Geological mapping project for Area G, Igayaza Parish, Isingiro District, Southwestern Uganda

Abstract

Geological mapping is the process of a geologist physically going out into the field and recording geological information from the rocks that outcrop at the surface. The information looked for include: lithologies, boundaries between rock types and structures. This data is partly analyzed from the field (insitu) and in the laboratory with the help of computer softwares to give interpretations that form a basis for the production of full geological, topographical maps which are used to convey information to explorationists and other stakeholders in the geological field of this world. The whole project involved collecting data from GPS location, visual observations at the outcrops/stations, measuring the extents of the available structures and other morphological features using tools like geological compass, and later plotting the data on geological maps, collected samples for laboratory analysis. This was done while traversing along boundaries of different lithologies and contacts between rock units. The structural data was collected from the different stations established by the group (G). This helped in constructing stereograms and rose diagrams for the structures like joints, beds and folds encountered during the mapping exercise. The structural data and its resultant graphical plots helped in determining the history of deformation in the area. Different lithologies including shales, phyllitic shales, quartzites, breccias and ironstones in the study area, G, were encountered. Different outcrops exhibited structures indicative of deformational history. Both macroscopic and microscopic petrographic analysis was carried out on the collected samples whose results reveal the mineralogical composition of the rocks in the mapped area (G) and the metamorphic status of the area was inferred. A low-grade metamorphism was also confirmed from the analysis of the samples collected from the study area. The soils in Igayaza support growth of crops due to its high fertility probably brought by the weathered sediments of highly mineralised rocks which settle in valleys between steeply and gently sloping hills. it was found out that this area has got a lot of potential for valuable minerals that have not been explored. The mineral potential of K-A needs further research and development especially in the abandoned tin mining areas so as to boost the economic strength of Uganda. Generally speaking, the mapping project was successful as we learnt a lot of skills, despite the many challenges of different kinds.