| dc.description.abstract | The findings of the mapping study conducted in the Gayaza area of the Isingiro district in the southwest of Uganda between 31st January and 8th February 2022 are compiled in this report. Surveying the mapping areas while gathering geo-data, gathering samples at designated marked sites for laboratory examination, and data processing were the key components of field research and analyses.
While traversing the survey areas, rock descriptions were noted along with measurements like strikes, dips, and rock trends in general. Several rock types were noted to occur in varying quantities and these included; shale, quartzite, granites, phyletic shales, laterites and conglomerates. Shales cover over 70% of the mapped area while quartzite though abundant occurs in lesser concentrations. The other rock types occur in very little quantities in a few areas. Petrographic analysis reveals that clay minerals are the most abundant in all shale types while quartz was most abundant in quartzite.
The majority of the geological structures that were found in the surveyed area refer to the tectonic process of formation. Folds, joints, beddings, foliation, mud cracks, boudinage, and cleavages are just a few of the structures discovered. As evident in beds and joints, the majority of large structures have a favoured orientation in the NW-SW and NW-NE trends. These patterns are the result of compressional forces during the prehistoric period that were directed in the directions NW-SE and NE-SW, respectively, generating structures orientated in NE-SW and NW-SE.
On a regional scale, a number of characteristics, such as relict bedding in quartzites, could be utilized to infer that the metamorphic grade was low to moderate. Away from arenas that originally had granite intrusions that were metamorphosing, the metamorphic grade likewise drops. Additionally, it was discovered that rocks close to granite intrusions underwent contact metamorphism. Microscopic examination of thin quartzite pieces displays wavy extinction, which indicates tectonic stress or metamorphic deformation.
Brittle deformation is indicated in some places by microfractures and boudinage. The region's drainage pattern is mostly determined by structural factors.
Although no profitable minerals were discovered, there are certain high-place value industrial minerals such sand, kaolin, shales, and quartzites that are primarily used in building projects.
Crop farming, notably matooke, is one of the notable economic activities in the Igayaza region, as well as animal keeping and brick laying. | en_US |
