Structural Characterization of Outcrop-Scale Superposed Folding in the Kimbi Area (NW Cameroon): Implications for the Tectonic Evolution of the Pan-African North Equatorial Fold Belt

A study of predominantly folding structures was carried out on a number of outcrops in the Kimbi area. The main aim of this study is to provide a detailed structural characterization of the three folding events (F 1 , F 2 -F 3 ) recognized in this area, in order to improve our understanding of the deformation mechanisms that controlled the tectonic evolution of the Pan-African North Equatorial Fold belt. The F 1 folding is marked by decimetre-sized isoclinal folds with S 1 schistosity parallel to the axial plane of F 1 folds. The F 2 -F 3 folding is superposed on the F 1 older folds. Geometric shapes of F 2 -F 3 folds typically form Ramsay’s type-3 interference patterns. The complex geometry of these folds suggests that they formed by shearing linked to the Central Cameroon shear zone (CCSZ). The Kimbi area superposed F 2 -F 3 folds have been interpreted as the result of progressive deformation dextral transpressive deformation caused by the oblique convergence between the Congo/Sao Francisco craton and the Eastern Saharan block.