Role of tectonics in the formation of lateritic weathering crust in the Republic of Guinea

Background. In recent years, the Republic of Guinea has experienced a significant growth in the construction and reconstruction of basic infrastructures, including Conakry International Airport, the Amaria and Kukutamba hydroelectric power stations, the port of Conakry among other essential facilities. This dynamic process necessitates regional engineering and geological research of lateritic weathering crusts in Guinea, as they serve as the foundation for most of the aforementioned structures.

Aim. Development of the theoretical principles governing the development of engineering and geological lateritic formations and assessment of the influence of Mid-Atlantic rift geodynamics on the weathering crust of Guinea.

Materials and methods. Collection, analysis, and review of geological and geographical scientific publications, archival materials, and the authors’ field and laboratory data with the purpose of establishing the role of geodynamics in the formation of weathering crusts and their classification.

Results. A concept has been proposed to describe the influence of Atlantic rift geodynamics on the formation of Guinea’s lateritic bauxite-b earing weathering crust.

Conclusion. The proposed original concept elucidates the composition formation patterns, structural and textural features, and physical and mechanical properties of the engineering and geological formation of the lateritic weathering crust.

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