209-2 Africa's Basins Deep-Time Evolution: A Paleogeographic and Paleoceanographic Database Perspective

Session: Deep-Time Earth and the AI Revolution

Presenting Author:

Joshua Solomon

Authors:

Solomon, Joshua Avong¹, Obiosio, Enam Victor ², Suleiman, Henry Nasir ³, Ogg, James G⁴, LeBlanc, Jacques⁵, Ogg, Gabriele⁶

(1) Department of Geosciences, Auburn University, Birmingham, Alabama, USA; Department of Geology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria, (2) Department of Geology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, (3) Department of Geology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, (4) Key Lab of Deep-time Geography and Environment Reconstruction,, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu, China; Department of Earth,Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, USA, (5) International Consulting Geologist, Alberta, Canada, (6) Geologic TimeScale Foundation, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA,

Abstract:

Recognizing the persistent need for a centralized digital database for African sedimentary basins and basement complexes, we compiled the AfricaLex suite as part of the global geolex.org program. This unique, free, public database is a comprehensive resource on the geologic formations of African basins, both onshore and offshore. It stands out as an online integrated time-scale and Earth-history database visualization system for African basins, providing a wealth of information and knowledge to its users. The AfricaLex suite platform, meticulously designed with a user-friendly graphic interface, offers a wide range of entries, including type sections, lithology, stratigraphic context and contacts, regional distribution, fossils, age range interpretation, and associated images. Any formation or time-slices of formations can be projected onto plate-tectonic reconstructions as polygons filled with the appropriate generalized lithology pattern. The information can also be accessed directly from the African Geological Map hosted on the Earth Explorer platform (earth.deep-time.org) of the Deep-time Digital Earth (DDE). The user-interface design ensures that users can easily navigate through the platform, enhancing their experience and understanding of the geologic formations, as well as the paleogeographic and paleoceonographic scenarios In addition to NigerLex (nigerlex.geolex.org), NigeriaLex (nigerialex.geolex.org), and CongoLex (congolex.geolex.org), the current (as of July, 2025) AfricaLex is home to a suite of detailed data on the geologic formations of the Volta and Sud Province basins and to less-detailed sets of the majority of the other African basins. The AfricaLex suite provides open-access information on Africa's fascinating geology to professional geoscientists, students, and the general public. The educational aspect is a key feature of the AfricaLex Suite, enriching the understanding of African geology for all its users.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-8511

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