Cenozoic to modern-day source to sink systems of Senegal: A record of provenance, transport, recycling and climate controls

This study presents an integrated mineralogical assessment for the provenance of sediments derived from modern-day rivers and Cenozoic deposits in Senegal Gambia. Two distinct populations are identified discrimination heavy mineral assemblages; River sediment, sourced West African Craton Mauritanides Meso-Cenozoic sediment onshore Basin, demonstrating prevalent recycling Basin by Ferlo, Saloum, Gambia Casamance Rivers throughout Quaternary. The records occurrence amphibole, epidote, garnet pyroxene, which indicates denudation Neo to Paleo-Proterozoic granites, low-medium grade meta-sediments a skarn-type lithology. recycled within exhibit component has been modified through chemical-weathering diagenesis less-stable pyroxene garnet. U/Pb dating zircons provinces that, at least part, Mesozoic basin may have ultimately Leo-Man Shield. Kaolin is associated with tropical weathering laterites. terrigenous-smectite high altitude regions interpreted formed under hyper-arid conditions prior erosion transportation, during humid periods Holocene. established Basin-sediments continued hinterland-sediments via River. identification two groups strong climatic signal provides important framework future studies assessing source sink systems Meso-Cenozoic.