Petrographic and geochemical characteristics of Cretaceous formations of Nkara region and surrounding area (Kwilu province, DRC)

Geological investigations in the Nkara region of Kwilu Province, DR Congo, have identified seven lithofacies: pudding, argillite, quartz arenite, feldspathic arenite, greywackes, micaceous arenite, and soft finegrained quartz arenite.This study presents the petrographic and geochemical compositions and paleo-environmental Hoodies/Fleece conditions for the first time.Chemical analyses show slight variations in SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3, linked to mineral composition.The quartz grains indicate extensive transport under strong hydrodynamic conditions, and iron Pendants oxides suggest deposition in an oxidizing environment, highlighting the need for further geological research in the area.