Characterisation and Spatial Distribution of Sediments on the Cote d'Ivoire Continental Shelf (Abidjan to Assinie)
Gbamble Bi Youzan Aimé *
Polytechnic University of San Pedro, UFR of Marine Sciences (SDM), BP V1800, San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire.
Saimon Aby Atsé Mathurin
Oceanological Research Center (CRO), Rue des Pêcheurs, BP V 18 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Aka Charles Albéric
Oceanological Research Center (CRO), Rue des Pêcheurs, BP V 18 Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Séhi Zokagon Sylvain
University Alassane Ouattara of Bouaké, UFR Sciences and Technology, BP V 581 Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire.
Kpenou Christine Josiane Marie-Paule
Félix Houphouët Boigny University (UFHB, Côte d’Ivoire), UFR of Earth Sciences and Mining Resources, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.
Monde Sylvain
Félix Houphouët Boigny University (UFHB, Côte d’Ivoire), UFR of Earth Sciences and Mining Resources, 22 BP 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The continental shelf of Côte d'Ivoire, particularly the Abidjan-Assinie area, has been studied due to its importance and potential, although little research has focused on its sedimentological aspects. Sediment samples were collected using a Shipeck grab, and grain size analyses revealed the presence of fine sands, medium sands, and rarely very fine sands. These sands exhibit a skewness toward finer grains, which is abundant, followed by nearly symmetrical and highly skewed towards finer grains, describing five (05) types of sorting. Deposited in a more or less turbulent environment or due to excess load, the sands have been transported in water — as indicated by their shiny, abraded state — by saltation, suspension, and mixed modes. These sands preferentially reside in a continental domain.
Keywords: Continental shelf, granulometry, sand, Abidjan-Assinie, Côte d'Ivoire