coarse grained to conglomeratic quartz wacke which becomes silty towards the
top part of the section. These rock types are found as rhythmic beds of normal graded
sandstone at the lower part of the subunit and reverse graded at the top part of the section.
The top part of this subunit consists of 64 m thick interbedded conglomeratic quartz
wacke and arkosic arenite with minor siltstone beds occurring in the middle of the top
part of the subunit section and forms the top of the Semo cliff. Generally, the upper
subunit of the Msst consists of texturally coarse and immatured sandstone mainly
represnted by quartz wacke, lithick greywacke and feldspathic greywacke rocks with
subordinate beds of matured quartz arenite rocks.

3.3. Cenozoic Volcanic rocks

The various volcanic rock units in the map area cover large part of the north central and
eastern part of the area (Fig. 6 and enclosed map) forming a typical plateau topography
and rarely rugged ridge chains in the NE corner. Relatively minor occurrences of the
Tertiary Lower and upper basalt units (Tlb and Tub, respectively) occur in the west and
south part of the area unconformably overlying the Precambrian basement and Paleozoic
– Mesozoic sedimentary rocks (Plst & Msst). The Tertiary volcanic rocks succession in
the Bure map sheet comprises the following major rock units from bottom to top; Lower
and Upper basalt units (Tlb and Tub, respectively), agglomerate (Tag), trachyte flows and
plugs (Tty), thin scoraceous basalt flows (Qv1) and scoraceous basaltic cones (Qv2).
Their grouping is made wholly based on their field characteristics; that are composition
and texture, relative stratigraphic position and their geomorphic characteristics. The

50
Lower and Upper basalt units show horizontal stratification (are stratoid basalts) and
nowhere in the map sheet is tilting of the volcanic rocks observed. Estimated maximum
thickness of the combined Tlb and Tub in the area reaches about 1500m (see Fig. 11
composite section). However, this estimation is not reliable since the paleo-
geomorphology of the area before the Tertiary volcanic rocks cover is unknown. The
Lower basalt (Tlb) is named because it is found at the base of the Cenozoic volcanic
succession of the area and the Upper basalt (Tub) because it lies above the Tlb.

3.3.1. Lower basalt (Tlb)

The Lower basalt (Tlb) occurs at the base of the Tertiary volcanic rocks pile or
succession of the area and hence named Lower basalt. This unit commonly forms gently
to moderately steep topographic features and rarely short cliffs. It shows both vertical and
lateral variations in many aspects. Generally, it is dark gray to light-brownish gray and
yellowish-brown and when it is moderately weathered often shows purplish and reddish
brown color and fine grained rock. It is commonly jointed rock. Joints occur as vertical,
horizontal, columnar with four to five faces and also as irregular joint sets (Fig. 12A). At
places, it is massive and elsewhere it shows horizontally and thinly (1 – 5 cm thick
individual layers) bedded flow banding. It has unconformable contact with the overlying
upper basalt (Tub). This unconformity contact is made based on the 5 m thick red clay
soil or paleosoil at Wange quarry section which is located along the main road cut
between Angut Michael and Yechereka town in the eastern part of the area (subsheet M).
Other than this location nowhere in the map area is observed this paleosoil during
mapping. Its contact with the overlying scoraceous basalt unit (Qv2) is rather sharp. The
exposed thickness of the Tlb is over 700 m and seems to increase both eastwards and
northwards in the map area. It is exposed up to 2400 m above sea level elevation at Kola
Aklat area and its surroundings in the NE part of M subsheet while its lowest elevation is
at the bed of Abay river (about 700 m a.s.l.) in Q subsheet (Fig. 11).

Megascopically it is porphyritic with olivine, plagioclase and scarce pyroxene

phenocrysts. Olivine and plagioclase are the most common phenocrysts. It is commonly
vesicular and the vesicles are subrounded and elliptical or elongated in shape. The size of

51
the vesicles varies from a milimetre to 10 cm big and are partially to wholly filled by
calcite, white and green zeolites and rarely quartz (amygdale) minerals. Epidotization is
the common alteration feature observed in this unit. At Wange section alternate 1-5 m
thick green and greenish gray fine grained porphyritic amygdaloidal basalt is intercalated
with 5-11 m thick pinkish red, relatively coarser grained and friable weathered layers.
The thickness of the weathered layer increases towards the top part of the lower basalt at
this section. Transition from massive bottom part to a vesicular upper part is also
observed in the section.

In thin section, the lower basalt is fine grained, porphyritic and characterized by average
composition of 40 % plagioclase, 15 % pyroxene (augite and diobside), 15 % amygdal
minerals (zeolite, calcite and chalcedony), 12 % opaque minerals (and Fe-oxides) and 3
% iddingsite. Plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine grains do exist both as ground mass and
phenocryts. The mafic minerals are usually oxidized and rims of iddingsite around
olivine crystals are common. Moderate alignment along the flow direction and
epidotization of plagioclases is also occurring in some of the samples. Plagioclase and
augite minerals form subophitic texture. Spinel and sub-circularly zoned nepheline occur
as accessory minerals in few samples.

3.3.2. Upper basalt (Tub)

The unit Tub is usually exposed as a continous or sheet-like, patchy or small blocks and
fragmental outcrops. It usually forms the top most part of the plateau or the hills in the
map area. The Tub is relatively thinner than the Tlb and its measured thickness reaches
about 610 m. It is commonly exposed above 2400 m elevation (Fig. 11).

Megascopically the upper basalt is dark gray to grayish and when weatherd it is
yellowish-brown to reddish white or purplish in color. It is fine to aphanitic, porphyritic
with plagioclase, olivine, pyroxene and rarely amphibole phenocrysts. The abundance of
the phenocrysts varies within the section. Green, coarse plagioclase laths of up to 1.5 cm
long and hornblende are observed on the top of Gebezez Mariam and Chare hills (NE of
F subshet) and Bongit Tsion hills (SW part of F subsheet) and are seen concentrated on
the rock surface. The Tub is scarcely vesicular basalt and when occurs the vesicles are

52
smaller in size (usually less than 5 mm) and are partially filled by calcite and zeolite
minerals. It is commonly silicified and epidotized rock. At places it shows spheroidal and
elephant skin weathered surfaces.

At Kola Aklat hill section in the M subsheet the basal fine grained part of this unit is
covered by dark brown soil whereas the upper part is well exposed and is greenish gray
fine grained horizontally layered showing perpendicular irregular fractures. It is
dominantly olivine-phyric, silicified basalt. Towards its top part it becomes dark gray and
slightly relatively coarse grained with abundant plagioclase and rare olivine phenocrysts.
Scarce vescicles that are partially filled by amygdale minerals do exist. At the Wange
quarry section SE of M subsheet the bottom part of this unit is characterized by dark
gray, aphanitic massive and epidotized basalt. At the middle part of this section it
contains interlayered pink agglomerate (volcanic breccia) with subrounded pebbles and
some blocks of aphanitic and vesicular basalt. At the top part the agglomerate is followed
by pinkish red weathered layer containing rounded secondary calcite. At this section the
basalt shows pahaehoo lava structures. At Chare section in NE of subsheet F, this unit is
mostly characterized by dark gray to aphanitic basalt with scarce phenocrysts of
plagioclase, pyroxene and amphibole minerals. Moreover, fine grained pinkish gray to
white trachyte and rhyolitic dykes and sills have been observed within this upper basalt
unit at the steep slopes of Lichima hill and in subsheets D and E.

Petrographically, the upper basalt (Tub) is identical to the lower basalt unit (Tlb) except
in the slight enrichment of plagioclase and pyroxene phenocrysts and is less vesicular. It
is fine to medium grained porphyritic basalt with average composition of 45 %
plagioclase, 25 % pyroxene (augite), 10 % olivine, 10 % opaque, about 7 % secondary
minerals including zeolite, calcite and chalcedony and 3 % iddingsite. Plagioclase,
pyroxene and olivine crystals occur both in the ground mass and as phenocrysts.
Phenocrysts of plagioclase show zoning structure and alignment (trachytic texture) along
the flow direction.

53
54
 3.3.3. Agglomerate (Tag)

Three minor occurrences of the agglomerate (Tag) unit are found in the eastern part of
the map sheet at the top of Kola Aklat, Girgira Mariam, Mutera and Debtera Berkenay
hills forming sharp cliffs. It shows a sharp contact with the underlying upper basalt (Tub)
unit which is manifested by the sharp topographic/slope break (changing from the gentle
slope of the Tub to the cliff formed by the pyroclast of unit Tag). Its thickness at the Kola
Aklat hill is about 135 m and it is the thickest of the three exposures of this unit in the
area.

The agglomerate (Tag) is pink, red, greenish gray and yellow in color. It contains
subangular to subrounded pebbles, blocks and bombs of scoria, upper and lower basalt
rock fragments within a fine ash and lappilli matrix. This pyroclastic flow is poorly
sorted. At Kola Aklat hill section, the Tag contains blocks and bombs of porphyritic
basalt and scoria fragments that are subangular and subrounded and their size ranges
from few centimetres long to about 1 m big. These fragments are commonly silicified and
epidotized. At its top part it contains about 30 m thick columnarly jointed dark gray
silicified aphanitic basalt.

3.3.4. Trachytic flows and plugs (Tty)

The trachyte plugs and flows are exposed in the central north and north east corner of the
map sheet. The Tty outcrops in the central north part of the area are aligned in a general
NE-SW direction for a strike length of about 50 km and about half a kilometre width.
They are small to relatively big bodies having a maximum height of about 260 m at
mount Fudi (in Gimjabet subsheet- D) above the surrounding area which is covered by
the basalts of Tlb & Tub. Mount Fudi is a spectacular trachytic plug which can be viewed
at a distant place. In this part of the area and out side the map sheet north wards (Bahir
Dar map sheet) one can see numerous plugs that have penetrated the underlying basalt.
The plugs are commonly jointed, broader at the base and gets narrower upward the plug
structure and looks like a standing slab or peeled banana and are devoid of vegtation.
Irregularly oriented joint sets formed the blocky nature of the outcrop.

55
Megascopically, it is light gray to greenish gray in fresh outcrops and somewhat dark
brown on weathered surface. The trachyte is fine grained and contains feldspar (sanidine)
phenocrysts in a very finegrained matrix. It also shows few milimetre (< ½ cm) scale
thick dark brown layers that alternate with the grayish trachyte. These stringers or layers
are most probably weathered glass shards. The trachyte flows occur in the NE corner of
the map area and show a thickness of about 235 m at Lichima hill. At the NE corner of
the map sheet about 1.5 km east of Quarit town is exposed a white color fine grained
phonolite that is unmappable at the scale of compilation. It forms a plug similar to the
Tty. In thin section, the trachyte is fine grained, porphyritic and shows 65 % sanidine, 18
% pyroxene (agerine), 15 % opaque minerals and accessories include microcline,
nepheline and secondary minerals calcite, zeolite and chalcedony. The sanidine and
agerine pyroxenes are found as ground mass and phenocrysts. The sanidine microlithons
show trachytic texture.

3.3.5. Pyroclasts (scoria cones and crater rims) (Qv1)

The Qv1 rocks commonly outcrop as pyroclasts of scoraceous basalt forming cones and
crater rims. The pyroclasts that are surrounding the craters are usually found as fragments
lying on the underlying basalt (Tlb or Tub) and show a maximum thickness around the
craters rim and decrease away from it. The scoria cones and crater rims (Qv1) in the area
are found as cones and circular bodies, respectively in the north central part of the area.
They show strong alignment in the NW-SE direction. The basaltic cones have well
preserved morphology and the rocks are fresh. The cones have moderate to steep slopes
but very often they have a half breached morphology and most are quarried for road and
other construction use. The craters range in size from few metres to about 200 m in
diameter and are filled by water and form crater lakes like the spectacular Zengena crater
lake (which is located at about 10 km SE of Kosober town and 100m away from the main
asphalt road) and Tirba (located southwest of Gimjabet) (see Fig. 12C). The undisturbed
volcanic morphology of these craters and cones may suggest that these pyroclastic rocks
are relatively younger than all the other Tertiary volcanic rocks (except the Qv2) in Bure
map sheet. The pyroclasts show various color in outcrop; such as light gray, dark gray,
greenish gray, light brown, yellowish brown, reddish brown, pink and purple varieties.

56
Generally it contains loosely compacted grains that vary from lappili to bomb size in a
variety of shapes including rod-like, spindle-like, cow horn and dung shapes with or with
out tail. Commonly it contains rock fragments of pebble to cobble size which are
scoraceous olivine and olivine-pyroxenephyric basalts. At Kolela quarry site in subsheet
D, the pyroclastic bombs contain ultramafic xenoliths (or mantle nodules of olivine
crystal and ultramafic rocks inclusions consisting of pyroxene, olivine and plagioclase
aggregates).

3.3.6. Thin Scoraceous basalt flows (Qv2)

The Qv2 outcrops are found in the east central part of the map sheet usually occupying a
lower topography (valley filling or old paleo-channels) and at places overlie the
Quaternary soil cover (Qal & Qel). It is exposed as bare rock thin flow cover. The Bir
valley covered by this rock is bounded by fault ridges and forms a graben (see enclosed
geological map). The Qv2 might have erupted in the northern most part of Bir valley (in
Tillili- D subsheet) and flow generally south wards following the valley topography.
However, during mapping it was not possible to locate the actual source or vent of this
scoraceous baslt. It forms a slightly elevated topography (not more than 10 m thick)
above the Quaternary plain and is commonly covered by bushy vegetation. It doesn’t
show any weathering nor of course soil development and hence is presumed to be the
youngest lava flow in the Bure map sheet. The Qv2 shows “pahoehoe” and “aa” type lava
flow structures and is highly vesicular and hard rock. The vesicles are rounded to
elongated and show strong alignment or elongation parallel to the flow layering structure
(Fig. 12B). The flow layering usually shows a 3 cm thickness. The vesicles reach up to 6
cm size and decrease in abundance at the base of this soraceous basalt flow. They are
filled by calcite and zeolite minerals. At places outcrop natures appear as small dome like
bodies or blisters.

In thin section, it is fine grained and porphyritic rock composed of 35 % plagioclase, 20%
olivine, 20 % mafic fine grained ground mass and about 25 % vesicles occupy within the
rock. Olivine and plagioclase crystals occur both as phenocrysts and in the ground mass
or matrix of the rock. It is vesicular olivine-plagioclase-phyric basalt.

57
 (B)
(A)

Fi

Figure 12. Field photographs showing volcanic structures in the

Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the map area.
(A) columnarly jointed basalt from the Tlb unit,
(B) vesicular basalt showing vesicles aligned parallel to
the flow layering from the unit Qv2 and
(C) one of the crater lakes (Zengena) (unit Qv1).

(C)

58
 3.4. Recent (Quaternary) Sediments

The recent Quaternary superficial deposits occur relatively extensively in the central
north and eastern part of the area mainly developing from the underlying Tertiary
volcanic rocks. They are grouped in to elluvial soil (Qel) and alluvial (Qal) soil cover and
the Qel occur more dominantly than the Qal deposits.

3.4.1. Elluvial soil (Qel)

The elluvial soil (Qel) covers most of the plateau area and is generally, red to reddish
brown silty to sandy soil commonly containing basalt rock fragments. Its exposed
thickness reaches up to 5 m. The red and reddish-brown color of the elluvial soil may
indicate its insitu development from the underlying basaltic rocks.

3.4.2. Alluvial soil (Qal)

The alluvial soil (Qal) cover occurs along river and stream valleys and its surroundings
and marshy areas. It is commonly black cotton soil and rarely dark brown silty soil. The
exposed thickness of the alluvial soil along the Bir river valley is about 8 m thick.

59
 4. Structure

4.1. Precambrian structures

Various structures observed during the course of mapping such as foliations/schistosity,

folds, lineations, brittle and brittle-ductile faults and /or shear zones, etc in the
metamorphic rocks of the map area are described in this section (see Figs 14, 15 and 18).
However, brittle fractures and faults which exhibit a distinct prominent lineament pattern
in the map area (see Fig. 13), that are considered to be formed in relation to the Ethiopian
Rift system (which is of Tertiary and younger in age) are not included in the description.
Moreover, the reconnaissance nature of the work and various other limitations during this
compilation work do not allow a detailed structural description and analysis at this time.
Generally, the main tectonic structures observed and deformation events tentatively
distinguished in the project area include the following: 1) Relic of early folds and
foliations or migmatitic layering where its origin is unknown (designated pre-D1
deformational event); 2) followed by N-trending regional foliation (D1); 3) folding of this
N-trending regional foliation and associated lineations (D2) and 4) the brittle – ductile
shear zones (D3), a simplified structural map of the area is given in Figure 13.

Relic early folds and foliation or migmatitic layering (pre-D1)

The early folds and foliations in the area are observed only in the high-grade rocks (Dura
domain) and particularly within the migmatitic gneiss unit (unit Pmggn) at two localities,
one is in R subsheet along the Agemsa – Kuch main road cut section just north of the
Abay bridge and the other one in O subshet west of Abay river or at Bishan Adi stream
section. These structures are in the form of E-W trending planar fabric or foliations that
dip gently towards north (30o - 50o Æ 360o) and recumbent folds. The planar fabric in the
migmatites is exhibited by lithological banding (banding of mafic-rich and felsic-rich
mineral layers). This earlier E-W planar fabric (Pre-PanAfrican, Fig. 14) is transposed by
the subsequent N-trending regional and shear zone foliations. The mafic gneisses or
resitites have preserved mesoscopic recumbent fold which has a fold axis trending
N60oW / 0 and its axial plane orientation is N45oE (see Fig. 14). The recumbent fold
deforms the planar fabric which is parallel to the compositional layering. It might be

60
possible that structures earlier than this relict structutres (i.e., recumbent folding) might
have resulted in the parallelism between the original compositional layering and the
planar fabric/foliation. The possible origin of these earlier structures is uncertain.

N-trending regional foliation and schistosity (D1)

This deformational event is regional in that all the rock units in the area except the post-
tectonic intrusives (Pgt3) show a well developed penetrative foliation (Fig. 13 and
enclosed map). The main structures produced during this deformation are in the form of
N-trending regional foliation and somehow concordant tectonic boundaries. This N-
trending regional foliation is inferred to be an axial planar cleavage to the N-trending
folds and differs considerably in mode and intensity of development in the different
metamorphic rock units in the project area. In the Dura Domain rock units (that is
amphibolites, gneisses and migmatites) the foliation is represented by alternations of
mafic and felsic rich bands which form the gneissosity. The strike of the regional
foliation is generally NNE-SSW and dip moderately to steeply (50o – 70o) both to the east
and west suggesting folding about a N-trending axis as can be seen from the stereoplot
data (see Figure 15). In the metavolcanics, ultramafics and metasedimentry rock
associations of the Shar Domain, this foliation is defined by schistosity. The strike of this
regional foliation in the Shar Domain is generally NNE-SSW and dips moderately to
steeply both to the E & W similar to the Dura Domain high-grade rock assemblges
(Figure 15).

Folding of the regional foliations (N-trending regional folds) (D2)

The pervasive regional foliation in the Proterozoic rocks of the area dips moderately to
steeply both to the E & W indicating folding about a N-trending axis fold producing a
regional antiform. Associated with this folding is a shallowly (5o – 20o) mainly north
plunging intersection lineation which has resulted from the intersection between the
folded regional foliation and the axial planar cleavages that are associated with the
folding (Figures 15 and 16).

61
 11 °00'
15' 30'
30’ 45’
Legend 37 00’ 37 15’
15
o
60 70 50 50 32 11 00’N
85 85
45
Foliation: a)with dip amount b) vertical

80
85 60
75 85 60
85 60 65
60
65 65

25
70 85
80
72
40 Lineation with plunge amount; Antiformal axial trace.
60 70
80 85 35 70 50
75
85
Shear zone with direction of movement & approx. Boundary.
65 60
85 70 65
80 85 80 75
85 85 70
60 75 Structural trend traced from imagery & aerial photos.
85
60 60 70
70 45
75
60 7580
85 80
60
75 80 Lineaments traced from photos & imagery.
60 55 80

85 50 Fault with barbs on down thrown side.

45 80
50 80
45 ' 65 70
70 50 10o45’
75 35
85
60 75
65 70
65 65 80 80

60 60 75
80 80 80 80
60 60 80 50
40 70
40 70
75 60
65 75 65
50 60
70 70
85 60 70 70
70 30
50
75 60 85 75
35
60
80 80 80
85 5
80 40
80 60 35
75 70 80
30
65 85
55 45 70
55 75
89
60 70 80 70 80 60 70 85
85
84 70 70 70 75 85
o
10 30’ 60 70 60 85 65
85 10°30'
70 60
85 25 65
84
60
85 70
75 70
80
65 75 85
60 60 70 70 75
70
80 35 80
70 64
80 65
72 75 57 70
71 70
60 77 65
75
45 85 75 85 70
75 65 75 30
85 80 75 75 40
80 45 60 65
75 50 75
75 85
80 68 57
50
80 85 80
80 75 70
80 55
62
65 75 70
75 85 70
65 85 40 75
35
80 80 50 65
62 70 70 35
85
80 65 55
15' 65
85 15 '
35 50
50 65
85

62 80 65 87 45 40
50 85
80 87
50 87
60 30 80 75 55 45
70 80 85
40 85 40
75 25 75 70
65 75 30 30 60
80 55 75 80 65 75
60 70 80 65 55 45 40
80 40 65 80 75 45 25
60 65
55 70 85
50 40 85 45 85
20
85 65 35
45 35 40 60
70 65 80
70 80 85
75 85 75 25 55 40 55
35
70
55 55 65 45
30
20

60 70 35 30
60 25 30
60 40 70 30
50 45 50 75
55 35 75 80 75
75 50 40
80 35 75 70
70
35 75 60

10o00’N o 15'
75 25 75 50

10o 00’N
36 00’ E 36° 30' 45 '
37° 00' 15'
37o 30’E

Figure 12. Generalized Structural map of Bure map sheet

62
 (A) (B) Neuosome

Agmatites and raft

(Paleosomes)

Å earlier (pre-D1) E-W foliation Æ

Æ recumbent fold

E – W foliation
(C)

Figure 14. Field photos showing the earlier (pre-PanAfrican A & C) and migmatite structures (B) in the migmatite gneisses (unit
Pmggn). (A) E-W foliation, (B) Agmatites or rafts, (C) E-W foliation & recumbent fold (NW corner of photo).

63
 atBrittle-ductile shear zones and associated structures (D3)

In the map area occur major brittle-ductile shear zones which have a generally N-S,
NNE-SSW and NE-SW trend (see enclosed map and Figures 13, 17 and 18). The N-S
trending shear zone occurs in the western part of the area and extends for over 80 km
along strike. The NNE-SSW trending shear zone is found along the contact between the
low-grade mafic-ultramafic sedimentary associations of the Shar Domain rocks in the
west and the high-grade amphibolites, gneisses and migmatites of the Dura Domain in the
east. This shear zone starts just east of Menta Wuha village in the north and extends for
about 70 km length along strike to the Suken stream in the southwest part and is named
the Menta Wuha-Suken shear zone. The Menta Wuha-Suken shear zone juxtaposes the
lithologically, structurally and metamorphically contrasting Shar and Dura domains in the
project area. The other major shear zone in the area occurs in the southern part of the
area and strikes in NE-SW direction for about 30 km distance. In all the shear zones it is
very difficult to delineate their width, however the N-S trending sinistral shear zone
which occurs in the western margin of the area seems much longer and wider than
expected. The various structures developed during this deformational event include
mylonitic foliations, stretching lineations, asymmetric (Z and S) folds stepply plunging to
the S and N, respectively and sheath folds, shear bands and asymmetric boudins are the
common mesoscopic structures and kinematic indicators observed in the brittle-ductile
shear zones (Figures 17 and 18). In the N-S trending shear zone, the mylonitic foliation
dips steeply (75o to 90o), the mesoscopic folds are tight asymmetric S- and sheath folds
which might indicate its sinistral strike-slip sense of movement. In the NE-SW trending
shear zone (Beko Abo - Goch shear zone) the dominance of Z- asymmetric folds, right-
stepping shear bands and sigmoidal structures and shallow south and north plunging
lineations and striations all indicate that the shear zone is a dextral strike-slip. This shear
zone extends south wards outside the map area after disappearing under phanerozoic
cover rocks as Gutin shear zone in the Nekemt map sheet (Gerra and H/Mariam, 2000).
The Menta Wuha – Suken shear zone is different from the other two major shear zones
described in the map area in that it juxtaposed two contrasting litho-tectonic domains.
Along this major shear zone rock units of adjacent boundaries are tectonically interleaved
and major mesoscopic structures observed include NNE-trending mylonitic foliation,

64
asymmetric boudins and folds of both Z and S types and well developed stretching
lineations that plunge obliquely to the NE and subhorizontal or shallow plunging to the
north. The oblique NE plunging lineations in the Menta Wuha – Suken Shear Zone might
be associated with D1 deformation that has juxtaposed the Shar and Dura domains by
thrusting and the subhorizontal lineations might be the result of the reactivation of this
thrust zone. The mylonitic foliation in the shear zones can be distinguished from the
regional foliation by its intensity of deformation.

4.2. Cenozoic structure

Normal faults that trend N-S and NE-SW are the only major phanerozoic structures
observed and occur in the eastern part of the area. The NE-SW trending normal fault has
formed a graben between Lah and Bir rivers and juxtaposes the Mesozoic sandstone and
Tertiary basalts (i.e. units Msst and Tlb are found at the same elvation see the enclosed
geological map). This N – S trending normal faults might be related to the Tana rift (or
graben) system which is located north of the area.

In addition, the NW-SE aligned trachytic plugs, craters and scoria cones (Figs. 12) might
have formed along pre-existing weak zones or fractures.

4.3. Lineaments

The lineaments in the map area are traced from aerial photographs and satellite imager
and generally show NW-SE, NE-SW, N-S and E-W trends (enclosed map and Figure 12).
They are more concentrated in the southern and western part of the area. These
lineaments are interpreted from scarps, stretched or extended ridges, straight river or
stream courses and have strike length ranging from few km to more than 30 km and are
found in all rock units in the area.

65
 Dura Domain
N = 209

Shar Domain
N = 264

Figure 15. Figure showing poles to the N-trending regional foliation/gneissosity (for Dura
Domain) and schistosity (for Shar Domain) (D1/S1) in an equal area lower
hemisphere stereogram.

66
 N

+
Dura Domain
N = 11

Shar Domain lineations

N = 32

Figure 16. Lower hemisphere equal area projection for lineations (stretched and mineral
lineations) in the area.

67
 (A) (B)

(D)

(C)

Figure 17. Field photographs of mesoscopic structures from the Menta Wuha - Suken shear zone: (A) Both Z- and S-asymmetric folds
plunging steeply to the S and N, respectively, (B) Asymmetric boudins and delta structures showing sinistral sense of movement,
(C) Shear zone mixing of lithologies (amphibolite and marble) along the tectonic contact b/n Shar (marble) & Dura domain
(amphibolite) rocks and (D) Sigma structures in marble close to the Menta Wuha-Suken shear zone .

68
 (A)

(B)

FiFigure 18. Field photos from the Goch – Beko Abo shear zone.
(A) steep to vertical mylonitic foliation (road cut section)

and

(B) associated subhorizontal (20o Æ south) plunging line-

ation; marker parallel to the lineation & hammer tip
points towards North.

69
 5. Metamorphism
Except the post-tectonic intrusive rocks (Pgt3), all the other lithologies of the
Precambrian basement rocks in the map area have undergone regional metamorphism to
varying degrees. The mineral assemblages and textural description of the different
metamorphic rock units in the area are given in the lithology section (section 3) of this
report. Below are given the regional metamorphic mineral assemblages that are
considered to be diagnostic of the metamorphic conditions of the various metamorphic
rock units that are discussed. The map area which is covered by the Precambrian rocks is
tentatively grouped into two domains for the discussion of the metamorphic conditions of
the rocks. The two domains are the Shar Domain and the Dura Domain. The Shar
Domain comprises mafic (greenschists or metavolcanics) ultramafic and sedimentary
rocks associations (comprising amphibole schists, serpentinites, talc schists, marble,
quartzite, phyllites and graphite schists) whereas the Dura Domain consists of the
amphibolites and various gneisses (which includes granitic gneisses, mafic gneisses
(biotite-hornblende gneisses) and para schists).

Table 2. Regional metamorphic mineral assemblages of the metamorphic rocks in

the Shar and Dura domains of the area.

Shar Domain

Marble:
Calcite + Quartz + Plagioclase + Muscovite + Graphite

Quartzite:
Quartz + Garnet (Spessartine) + Sericite + Graphite

Metavolcanics:
Amphibole (actinolite) + Plagioclase (albite) + Quartz + Calcite + Chlorite +
Sphene + Garnet + Epidote + Opaque

Phyllites:
Quartz + Sericite/Muscovite + Biotite + Plagioclase + K-feldspar + Chlorite +
Calcite + Garnet + Graphite

Ultramafic rocks:

70
 Serpentinite: Serpentine + Opaques (Magnetite and chromite) + talc + magnesite
+ pyroxene + Olivine + chlorite

Talc schists: Talc + Opaque + Tremolite + Serpentine + Chlorite

Dura Domain

Amphibolites (Pam):
Hornblende + Plagioclase + Sphene + Pyroxene + Chlorite + Opaque

Granitic gneiss (Pgtgn):

K-feldspar + Quartz + Plagioclase + Biotite + Opaques

Undifferentiated gneiss (Pugn):

In the mafic gneisses: Plagioclase + K-feldspar + Quartz + Biotite + Hornblende +
Chlorite + Sericite

Plagioclase + Hornblende + Pyroxene + Sphene + Quartz + Biotite + Chlorite

In the para schists: Kyanite + Quartz + Sillimanite + K-feldspar + Plagioclase

Migmatitic gneiss (Pmggn):

Hornblende + Biotite + Quartz + Plagioclase + K-feldspar + Pyroxene + Chlorite
+ Sericite (in the mafic gneiss).

Quartz + Plagioclase + K-feldspar + Biotite + Opaque (In the quartzofeldspathic

gneisss).

Quartz + Sillimanite + Muscovite/Sericite + Garnet + Plagioclase + Biotite + K-

feldspar (in the para gneiss/schist).

In the thin sections examined, primary sedimentary and igneous features have been
preserved. They include compositional banding indicating the original layering/bedding
in the various metasedimentary rocks of the Shar Domain, relict olivine and pyroxene
(pseudomorphs) in the ultramafics (serpentinite) and homogeneous composition and
granoblastic texture (typical granitic texture) in the granitic gneisses and in the syn- to
late-tectonic intrusive rocks.

The diagnostic regional metamorphic mineral assemblages presented in the above table
indicate that the metamorphic grade in the Shar Domain is in the greenschist facies
conditions whereas the rocks of the Dura Domain have been metamorphosed to the upper
amphibolite facies conditions. The occurrence of garnet, sericite/muscovite, biotite and

71
chlorite in the pelitic schists; recrystallized calcites in marble; actinolite and chlorite in
the metavolcanics and talc and serpentine minerals in the ultramafic rocks all indicate
that the Shar Domain rocks have undergone a low-grade regional metamorphism
(greenschist facies conditions). The absence of aluminum silicates (especially andalusite),
stilpnomelane and almandine garnet in the pelitic schists or phyllites; the absence of
anthophyllite in ultramafic rocks, glaucophane in the mafic schists and pyroxenes in
marbles suggest that the metamorphism has not reached in the medium pressure and
temperature conditions and therefore define its upper limit of metamorphism of these
rocks (~ 450 oC T and a P of not less than 3 Kb; Barker, 1990 and Winkler, 1979).
Moreover, the grain size of the metasediments and the mafic schists are commonly fine
grained. The preservation of original compositional banding/layering in the
metasedimentary rocks, olivine and pyroxene relicts in the ultramafic rocks and the
actinolitic hornblende (actinolite to hornblende transition) and chlorite-epidote
association in the metavolcanics together with the above informations suggest for a single
prograde metamorphism of the Shar Domain rock units.

In the Dura Domain amphibolites are consist of hornblende, pyroxene and plagioclase as
main phases but not epidote and actinolite minerals. The gneisses typically show absence
of muscovite mica as a main constituent and are commonly medium to coarse grained in
texture. The occurrence of aluminosilicates kyanite and sillimanite in the para schists;
garnet and pyroxene minerals that are relatively abundant and coarse grained in the
schists and gneisses and the segregation of mafic and felsic rich compositional bands
both at the mesoscale and in thin sections and the involvement of high degree of melting
(the common occurrence of felsic intrusives and abundant pegmatite and granitic veins
with various mode of occurrence or migmatitic structures) all indicate that the Dura
Domain rocks have recrystallized under upper amphibolite transitional to granulite facies
conditions. However, nowhere in the samples examined have been observed the
occurrence of garnet (almandine or pyrope) and pyroxene together in the paragenesis of
the gneisses and the migmatites. Moreover, the occurrence of biotite rather than phengites
in the gneisses may constrain the upper limit (pressure) of metamorphism that the rocks

72
have reached (a minimum of metamorphism of pressure of about 5 kb and a temperature
of 660 oC deduced from the granite melt curve; Winkler, 1979, Barker, 1990).

In summary, the paragenetic mineral assemblages of the rock units together with the
textural and field data indicate that the area comprises two major metamorphic domains
that might have gone through different tectonothermal histories. In general, the Bure map
sheet metamorphic rocks temperature of metamorphism lies between about 450 oC to a
minimum of 660 oC. The Shar Domain mafic-ultramafic sedimentary association attained
the lower values of P and T of metamorphism whereas the higher temperature and
presure of metamorphism is experienced by the amphibolites and gneisses of the Dura
Domain rock units. Moreover, a somewhat sudden change of temperature and pressure of
metamorphic conditions from about 450 oC T and a P of about 3 Kb in the western part of
the map area (Shar Domain) to a minimum pressure of about 5 kb and a minimum T of
about 660 oC in the eastern part of the map area (Dura Domain) covered by the
Precambrian basement rocks is clearly observed in a short distance across the strike of the
rocks (the enclosed map). And this significant change in the P and T of metamorphic
conditions undoubtedly indicates that there is a metamorphic discontinuity across the
map area. The metamorphic discontinuity and juxtaposition of these two lithologically,
structurall and metamorphically contrasting domains might have been due to a large scale
(lithospheric scale) displacement (or tectonic contact). This observation is supported by
the structural data (Menta Wuha – Suken Shear Zone) given in the preceding section- the
structural part of the report. The Mentw Wuha – Suken Shear Zone is mainly
characterized by brittle-ductile deformation that is characteristic of large scale
(lithospheric scale) crustal uplift or vertical displacement in the region.

Based on only from textural and paragenetic data obtained from the selected samples of
the rock units with the field characteristics the occurrences of two metamorphic events
(M1 and M2) can be identified in the area. In the unit Pmggn (migmatitic gneisses), at
places, an early gneissic layering or foliation with a higher degree of deviation from the
regional N-trending pervasive foliation (such as E-W and ENE-WSW trend and dips to
the north) which is exhibited by alternating felsic (quartz and feldspars-rich) and mafic
(biotite and amphibole rich) layers which is undoubtedly of metamorphic origin is

73
considered to be of the earliest metamorphic event preserved in the area (pre-M1). This
event might have developed during the earliest deformation event (pre-D1) in the region.
From the very limited data so far obtained it is very difficult to determine both the type
and intensity of this earliest metamorphic event.

The first major tectonothermal event M1 which is considered to be synchronous with the
D1 deformational event is considered to have resulted the pervasive regional foliation and
gneissosity in the rocks which generally trends N-S and dips both to the east and west.
This metamorphic event is a high-grade metamorphic event in the region and is
responsible for the relatively wide or large scale occurrence of unit Pmggn (migmatites)
and the onset of relatively large scale partial melting and hence the dominant occurrence
of intermediate to felsic intrusives in the map area and the region in general. M1 is a high-
grade metamorphism and is a progressive event in both domains. M1 is accompanied by
wide spread migmatization in the Dura Domain and resulting in the low-grade
metamorphism of the Shar Domain rock units in the western part of the map area. The
alignment of minerals that form the penetrative regional generally N-trending foliation in
both domains defines the D1 event and might be synchronious with the M1 event of
metamorphism. The last metamorphic event, M2 which is inferred from the rare
alterations of biotites to chlorites, sericitization of both feldspars and epidotization of
amphibolites. It is commonly observed along shear zones and contact areas of the
adjacent rock units and might be associated with the introduction of fluids (silica,
carbonates, etc) that has facilitated the retrogression of the rocks accompanied by last
deformational event in the area D3. However, the reconnaissance nature of the work and
the absence of suitable assemblage to constrain not to be able to determine the possible P-
T path followed by the metamorphic rocks of the area.

74
 6. Discussion and Conclusion
The Bure map sheet regional geological mapping project area, which is the northeast part
of the west Ethiopia Precambrian Terrain, comprises various polydeformed and
metamorphosed rock units. These include the metavolcanic-ultramafic sedimentary
associations and the amphibolites, gneisses and migmatites association and various syn-
to post-orogenic plutonic rocks. Mainly due to the reconnaissance nature of the work, the
relatively complex geology of the area, insufficient time provided for fieldwork and other
unforeseen factors detailed interpretation of the depositional and tectonothermal events of
the area is beyond the scope of this compilation report and is clearly speculative.
However, the preliminary results obtained during the course of mapping and thin section
investigation are briefly outlined.

The field relations of the lithologies combined with the structural and petrographic data
analysed suggest that the Proterozoic rocks of the Bure map sheet comprises two distinct
domains visa vis Shar and Dura domains. These two domains are intruded by syn- to
post-orogenic plutonic rocks ranging from gabbro to granite in composition. The Dura
Domain comprises medium to coarse grained pyroxene bearing amphibolites, gneisses
and migmatites that have been metamorphosed to the upper amphibolite or lower
granulite facies (high-grade) conditions. The occurrence of unmappable layers or lenses
of high-grade (kyanite-sillimanite bearing) para schists or gneisses within the dominantly
granitic gneisses and migmatites of the Dura Domain rocks might indicate the presence
of reworked continental crust in the area. Moreover, the occurrence of the high-grade
para schists within the gneisses and migmatites, the wide spread occurrence of
migmatites and gneisses within the Dura domain might indicate their derivation by partial
melting of this continental crust (high-grade schists/gneisses). The Shar Domain is
consist of metavolcanics, ultramafics (comprising serpentinites, Birbirites and talc
schists), melange and various metasediments (including marble, quartzite, phyllites or
pelites (quartz-sericite schists) and graphite schist). The Shar domain rock units are
typically fine to medium grained schistosed rocks and preserve original sedimentary
layering and igneous texture. They are metamorphosed in a greenschist facies (low-
grade) condition. The lithological association of layers of Fe-Mn quartzites, graphite

75
schists and marble might indicate a deep sea or marine environment of deposition for
these rocks. Moreover, these sediments are interlayered with the metavolcanic and
chromite bearing ultramafic rocks and the Ganzi melange. The Ganzi mélange is
significant in that it consists of strongly deformed and chaotically mixed ultramafics,
metavolcanics and sediments with variable size and shape in a dominantly pelitic matrix.
This suggests that the Ganzi Melange is a tectonic mélange possibly formed during
thrusting in an intra-oceanic island-arc environment. The generally N-S trending
discontinuous ultramafics and associated rocks within the west Ethiopia Precambrian
Terrain such as the Tulu Dimitu-Yubdo belt have been interpreted as a dismembered
ophiolitic succession representing suture zones between continental and oceanic or
island-arc terrane (e.g., Kazmin et al., 1979, Berhe, 1990, Abdelsalam and Stern, 1996,
Allen and Tadesse, 2003).

Both the Dura and Shar domain rock units are strongly deformed and are juxtaposed
along the Menta Wuha – Suken shear zone. The earliest structures (preserved within the
migmatites which show E-W foliation dipping to the north) might be pre-Pan-African
deformational structures that resulted in the early extension and basin (oceanic or back
/island-arc) formation and were obliterated during the later (i.e., pan-African)
deformational events. A major deformational event or pan-African has resulted in the
development of N-S trending regional planar fabric in the form of foliation or gneissosity
in the Dura Domain and schistosity in the Shar domain rocks and this foliation was later
folded. The pervasive or penetrative nature of this N-S trending regional planar fabric (or
D1 structures) might be the result of E-W directed shortening (or regional compressive
deformation) associated with the collision between the two lithologically and tectono-
metamorphic contrasting Dura and Shar domains along the Menta Wuha – Suken shear
zone. Within and along the Menta Wuha-Suken shear zone kinematic indicators including
oblique NE plunging stretching lineations, shallow or sub-horizontal north plunging
mineral lineations, both Z and S asymmetric folds and boudins within the east dipping
mylonitic foliation might suggest that the shear zone is a combination of both oblique slip
and strike-slip shear zone. Therefore, the Menta Wuha – Suken shear zone shows an
earlier oblique-slip (thrust) deformation or movement based on the NE plunging

76
lineations and was later superimposed by (or reactivated to) a strike-slip shear zone
(shallow lineations and other kinematic indicators) in the deformational history of the
area. The NE plunging lineations might also indicate a west ward tectonic transport
direction, however, at this time of writing it was not possible to determine the sense of
movement of the later superimposed or reactivated strike-slip deformation since both
dextral and sinistral sense indicators are documented in the shear zone. In west Ethiopia
Precambrian terrain, particularly southwest of the Bure map sheet, west ward tectonic
transport along major shear zones and tectonic boundaries have been documented (DeWit
and Chewaka, 1981; Alemu and Abebe, 2000; Allen and Tadesse, 2003 and Johnson et
al., 2004). Two major episodes of metamorphism have affected the Proterozoic rocks of
the map area. The M1 event is progressive and has resulted in the greenschist facies (low-
grade) metamorphic assemblages of the Shar domain rocks while this metamorphic event
is responsible for the high-grade (upper amphibolite to lower granulite facies)
metamorphism of the Dura domain rocks. A later retrogressive event of metamorphism
(M2) which is mainly localized along shear zones and lithological boundaries which
might have been facilitated by the introduction of hydrothermal fluids (such as silica,
carbonates, etc…) occurs in rocks of both domains. These two contrasting metamorphic
conditions (i.e., greenschist facies vs upper amphibolite to lower granulite facies) are
juxtaposed at the boundary of the two domains (Shar and Dura)- along the Menta Wuha -
Suken shear zone.

The Shar domain rocks of the map area are a northward strike continuity of the mafic-
ultramafic sedimentary association of the Tulu Dimitu belt in the west Ethiopia
Precambrian terrain and continue further north to Barka area in north Ethiopia and Eritrea
after disappearing under Tertiary volcanic rocks cover. Moreover, this low-grade mafic-
ultramafic sedimentary association or the Tulu dimitu-Yubdo belt is relatively widely
exposed in the map area while it gets narrow in southwest Ethiopia (Davidson, 1983).
The lithological association of the Shar Domain (mafic metavolcanics, deep sea or
marine sediments represented by marble, quartzite/chert and graphite schists, ultramafics
and tectonic mélange) are generally considered to represent ophiolitic succession. The
occurrences of pillow lavas and sheeted dykes have been reported from similar rock

77
associations to the Shar domain from southwest of the map area (Allene and Tadesse,
2003). In the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), ophiolite belts such as the Tulu Dimitu-
Yubido which is the southward continuation of the Shar ophiolite belt of this study,
Ingessana in Sudan, Bulbul and Adola-Moyale in southern Ethiopia all have been
interpreted to mark suture zones (DeWit and Chewaka, 1981; Berhe, 1990; Abdelsalam
and Stern, 1996) resulting from the collision of east and west Gondwana along the
Mozambique ocean during the Neoproterozoic East African Orogen. However, in the
west Ethiopia Shield this model is refuted by Braathen et al. (2001) and Grene et al.
(2005) based mainly on structural and geochemical data. The high-grade gneisses are also
along strike continuity with the high-grade gneisses of the west Ethiopia basement rocks
and with the similar high-grade rocks or Mozambique Belt (MB) of north Kenya.
However, this high-grade gneisses and migmatites are not exposed northwards outside
the map area as the low-grade rocks (see Kazmin, 1972 and Tefera et al. 1996). The
waning stage of collision or cratonization in west Ethiopia Proterozoic Terrain was
accompanied by the emplacement of late- to post-orogenic intrusive rocks and
reactivation of earlier (thrust) shear zones and associated retrogressive metamorphism.

During the Plaeozoic time the area has been probably uplifted, rifted and eroded. The
rifting which corresponds to the initiation of the break up of the Gondwanaland might
have resulted in the formation of basins or grabens which are subsequently filled by
sediments. The occurrence of unsorted (grit to boulder size basement fragments which
are angular to subround) metamorphic rock fragments with striated surfaces within the
tillite layer, which commonly occupies narrow and discontinuous grabens or channels in
the map area, are interpreted to be of glacial origin. Moreover, contorted or gentle
undulations and slumping (or folding) of the layers observed in the tillites may suggest
their soft unstable nature immediately after deposition. These tillites are correlateable
with the Edaga Arbi glacial sediments of north Ethiopia that are Upper Ordovician age
(Dow et al., 1971). However, the glacial rocks of the map area are much thinner in
stratigraphic thickness and the basement clasts are more commonly angular while the
Edaga Arbi tillites are thicker and well rounded. The lower sandstone (Msst) unit in the
map area has general characteristics of the Adigrat sandstone which is exposed in north

78
Ethiopia and is therefore considered as the western continuation of the Adigrat sandstone.
The Adigrat sandstone exposed in the Abay gorge (Blue Nile) is a fluvial transgressive
deposit and considered to be of Early Jurassic in age (Kazmin 1972; Beyth, 1972 and
Assefa, 1991 and references there in) and has been correlated with the lower sandstone
rock units exposed in southern and western Ethiopia (Kazmin 1972; Mohr, 1962). The
absence of marine seiments (limestone beds) or Hamanale Formation within the
Mesozoic succession (Msst) of the map area or west of Dejen town at a much larger scale
is striking. This might be due to intensive erosion in the area which has completely
eroded away the marine sediments or due to a major NE-SW trending linear structure,
occurring east of Dejen, which has probably prohibited the transgression of the marine
sediments further to the west.

Generally, the volvanic pile of Ethiopia is divided into two main series, namely: the Trap
or Plateau series which is older and the Rift series which is relatively younger (< 13 Ma).
The Trap series basalts occurrence is connected with rift system (fissural type) which is
buried now under younger volcanics cover. The earliest fissural basalts on the northwest
Ethiopia plateau (where the map area is a part of it) is represented by Ashange Formation
which consists of mainly mildly alkaline basalts with interbeds of pyroclasts and rare
rhyolites and commonly injected by dolerite sills and dykes (Tefera et al., 1996). The
general field characteristics of the lower and upper basalt units and the pyroclast flow
deposit (units Tlb, Tub and Tag) (such as their stratoid nature and the occurrence of
paleosoil between units Tlb and Tub) of the project area and their petrographic
characteristics is similar to the Ashange Formation which is Paleocene to Oligocene in
age (Tefera et al., 1996). The lower and upper basalt rock units (Tlb and Tub units) in the
area show a general increase in thickness of the exposed stratigraphic section to the north
and eastwards directions and gets thinner towards south and west. This may indicate that
their source could be to the northeast part out side the map area. The trachytic plugs and
scoraceous basaltic cones that show alignment along a NW-SE trend might have extruded
along a pre existing (Precambrian) weak zone or paleo rift system on top of the upper
basalt (Tub). Based on their similar composition and geographic proximity, the trachytic
plugs (Tty) of the map area can be correlated with the Tulu Welel trachytes of Mengesha

79
et al. (1996), however the effect of the Yerer-Tulu Welel tectonic lineament has no
relation. The Qv1 and Qv2 units (scoraceous baslat cones and crater rims and basaltic
flow) show unmodified geomorphological features and fresh rock exposures indicating
their relatively younger age in the volcanic series of the area and are therefore correlated
with the Quaternary plateau basalts of Mengesha et al. (1996). Moreover, the Quaternary
era besides its volcanic activity in the map area is also characterized by extensive erosion
and deposition of unconsolidated sediments (soil cover, units Qal and Qel).

80
 3.2. Economic Geology

The various types of lithologies mapped in the project area can be potential targets for
various economic use including construction and precious metal mineralization. The syn-
to post-tectonic intrusives, banded marbles, basalts and scoria, gneisses and migmatites
can offer a great potential for dimension stones (or building stones) and crushed
aggregates of various use. The generally matured (texturally and mineralogically) and
clay free sandstone of the lower subunit of the Msst may be a potential source rock for
silica sand. The low-grade mafic-ultramafic and sedimentary associations of the Shar
Domain rocks show alterations (like epidotization, silicification, carbonates, etc..) and
associated sulphide mineralization (pyrite and chalcopyrites) during the reconnaissance
mapping of the area. This may be related to skarn type gold deposits taking into account
its occurrence within a huge late- to post-tectonic granite intrusion. These together with
the major shear zone occurrences in the area might be good sites for associated base and
precious metals (such as copper and gold, respectively) mineralization in the area.
Reconnaissance survey carried out by Zenebe et al., (1999) showed gold occurrences in
pan concentrates taken from this Shar Domain rocks. Moreover, the ultramafic rocks in
the area are along strike continuity with the platinum bearing Yubdo ultramafic rocks in
the southwest outside the map area and can be again potential targets for this and other
associated (such as chromite) mineralization.

81
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 Acknowledgement

Solomon Gerra, head of the department is thanked for his supervision. I thank Belete
H/Selassie for his assistance in Mapinfo editing of the geological map and Dr. Bedru
Hussien for his help in the preparation of some of the figures. I have been benefited by
working and discussing on the Precambrian geology of Ethiopia with Prof. M. G.
Abdelsalam (Missouri University of Science and Technology) whenever he comes to
Ethiopia for his research projects. Last but not least, I thank all the mapping geologists
and supporting staff who have participated in the Bure map sheet regional geological
mapping project and for their casual discussion on the geology of the area.

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