Petrographic and Structural Study of Stalactites and Stalagmites of Mfamosing Camp II Cave in Cross River State, South Eastern Nigeria

This study investigated the petrographic and structural features of Mfamosing camp II cave stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is in the karst region of Udukpani in Cross River State, Southeast Nigeria. The objective of the study was to gain insights into the mineral composition, texture and structure of the stalactites and stalagmites of the cave through petrographic analysis. The study employed a methodology that involved field study, collection of representative samples, preparation of thin sections, and examination under a petrographic microscope. Field observations revealed that the stalactite and stalagmites were leucocratic in color. The rocks exhibited similar texture which was fine grained. The cave contained large number of stalactites and stalagmites of varrying lengths (icicle and cone dome shapes) with stromalitic features on the wall. The petrographic analysis revealed the predominance of carbonates (calcite) as the primary mineral. The average estimated minerals composition present were 54.5% of Calcite, 5.3% of Quartz, and 2% of feldspar for stalactites. 51% of Calcite, 5% of Quartz, and 2.67% of feldspar for stalagmites. The results shows that the major mineral composition of the speleothems the cave are CaO.