WACHEMO UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY
TITLE: GEOLOGICAL FIELD REPORT ON METAMORPHIC TERRAIN MAPPING
AROUND KONSO AREA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
GROUP ONE MEMBERS
NAME ID NO
1. ABDIRAZAK LARAGO……………………………………………..WCU/R/0976/10
2. AMARECH MULU…………………………………………………...WCU/R/1007/10
3. DEJENE TARIKU…………………………………………………….WCU/R/6191/09
4. ENDALKACHEW EDILU……………………………………………WCU/R/1132/10
5. EYERUS BIRHANU…………………………………………………..WCU/R/1142/10
6. JABO YOHANIS………………………………………………………WCU/R/1193/10
7. KALKIDAN DEBEBE………………………………………………..WCU/R/1202/10
8. MESFIN NEGASH…………………………………………………….WCU/R/0739/10
9. MISTIRE NEGASH.......................................................................WCU/R/1254/10

ADVISOR: Mr. ALEMAYHU PAULOS (MSc)

SUBMISSION DATE 4/6, 2021
HOSANNA, ETHIOPIA
Acknowledgement
First of all, we would like to thanks to almighty God for his permission to do our daily activity as
well as breathing fresh air. We would like to acknowledge Wachemo University particularly

Department of Geology for its financial and material support for field work that made possible to
complete our field work and give chance for us to develop our knowledge practically what we
learned in theoretically.

We would like to thanks guest instructors Dr. Melese A for his good and brief explanation and
orientation during field work. Next, we have great thank for our department head Mr. Daniel N.
(MSc), for his help in the preparation of this field work. We would like to thank greatly our
department instructors such as Mr. Alemayehu P. (MSc), Mr. Mihretu F. (MSc), and others for
their helping on every aspects of the field work with a good relationship with us and Konso
secondary and preparatory school

Lastly but not surely the least, we would like to thanks our family that helped us a lot of indifferent
direction from the beginning until now.

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Abstract
The main purpose of conducting this field work is to produce a geological map of the study area
around Konso, area at the scale of 1:50,000. This report deals the geology, grade of
metamorphism, texture either foliated or non-foliated, color fresh and weathered color, exposure
type, degree of weathering, and mineralogy of various lithological units. In addition to this
geologic structures and concept of mineralization is also the part of this report. Geology of the
study area is composed of various lithological units that can be either mappable or non mappable
depending on scale of area coverage. The described mappable metamorphic rock units are
amphibole gneiss, amphibolite, and meta granite and igneous rock basalt. Non Mappable rock
units like muscovite schist are observed in the study area. The lithological units of the study area
are subjected to medium to high grade of metamorphism. The geologic structures commonly
observed during this field work report are joints, veins, minor folds and dikes with their
respective measurements. Different methodologies such as pre field, during field and post field
phases are used in conducting this field work and description of rock units based on foliation,
gneissosity, color, mineral composition, texture, degree of weathering and exposure type is
discussed in detail.. Finally, the economic importance of various lithological units such as
amphibole gneiss, amphibolite, meta granite, basalt, etc. which are preferable for building,
terracing and decoration purposes.

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Table of Contents
Acknowledgement..........................................................................................................................................i
Abstract..........................................................................................................................................................ii
List of figures and tables ............................................................................................................................v
CHAPTER ONE............................................................................................................................................1
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Back ground or Justification of the study area.....................................................................................1
1.2 Description of the study area...............................................................................................................3
1.2.1 Location........................................................................................................................................3
1.2.2 Accessibility..................................................................................................................................3
1.2.3 Climate and vegetation cover........................................................................................................3
1.2.4 Topography and drainage pattern.................................................................................................4
1.2.5 Land use........................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Objectives of the study.........................................................................................................................4
1.3.1 General objective..........................................................................................................................4
1.3.2 Specific objectives........................................................................................................................4
1.5 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................5
1.5.1 Materials............................................................................................................................................5
1.5.2 Methodology.....................................................................................................................................6
[Link] Pre-field work............................................................................................................................6
[Link] Field-work..................................................................................................................................6
[Link] Post field-work...........................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO...........................................................................................................................................7
2. REGIONAL GEOLOGY.......................................................................................................................7
2.1 Introduction..........................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Southern Ethiopia.................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Geological setting................................................................................................................................8
2.4 The Konso pluton.................................................................................................................................9
2.4.1 Rock types and mineral compositions..............................................................................................9
2.5 Adola Rift Zones (Upper complex).....................................................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE......................................................................................................................................11
3. LOCAL GEOLOGY............................................................................................................................11
 3.1 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................................................11
3.2 DESCRIPTION OF LITHOOGICAL UNITS...................................................................................11
3.2.1 METAMORPHIC ROCK...........................................................................................................11
[Link] Amphibolite.............................................................................................................................11
[Link] Amphibole gneiss.....................................................................................................................11
[Link] Metagranite..............................................................................................................................12
[Link] Micaschist................................................................................................................................12
[Link] Migmatite.................................................................................................................................13
[Link] Granolite’s................................................................................................................................13
3.2.2 IGNEOUS ROCK...........................................................................................................................13
[Link] Basalt............................................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER FOUR........................................................................................................................................15
4. DESCRIPTION OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES........................................................................15
4.1 Joint....................................................................................................................................................15
4.2 Dyke...................................................................................................................................................15
4.3 Vein....................................................................................................................................................16
4.4 Fold....................................................................................................................................................16
CHAPTER FIVE..........................................................................................................................................18
5.1 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE...........................................................................................................18
5.2 Local economic importance...............................................................................................................18
CHAPTER SIX............................................................................................................................................19
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION...................................................................................19
6.1 Conclusion.........................................................................................................................................19
6.2 Recommendation...............................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................................20
List of figures and tables

Figure 1.1: Location map of the study area.................................................................................................2

Figure 1.2: Terracing in the study area........................................................................................................3
Figure 3.1 photograph showing of Amphibolite unit.................................................................................11
Figure 3.2: Amphibole gneiss....................................................................................................................11
Figure 3.3: Field photograph showing of Mica schist................................................................................12
Figure 3.4: migmatite................................................................................................................................12
Figure 3.5: granolite..................................................................................................................................13
Figure 3.6: Field photograph showing exposure of basalt.........................................................................13
Figure 4.1: Field photograph showing columnar joint...............................................................................15
Figure 4.2: Field photograph showing pegmatite dyke..............................................................................15
Figure 4.3: Field photograph showing vein (quartzite vein)......................................................................15
Figure 4.4: Field photograph showing folds..............................................................................................16
CHAPTER ONE
1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Back ground or Justification of the study area

The Neoproterozoic belts of Ethiopia are geologically interesting because they occur at the
interface between the Mozambique Belt (MB) in the south and the Arabian–Nubian
Shield(ANS)to the north. Stern (1994) introduced the name “East African Orogen—EAO” to
include both these belts (i.e., MB and ANS). East African Orogen is one of the longest orogenic
belts in Africa, extending from Mozambique in the south to southern Israel in the north. The
Precambrian of southern Ethiopia occupies an important position within the Pan-African
Mozambique Belt and the Arabian–Nubian Shield, which, together, form the East African
Orogen (Stern, 1994).

The Precambrian geology of Ethiopia consists of two distinct lithotectonic terranes which show
contrasting lithological association, internal structures and grade of metamorphism (Yibas, 2000;
Yibas et al., 2000a): (1) the granite-gneiss terrane, consisting of high-grade para and
orthogneisses and deformed and metamorphosed granitoids; and (2) the ophiolitic fold and thrust
belts, consisting of low-grade, mafic–ultramafic and sedimentary assemblages.

The Precambrian rocks of southern and southwestern Ethiopia were traditionally divided into
Lower, Middle and Upper Complex based on the variation in grade of metamorphism (Kazmin,
1972).The Precambrian of south and southwestern Ethiopia comprises both high-grade gneissic
terrain of the Mozambique Belt and low-grade metavolcano-sedimentary sequences of the
Arabian-Nubian Shield.

The Precambrian rocks have received attention in the current exploration activity for base and
precious metals. The belts of mafic-ultramafic rocks and major shear zones are potential targets
in this fieldwork like igneous and sedimentary terrain mapping aims to collect different
geological information regarding to the rock units, structures and mineralization and alteration
phenomena of the area along with description. Actually the study has conducted Konso district
of Yabello area and the area have good exposure to understand the petrogenesis, structural and

1
deformational history of rocks, structures and minerals as whole.

For gold, base metals, nickel, platinum and other mineralization. Our study area which lies on
southern Ethiopia around Konso is part of the northern extension of the Mozambique belt.

This fieldwork aims to collect different geological information’s like descriptions to the rock
units, structures, alterations and probable mineralizations around the study area.

1.2 Description of the study area

1.2.1 Location
The study area is located in the southwestern part of Ethiopia in Konso zone. It is situated 363km
far from Hossana toward Western direction. Geographically, the study area is bounded between
581000mN - 585000mN longitude and 327000mE-332000mE latitude respectively (fig1.1).

Figure 1.1: Location map of the study area.

1.2.2 Accessibility
The study area can be accessed through main asphalt road running from Hossana to Konso zone.
The area has numerous gravel roads and a number of foot path traverses. The study area from
Konso to Yabello is accessible by the gravel roads.

1.2.3 Climate and vegetation cover

The study area is characterized by semi-arid climatic conditions. It can be characterized by two
rain seasons that is in autumn and spring, dry and hot climate. The mean annual rain fall ranges

2
from 750mm-900mm, sources from (Geological mapping agency) and the temperature is hot
both in summer and winter seasons. The mean annual temperature is 20˚c. The study area has
different types of vegetation covers such as, shrub, bushes, grasses and acacia. Some parts of the
area are densely vegetated and other parts are sparsely vegetated. The dominant vegetation’s are
bushes and acacia.

1.2.4 Topography and drainage pattern

The study area is a part of southwestern low land of Ethiopia. Topographically, the study area is
characterized by undulating topographic features. Such as; hills, mountains and plains. Since the
area is tectonically affected, there is high drainage system and there are some faults and other
discontinuities, which are useful for the passage of water into subsurface. Generally, the drainage
pattern of the study area is dendritic.

1.2.5 Land use

The study area is characterized by different geologic and topographic features. This area is used
for settlement, terracing and agricultural activities. Generally, the residents of the area are
sparsely settled. From the agricultural product, maize and sorghum are the main products.

Figure 1.2: Terracing in the study area

1.3 Objectives of the study

1.3.1 General objective
The general objective of the field work is mapping of metamorphic terrain around Konso district,
Yabello area and Jinka area, southern Ethiopia at a scale of 1:50,000.

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1.3.2 Specific objectives
The specific objectives of this study are:-
 To identify and describe the different metamorphic rocks of the study area.
 To identify and measure the orientations of the different geological structures.
 To prepare a geological map of the area at a scale of 1:50,000.
 To study and describe the different land forms that area associated with the metamorphic
activity of the study area.
 To distinguish different types of alterations and relate them with mineralization.

1.5 MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

1.5.1 Materials
Different materials have been used to accomplish the proposed objectives of this study during the
actual field work and after the field work. Some of the materials used in the field work are
topographic map, global positioning system (GPS), compass, geological hammer, camera, and
other necessary equipment’s like stationeries. The detail applications of each material are briefly
given below.
 GPS: to take readings in each station, which include latitude, longitude and altitude
which; helps to locate ourselves on the topographic map.

 Compass: to measure the orientations (strike and dip) of different geological structures
such as faults and joints and to take the general alignment of exposure like long fault
ridges.

 Geological hammer: to break rocks from an exposure and to take a fresh and
representative sample from a specific lithology. Description of the rock units can be
done only when the fresh part of the rock unit is exposed.

 Topographic map of 1:50,000 scale: to prepare a base map of the study area with the
scale of 1:50,000 for this study, and to locate different geological features, and to infer
relative positions with reference to other known features.

 Sample bag: to collect all the relevant rock samples from each station in every proposed
traverses.

 Marker and masking tape: to assign an identification code for each sample.

4
  Camera: to take pictures of different rock outcrops, geological structures and land forms

1.5.2 Methodology
In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, several steps were employed and this field
work carried out is explained under pre-field work, field-work and post-field wok.

[Link] Pre-field work

The pre-field preparation consisted of available secondary data collection (which are collected
from the department) of previous works on the area and other related papers are studied, field
work planning were carried out, base map was prepared and suitable traverses were made.
Materials which are useful for the field-work were also collected.

[Link] Field-work
At the field work there is comprise of identification of lithologies based on textures and color
(mineral association), and structures such as folds, joints, dykes, and structural contacts.
Sampling and mapping were done.

[Link] Post field-work

The field work was followed up with compiling the data taken from the field and the samples are
kept properly in the laboratory. Geological and structural maps of the study area are prepared.

5
CHAPTER TWO
2. REGIONAL GEOLOGY

2.1 Introduction
The Pan-African orogeny in north-east Africa consists of two major terrains: the Arabian–
Nubian Shield (ANS) and the Mozambique Belt (MB). Understanding the geodynamic and
temporal evolution of these two terranes, therefore, is a key to understanding the whole Pan-
African orogeny in north-east Africa. The exposure of the ANS and MB in adjacent terrains in
Ethiopia (Vail 1976; Kazmin et al. 1978; Bonavia and Chrowicz 1993), therefore, provides the
best opportunity to address and contribute to solve this problem. A review of existing data (Asrat
et al. 2001) indicates that the ANS is an accretionary terrane of juvenile material (volcanic and
volcano-sedimentary rocks) with dominantly subduction-related magmatism, whereas the MB
involved more recycling of older crustal material (gneisses and migmatites) and dominantly post
collisional magmatism. Several generations of granitic rocks are described in both the ANS and
the MB. Granites are shown to be excellent geochronological (e.g. Harris 1996 and references
therein), structural (e.g. Bouchez et al. 1997) and geodynamical (e.g. White and Chappell 1983;
Pearce et al. 1984; Whalen et al. 1987; Barbarin 1999) markers. Therefore, a systematic and
comparative petrological, geochemical, geochronological and structural study of granites from
both the ANS and the MB in Ethiopia appears to be one of the ways to understand the
geodynamic evolution of these terranes and their relationships. This contribution dealing with the
MB is part of an integrated study of the late- to post tectonic granitic magmatism in both the
ANS (Asrat et al. 2003) and the MB.

2.2 Southern Ethiopia

In the Mozambique belt of southern Ethiopia, three major divisions, i.e. Lower, Middle and
Upper complex were differentiated by characteristic contrasts in lithology, metamorphism and
structural style (Kazmin, 1972); there were initially conceived in terms of 3-tier system although
subsequent evidence and conceptual changes now favors some temporal and lateral spatial
overlap and transitions between the middle and upper units

6
2.3 Geological setting
The Mozambique Belt is a Neoproterozoic, polycyclic, collisional belt that extends along and
underlies the eastern margin of much of the African continent (Shackleton 1979). It is
characterized by folds and metamorphic fabrics that trend between NNE and NNW and consists
of high-grade, amphibolite- to granulite-facies rocks (Gichile 1992) forming a gneissic-
migmatitic complex. In Ethiopia, the MB is exposed in the south and south-west and forms a
front with the ANS, a lower grade (greenschist facies) calc-alkaline volcano-sedimentary terrain
to the north According to de Wit and Chewaka (1981), Davidson (1983) and Gichile (1992), the
evolution of the southwestern metamorphic terrain forms part of the whole evolution of the
Precambrian of Ethiopia, which involved early rifting that gave way to an ocean basin at ~1,100–
1,000 Ma. Compression resulted in a west-dipping subduction zone and associated volcanic arcs
at ~900– 750 Ma. Later, at ~750–650 Ma, the island arc crust was extended. The formation of
the gneissic-granulitic complex is considered to have involved periodic closure of the inter-arc
basins through subduction, uplift and Himalayan- type continental collision and associated
metamorphism followed by retrogression at ~650–450 Ma. Emplacement of plutonic suites
started prior or subsequent to the first metamorphic event (syn tectonic plutons), and possibly
continued even some tens of millions of years after the closing stages of collision (post-tectonic
plutons). The Hammar domain (Davidson 1983), which corresponds to the eastern sector of the
south-western metamorphic terrain of Ethiopia contains two major rock groups: an older gneissic
complex and several generations of plutonic suites of which the Konso pluton is one. The
gneissic complex comprises mafic, intermediate, felsic as well as metasedimentary gneisses and
granulites, which were metamorphosed to middle-upper amphibolite and locally to granulite
facies conditions. The gneissic rocks are strongly and steeply folded, and show regional NNW–
SSE-trending foliations with steep NE dips. The plutonic rocks occur as discrete bodies of
gabbros, diorites, syn-; late- and post-tectonic granites accompanied with leuco granite, aplite
and pegmatite dikes. The emplacement of intraplate alkali-granite ring complexes and associated
volcanic rocks started at 450 Ma and continued till 20 Ma in the surrounding Pan- African
terranes in Sudan and Somalia (de Wit and Chewaka 1981; Vail 1985, 1989).

7
2.4 The Konso pluton
The Konso pluton underlies the highest ground of the Konso upland. It intruded across the
contact between folded mafic granulites to the south-east and steep NE dipping
mafic gneisses and amphibolite’s to the northwest. The pluton seems to overlie a core of a fan of
tight upright folds (limb of a large-scale fold), which is marked by the abundance of granulites.
Its outer contact is sharp and cross cuts structures of the gneissic complex, except in the north-
east where a younger, down to east, normal fault marks the contact. Although not dated before
the present study, the pluton was mapped as Pan-African and post-tectonic (Davidson 1983)

2.4.1 Rock types and mineral compositions

The Konso pluton has a massive, dome-like morphology with up to ca. 900-m exposed thickness.
It comprises four main rock types such as biotite leucogranite, biotite granite, biotite–
hornblende–granite and monzodiorite. Biotite leucogranite occurs in the western peripheral part
as an arcuate mass of grey, massive, nearly homogeneous, medium-grained rocks. They are
equigranular to sub-porphyritic and essentially composed of quartz coarse perthitic microcline.
Biotite granite forms the larger central part, whereas biotite–hornblende–granite occurs as a
smaller body in the eastern end of the pluton. Both rock types are composed of quartz, slightly
higher proportions of plagioclase and biotite. The biotite– hornblende granites differ from the
biotite granite only by the presence of some ferro-hornblendes and both are considered below as
a single group. Magnetite, zircon, apatite, allanite and fluorite are the common accessories.

2.5 Adola Rift Zones (Upper complex)

Mormora group: These units include marble, calc-silicate rock psammite, graphic phyllite and
biotite schist.
Adola group: This unit includes deposited both within greenstone gabbros (orthoamphibo-rift
and on cartons), ultra basic slices (ophioliotic association); psammite, Fe-quartzite pelitic and
graphitic schist. Succession mainly deposited with in flanking cartons (Middle complex)
Burji gneiss (new stratigraphic position inferred) mainly pelitic schist with minor amphibole and
layers of quartzo-feldspathic psammite.
Wadera group (possibly equivalent to Yabelo gneiss)

8
Upper wadera: mafic pelitic and hornblende gneisses with quartzo-feldspathic pssamites
Lower Wadera: meta-arkoses Minor amphibolite’s and pelite merge into granite gneiss
particularly near base. Talc-tremolite schist near base ophiolitic suture.
Awata gneiss strongly sheared and migmatised and consists of:
1. Biotite-muscovite gneiss
2. Fine-mediums grained massive biotite gneisses
3. Banded biotite and biotite amphibole gneiss. Serpentinite and talc-termolite schist mark
possible ophiolitic suture
4. Quartzite with feldspathic magnetite gneiss lenses.
5. Quartzo-feldspathic magnetite.
Alaghe gneiss: banded monotonous biotite- hornblende gneisses. Strongly sheared and heavily
migmatized.

9
CHAPTER THREE
3. LOCAL GEOLOGY

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The study area has different types of lithological units which are exposed along river cut, hill
side and road cut and the units are amphibole gneiss, amphibolite, metagranite, basalt and
micashist. All of them are mappable units except micashist and migmatite.

3.2 DESCRIPTION OF LITHOOGICAL UNITS

Basically the study area comprises two major classes of rock units. These are either metamorphic
rocks which are formed under intensive pressure and temperature conditions or igneous rocks
which are formed by the solidification of magma.

3.2.1 METAMORPHIC ROCK

[Link] Amphibolite
Amphibolite is a dark colored and medium grained size, non foliated metamorphic rock and
entirely composed of minerals quartz, amphibole, mica and feldspar. This rock unit is intruded
by pegmatite and quartz veins of different thickness; and the veins are oriented in different ways
to the rock following joints and other weak [Link] exposed along the river.

Figure 3.1 photograph showing of Amphibolite unit

[Link] Amphibole gneiss
Amphibolite is a high grade metamorphic rock, meaning that it has been subjected to higher
temperatures and pressures. It is formed by the metamorphism of granite rock. It displays
distinct foliation, representing alternating layers composed of different minerals, such as
amphibole, quartz, mica and feldspar. The rock unit is characterized by dark gray weathered

10
color; white and dark color layers observed in the fresh rock unit, coarse grain size and have
gneissosity structure. It exposed along the river and around hill side.

Figure 3.2: Amphibole gneiss

[Link] Metagranite
Metagranite is a dark grey to light grey colored and has coarse grain size. The rock is
characterized by non foliated texture and composed of the minerals quartz, k-feldspar,
plagioclase feldspar and mica. Some eye like structure due to metamorphism of large feldspatic
crystals developed an Augen texture and primarily the unit is porphyritic granite. This rock unit
is exposed along river cut and around hill side.

[Link] Micaschist
Mica-schist is also one of a metamorphic rock composed of essentially of quartz and mica,
usually either muscovite or biotite. The mica plates all lie with their cleavage planes parallel to
each other and give to the rock a striking laminated or "schistose" structure. Next to the meta
diorite, the mica-schists are the least common metamorphic rocks in the study area. Mica, it
consists of muscovite which has white-grey in color and biotite, dark- grey in color. The grain
size of these rocks suggests that it is formed under medium grade of metamorphism and exposed
along hill side.

11
 Figure 3.3: Field photograph showing of Mica schist.
[Link] Migmatite This lithology exposed around Gewada junction. Exposed by road cut and
have light and dark in color. Generally composed of mafic(dark color) and felsic(light color)
mineral. Form due to high temperature which leads partial melting of felsic mineral and residual
of mafic mineral known as lactosoil and Milano soil respectively.

Figure 3.4: migmatite

[Link] Granolite’s

This lithology exposed by road cut around sorobo village. Have dark gray color and cores grin.
Non foliated texture within exfoliation structure and affected by fold discontented. Granulites are
high grad metamorphic rock. Its parent rock is basalt mafic in composition.

Figure 3.5: granolite

3.2.2 IGNEOUS ROCK

[Link] Basalt
Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock which is formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava.

12
It is characterized by dark fresh color, and dark gray weathered color. It is compositionally mafic
and also contains some light colored felsic minerals such as plagioclase feldspar and minor
quartz and fine grain in texture, due to rapid cooling of lava on the Earth's surface. It is exposed
along the hill side.

Figure 3.6: Field photograph showing exposure of basalt.

13
CHAPTER FOUR
4. DESCRIPTION OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURES
The study area has different types of geological structures which are joints, veins and dikes.

4.1 Joint
Joints are fractures along which there has been no appreciable displacement parallel to the
fracture and only slight movement normal to the fracture plane. From the study are, this structure
mostly observed in the rhyolite is called columnar joint. Viscosity of the magma and outward
crystallization is responsible for the formation of these columnar joints.

Figure 4.1: Field photograph showing columnar joint

4.2 Dyke
Dyke is the one type of geologic structure which is formed from an intrusion cutting the
amphibolite rock unit and it is compositionally different from the country rock. There are two
different compositional dykes a in the study area which are apilite dykes and pegmatite dykes.

14
Figure 4.2: Field photograph showing pegmatite dyke

4.3 Vein
Vein is a geological structure which is formed by the crystallization of minerals along the weak
zones. This geologic structure dominantly intruded amphibolite’s rock units in the study area.
The study area contains two types of veins such as, quartz and pegmatite veins. This quartz vein
composed of dominant quartz and plagioclase and feldspar. Pegmatite vein is composed of
quartz, feldspar, mica, and others.

Figure 4.3: Field photograph showing vein (quartzite vein)

4.4 Fold

It is observed in first road geology between basaltic lava and volcanic ash which is formed due
to the load of overlying materials .The fold axis has an oriented North West direction. It is
formed as sinusoidal fold or oscillating fold containing with both synform and antiform.

15
 Figure 4.4: Field photograph showing folds
Foliation and lineation Foliation and lineation are formed during metamorphism of parent rock.
These primary structure shows alignment of mineral in surface of rock. Foliation is a planer
structure but lineation is liner structure. Foliation and lineation are not observable in all
metamorphic rock. In our study area we observe foliation and lineation on amphibolites,
amphibole gneiss, and muscovite rock.

Table 4.1 General description of geological structures

location joint Vein dike Rock

name
Elevation
traverse

longitu latitu strike dip strik Dip strik dip

station

des de e e
T1 S1 30819 8197 973 N18 72N N55 20N N10 80N Amphib
2 W E W E E W olite
T1 S2 30607 8257 1013 - - N40 10N - - Amphib
6 E W ole
gneiss
T2 S1 29069 8169 1208 - - N70 20S - - Amphib
1 E E olite
T S1 30910 8230 994 - - N80 10S - - Amphib
9 W E olite
S2 31579 8183 1107 - - S74 15N - - Amphib
0 E E olite
S3 29395 8136 1200 - - - - N47 43N Amphib
5 E W olite
T3 S1 29395 8485 1087 - - - - N40 50N Meta
3 W E granite
S2 28500 8427 1190 - - N55 35N - - Amphib
1 W E olite
T3 S2 31027 8443 1050 N70 20 - - - - Basalt
5 W NE

16
CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
The different rock units that are sought in the study area have numerous economic importances.
All the rock units of the area have their own application. Some of their economic uses are
discussed as follows.

Amphibolite gneisses: Has been fashioned into attractive cabochon and miscue (for beads, paper
outright and book hands).

Amphibolite: This rock unites is economically used for the construction materials a common
dimension stone used in construction, paving, facing of buildings, especially because of its
attractive textures, dark color, hardness and polish ability and its ready availability..

Basalt: This rock unit is basically important in construction as building blocks, in making
cobblestones especially from columnar basalt, in road construction as gravel.

Meta granite: This rock unit is important rock for, building material, dimension stone, flooring
and to make cobblestone.

5.2 Local economic importance

People of Konso have used different lithological units for various purposes like for terracing
activity which helps to reduce soil erosion, fencing and making hut houses where usually local
people settle. In addition to this, they also use for agricultural purpose where there are various
lithological units cover and in turn these rocks produce very fertile soil after weathering of
process.

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CHAPTER SIX
6. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

6.1 Conclusion
Based on the methodology (pre-field work, field-work and post-field work) employed the
following conclusions have been drawn Geology of the area from higher to lower coverage
amphibolies, amphibolite gneiss, meta granite and mica schist which have intruded in the
metamorphic rocks by post tectonic aplitic and mafic dyke and these lithlogies have their
own application. Also different mineralization can be observed to identify the grade of
metamorphism. Different geological structures are developed in the rock units of the study
area, these structures are fold, foliation, joints and fractures, dykes and veins. Two generation of
quartz veins were observed, the first generation quartz veins were oriented to N15E and
the second generation quartz veins trend towards S44E. The occurrence of garnet in amphibolite
rock indicates that the area is subjected to medium to high grade metamorphism, this shows
garnet is subjected to retro grade metamorphism.
6.2 Recommendation
Metamorphic rock units are hosts of different minerals, and the metamorphic rock units of the
study area are part of Mozambique belt. Therefore it is better if students and staff members
particularly earth science department staff members conduct a scientific and more detailed
research on the area. The area is covered by different metamorphic rock units so it is important
for students to know detail studies about those metamorphic rock units, but the area has no
sufficient water and light supply. So it is better if there is a good hydrological exploration
(investigation) and permanent electric current supply. The area seems promising, since there are
some indications of mineralization like mica, gem minerals like garnet and tourmaline, and
oxidation of iron minerals, therefore more detailed geological researches should be conducted in
the area by interested researchers

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