Exploring our current understanding of the geological evolution and mineral endowment of the Zimbabwe Craton

2021 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 279-310
Author(s):  
H.A. Jelsma ◽  
R.W. Nesbitt ◽  
C.M. Fanning
Keyword(s):  
Shear Zones ◽  
Current Understanding ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Zimbabwe Craton ◽  
Deformational History ◽  
Felsic Volcanism ◽  
Geological Evolution ◽  
Important Time ◽  
Felsic Volcanic ◽  
Clastic Sedimentary

Abstract A.M. Macgregor (1888-1961) is remembered for his enormous contribution to geology. His maps changed the course of geological thinking in southern Africa. Following in his footsteps we examine aspects of our current understanding of the geological evolution of the Zimbabwe Craton and, using new SHRIMP U-Pb ages of zircons from felsic volcanic and plutonic rocks from northern Zimbabwe and unpublished data related to the seminal paper by Wilson et al. (1995), a synthesis is proposed for the formation of the Neoarchaean greenstones. The data suggest marked differences (lithostratigraphy, geochemistry and isotope data, mineral endowment and deformational history), between Eastern and Western Successions, which indicate fundamentally different geodynamic environments of formation. The Eastern Succession within the southcentral part of the craton, largely unchanged in terms of stratigraphy, is reminiscent of a rift-type setting with the Manjeri Formation sediments and overlying ca. 2 745 Ma Reliance Formation komatiite magmatism being important time markers. In contrast, the Western Succession is reminiscent of a convergent margin subduction-accretion system with bimodal mafic-felsic volcanism and accompanying sedimentation constrained to between 2 715 and 2 683 Ma. At ca. 2 670 Ma, a tectonic switch likely marks the onset of deposition of Shamvaian felsic volcanism and sedimentation. The Shamvaian resembles pull-apart basin successions and is dominated by deposition of a coarse clastic sedimentary succession, with deposition likely constrained to between 2 672 and 2 647 Ma. The late tectonic emplacement of small, juvenile multiphase stocks, ranging in composition from gabbroic to granodioritic was associated with gold ± molybdenum mineralisation. Their emplacement at 2 647 Ma provides an upper age limit to the timespan of Shamvaian deposition. Amongst the youngest granites are the extensive, largely tabular late- to post-tectonic ca. 2 620 to 2 600 Ma Chilimanzi Suite granites. These granites are characterised by evolved isotopic systems and have been related to crustal relaxation and anatexis following deformation events. After their emplacement, the Zimbabwe Craton cooled and stabilised, with further deformation partitioned into lower-grade, strike-slip shear zones, and at ca. 2 575 Ma the craton was cut by the Great Dyke, its satellite dykes and related fractures.

Chapter 4 Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.8 Ga) syn-orogenic sedimentation, magmatism and mineralization in the Bothnia–Skellefteå lithotectonic unit, Svecokarelian orogen

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietari Skyttä ◽  
Pär Weihed ◽  
Karin Högdahl ◽  
Stefan Bergman ◽  
Michael B. Stephens
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Magmatic Arc ◽  
The North ◽  
Magmatic Rocks ◽  
Structural Style ◽  
Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide ◽  
Felsic Volcanic

AbstractThe Bothnia–Skellefteå lithotectonic unit is dominated by turbiditic wacke and argillite (Bothnian basin), deposited at 1.96 (or older)–1.86 Ga, metamorphosed generally under high-grade conditions and intruded by successive plutonic suites at 1.95–1.93, 1.90–1.88, 1.87–1.85 and 1.81–1.76 Ga. In the northern part, low-grade and low-strain, 1.90–1.86 Ga predominantly magmatic rocks (the Skellefte–Arvidsjaur magmatic province) are enclosed by the basinal components. Subduction-related processes in intra-arc basin and magmatic arc settings, respectively, are inferred. Changes in the metamorphic grade and the relative timing of deformation and structural style across the magmatic province are linked to major shear zones trending roughly north–south and, close to the southern margin, WNW–ESE. Zones trending WNW–ESE and ENE–WSW dominate southwards. Slip along the north–south zones in an extensional setting initiated synchronously with magmatic activity at 1.90–1.88 Ga. Tectonic inversion steered by accretion to a craton to the east, involving crustal shortening, ductile strain and crustal melting, occurred at 1.88–1.85 Ga. Deformation along shear zones under lower-grade conditions continued at c. 1.8 Ga. Felsic volcanic rocks (1.90–1.88 Ga) host exhalative and replacement-type volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits (the metallogenic Skellefte district). Other deposits include orogenic Au, particularly along the ‘gold line’ SW of this district, porphyry Cu–Au–Mo, and magmatic Ni–Cu along the ‘nickel line’ SE of the ‘gold line’.

A terrane interpretation of the Archaean Limpopo Belt

1993 ◽  
Vol 130 (6) ◽  
pp. 755-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. R. Rollinson
Keyword(s):  
Shear Zones ◽  
Kaapvaal Craton ◽  
Late Archaean ◽  
The North ◽  
Zimbabwe Craton ◽  
Marginal Zones ◽  
Limpopo Belt

AbstractThe Limpopo Belt is a zone of thickened Archaean crust whose origin is currently explained by a late Archaean continent-continent collision between the Kaapvaal and Zimbabwe cratons. This review shows that the two cratons have fundamentally different geological histories and that the Zimbabwe Craton was unlikely to have behaved as a stable ‘cratonic’ block at the time of the Limpopo Belt collision. The geological histories of the Zimbabwe Craton, the North Marginal, Central and South Marginal zones of the Limpopo Belt and the Kaapvaal Craton are shown to be sufficiently different from one another to warrant their consideration as discrete terranes. The boundaries between the five units outlined above are all major shear zones, further supporting a terrane model for the Limpopo Belt. The five units were all intruded by late- to syn-tectonic granites c.2.6 Ga, constraining the accretion event to c. 2.6 Ga.

Chapter 3 Archean (>2.6 Ga) and Paleoproterozoic (2.5–1.8 Ga), pre- and syn-orogenic magmatism, sedimentation and mineralization in the Norrbotten and Överkalix lithotectonic units, Svecokarelian orogen

2020 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-81 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Bergman ◽  
Pär Weihed
Keyword(s):  
Variable Temperature ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Active Continental Margin ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Ductile Deformation ◽  
Fe Oxide ◽  
Ductile Shear Zones ◽  
Three Stages ◽  
Felsic Volcanic

AbstractTwo lithotectonic units (the Norrbotten and Överkalix units) occur inside the Paleoproterozoic (2.0–1.8 Ga) Svecokarelian orogen in northernmost Sweden. Archean (2.8–2.6 Ga and possibly older) basement, affected by a relict Neoarchean tectonometamorphic event, and early Paleoproterozoic (2.5–2.0 Ga) cover rocks constitute the pre-orogenic components in the orogen that are unique in Sweden. Siliciclastic sedimentary rocks, predominantly felsic volcanic rocks, and both spatially and temporally linked intrusive rock suites, deposited and emplaced at 1.9–1.8 Ga, form the syn-orogenic component. These magmatic suites evolved from magnesian and calc-alkaline to alkali–calcic compositions to ferroan and alkali–calcic varieties in a subduction-related tectonic setting. Apatite–Fe oxide, including the world's two largest underground Fe ore mines (Kiruna and Malmberget), skarn-related Fe oxide, base metal sulphide, and epigenetic Cu–Au and Au deposits occur in the Norrbotten lithotectonic unit. Low- to medium-pressure and variable temperature metamorphic conditions and polyphase Svecokarelian ductile deformation prevailed. The general northwesterly or north-northeasterly structural grain is controlled by ductile shear zones. The Paleotectonic evolution after the Neoarchean involved three stages: (1) intracratonic rifting prior to 2.0 Ga; (2) tectonic juxtaposition of the lithotectonic units during crustal shortening prior to 1.89 Ga; and (3) accretionary tectonic evolution along an active continental margin at 1.9–1.8 Ga.

Rare earth elements in volcanic rocks associated with Cu–Zn massive sulphide mineralization: a preliminary report

1982 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 619-623 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. H. Campbell ◽  
P. Coad ◽  
J. M. Franklin ◽  
M. P. Gorton ◽  
S. D. Scott ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Massive Sulphide ◽  
Genetic History ◽  
Felsic Volcanism ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Felsic Volcanic ◽  
High Degree ◽  
Ree Patterns ◽  
Felsic Volcanic Rocks

Massive sulphide deposits are closely associated with felsic volcanism. This association is believed to be genetic and it forms the cornerstone for most exploration programs, but unfortunately not all felsic volcanic rocks contain ore. It seems likely that ore-bearing felsic volcanic rocks have a different genetic history from those that are barren and, if this is so, these differences should be reflected in their REE geochemistry.A preliminary study of REE in Archean felsic volcanic rocks has shown that those associated with ore have flat REE patterns with well-developed Eu anomalies whereas those from barren volcanic rocks have steep REE patterns with weak or absent Eu anomalies. The felsic volcanic rocks associated with ore can be subdivided into two types: tholeiitic and calc-alkaline. Kam-Kotia, Matagami, and South Bay are tholeiitic whereas Sturgeon Lake, Golden Grove, and Kuroko are calc-alkaline.The well-developed Eu anomalies in the ore-related felsic volcanic rocks indicate that the melt has undergone a high degree of fractional crystallization en route to the surface, suggesting the existence of a subvolcanic magma chamber below the orebody. The characteristic REE patterns of the ore-associated felsic volcanics should help mining companies in area selection for massive sulphide exploration.

Geological evolution of the northwestern Superior Province: Clues from geology, kinematics, and geochronology in the Gods Lake Narrows area, Oxford–Stull terrane, Manitoba

2006 ◽  
Vol 43 (7) ◽  
pp. 749-765 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Lin ◽  
D W Davis ◽  
E Rotenberg ◽  
M T Corkery ◽  
A H Bailes
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Superior Province ◽  
Continental Margins ◽  
The North ◽  
Geological Evolution ◽  
Southern Half ◽  
Andean Type ◽  
Tectonic Interpretation

The study of lithology, geochronology, and structure in the Oxford–Stull terrane, in particular in the Gods Lake Narrows area, has led to the recognition of three distinct supracrustal sequences: ~2.8–2.9 Ga volcanic rocks; a ~2720 Ma fault-bounded package of volcanics and sandstones; and ~2705 Ma conglomerate and alkaline volcanic rocks of the Oxford Lake Group. Detrital zircon as old as 3647 Ma is present in the Oxford Lake Group. An early generation of folding and shearing occurred prior to deposition of the Oxford Lake Group and was probably synchronous with emplace ment of 2721 Ma tonalite dykes. The second generation of deformation caused south-over-north thrusting of volcanic rocks over the Oxford Lake Group. The youngest fabric resulted from east-southeast-trending, dextral, south-over-north shearing. The youngest rock dated in the area is the 2668 ± 1 Ma Magill Lake pluton, which records crustal melting following deformation. The pattern of sedimentation and deformation in this area is similar to but slightly older than that found in the southern half of the Superior Province, which shows a southward-younging diachroneity. The south-dipping north-vergent shear zones observed in the area contrast with dominantly north-dipping south-vergent structures observed and interpreted south of the North Caribou superterrane (NCS). The limited size of the study area precludes any strongly based large-scale tectonic interpretation; however, data and observations from the Gods Lake Narrows area are most easily accommodated in a model where the NCS served as a nucleus onto which other terranes were accreted and both the northern and southern margins of the NCS were Andean-type continental margins with opposite subduction polarities.

Geologic history of the Archean Buhwa Greenstone Belt and surrounding granite–gneiss terrane, Zimbabwe, with implications for the evolution of the Limpopo Belt

1995 ◽  
Vol 32 (11) ◽  
pp. 1977-1990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Fedo ◽  
Kenneth A. Eriksson ◽  
Tom G. Blenkinsop
Keyword(s):  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Marginal Zone ◽  
Sedimentary Cover ◽  
Granite Gneiss ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Granulite Facies ◽  
Geologic History ◽  
Northern Margin ◽  
Zimbabwe Craton ◽  
Limpopo Belt

The Buhwa Greenstone Belt (BGB) of southern Zimbabwe is the only major greenstone belt in the Archean Zimbabwe Craton directly adjacent to the granulite-facies rocks that constitute the Northern Marginal Zone of the Limpopo Belt. The deformational history and assembly of the BGB shed light on the evolution of the Northern Marginal Zone – Zimbabwe Craton transition. Assembly of the region began with deposition of the dominantly sedimentary cover succession at ~3.0 Ga on banded gneisses of the ~3.5 Ga Tokwe segment. At ~2.9 Ga the northern margin of the greenstone belt experienced kilometres of ductile, oblique-slip, dextral shearing. This shear zone was later intruded by the granitic to tonalitic ~2.9 Ga Chipinda batholith. The remaining events recognized in the region occurred during the time span 2.9–2.5 Ga. Northwest-directed thrusting of the Northern Marginal Zone over the Zimbabwe Craton took place along a collection of discrete, typically metre-wide shear zones, which collectively form the tectonic break between the Zimbabwe Craton and the Northern Marginal Zone. In response to thrusting, the cover succession and surrounding granitoids were folded and underwent regional greenschist-facies metamorphism. Two suites of potassic granites were emplaced north and south of the greenstone belt towards the end of thrusting. Plutonism was followed by conjugate faulting and later filling of the fractures by the Great Dyke of Zimbabwe. The youngest events may have occurred between ~2.5 and ~2.0 Ga, and include sinistral shearing along the southern margin of the belt, transecting cleavage formation, and open folding as a result of northeast-directed crustal shortening.

Advances in the U–Pb zircon geochronology of the Michipicoten greenstone belt, Superior Province, Ontario

1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1154-1165 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Turek ◽  
R. P. Sage ◽  
W. R. Van Schmus
Keyword(s):  
Greenstone Belt ◽  
Superior Province ◽  
Zircon Geochronology ◽  
Volcanic Centre ◽  
Volcanic Tuff ◽  
Metasedimentary Rocks ◽  
Felsic Volcanism ◽  
Felsic Volcanic ◽  
Volcanic Cycle ◽  
Volcanic Cycles

The Michipicoten greenstone belt in the Superior Province in Ontario developed over a period of approximately 240 Ma, between 2900 and 2660 Ma. The belt is made up of supracrustal rocks consisting of mafic to felsic metavolcanic and associated metasedimentary rocks intruded and embayed by granitoids of various ages. Generally, the external granitic terrane, a mosaic of plutons of various ages, is younger than the greenstone belt and equivalent in age to the plutons in the belt. Three major volcanic cycles have been recognized, and the older internal plutonism is coeval with the volcanism.This study reports 10 new U–Pb concordia ages that enhance the existing geochronological framework of the area. The 2889 Ma age determined for the Judith volcanic tuff documents the existence of the oldest volcanic cycle. This age is close to that of the Murray–Algoma porphyry, dated in this study at 2881 Ma, and similar to a previously published age of 2888 Ma for the Regnery granite within the same area. These three ages establish coeval felsic volcanism and plutonism within the oldest volcanic cycle 1.The new ages for the Jubilee volcanic centre are 2746 Ma (volcanic flow) and 2742 Ma (porphyry intrusion). These ages agree with previously published cycle 2 felsic volcanic ages of 2744 and 2749 Ma and hence establish coeval felsic volcanism and plutonism for this volcanic cycle. The Goudreau felsic volcanic terrane yields ages of 2729 Ma at Goudreau and 2741 Ma at Alden, which probably represent different stratigraphic positions within the same cycle.At McCormick Lake the felsic volcanic crystal tuff is 2701 Ma and belongs to cycle 3 volcanism. U–Pb ages have been determined for three plutons: 2677 Ma for the internal Dickenson Lake syenite, 2662 Ma for the internal Lund Lake granodiorite, and 2686 Ma for the external Dubreuilville granodiorite. These ages fit into an established period of granitoid plutonism in the area.

Metallogeny of the North Atlantic Craton in Greenland

2015 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 815-855 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jochen Kolb ◽  
Leon Bagas ◽  
Marco L. Fiorentini
Keyword(s):  
North Atlantic ◽  
Gold Mineralization ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Orogenic Gold ◽  
Iron Formation ◽  
Iron Deposit ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
The North ◽  
The North Atlantic ◽  
North Atlantic Craton

AbstractThe North Atlantic Craton (NAC) extends along the coasts of southern Greenland. At its northern and southern margins, Archaean rocks are overprinted by Palaeoproterozoic orogeny or overlain by younger rocks. Typical granite-greenstone and granite-gneiss complexes represent the entire Archaean, with a hiatus from ∼3.55–3.20 Ga. In the granulite- and amphibolite-facies terranes, the metallogeny comprises hypozonal orogenic gold and Ni-PGE-Cr-Ti-V in mafic-ultramafic magmatic systems. Gold occurrences are widespread around and south of the capital, Nuuk. Nickel mineralization in the Maniitsoq Ni project is hosted in the Norite belt; Cr and PGE in Qeqertarssuatsiaq, and Ti-V in Sinarsuk in the Fiskenæsset complex. The lower-grade metamorphic Isua greenstone belt hosts the >1000 Mt Isua iron deposit in an Eoarchaean banded iron formation. Major Neoarchaean shear zones host mesozonal orogenic gold mineralization over considerable strike length in South-West Greenland. The current metallogenic model of the NAC is based on low-resolution data and variable geological understanding, and prospecting has been the main exploration method. In order to generate a robust understanding of the metal endowment, it is necessary to apply an integrated and collective approach. The NAC is similar to other well-endowed Archaean terranes but is underexplored, and is therefore likely to host numerous targets for greenfields exploration.

Structural and metamorphic evolution of the Ambin massif (western Alps): toward a new alternative exhumation model for the Briançonnais domain

2007 ◽  
Vol 178 (6) ◽  
pp. 437-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerome Ganne ◽  
Jean-Michel Bertrand ◽  
Serge Fudral ◽  
Didier Marquer ◽  
Olivier Vidal
Keyword(s):  
Tectonic Evolution ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Shear Bands ◽  
Shear Zones ◽  
Western Alps ◽  
Ductile Deformation ◽  
Movement Direction ◽  
Lower Grade ◽  
Structural Investigations

Abstract The basement domes of the central part of western Alps may result either from a multistage tectonic evolution with a dominant horizontal shortening component, an extensional behaviour, or both. The Ambin massif belongs to the “Briançonnais” domain and is located within the HP metamorphic zone. It was chosen for a reappraisal of the tectonic evolution of the Internal Alps in its western segment. Structural investigations have shown that Alpine HP rocks were exhumed in three successive stages. The D1 stage was roughly coeval with the observed peak metamorphic conditions and corresponds to a non-coaxial regime with dominant horizontal shortening and north movement direction. Petrological observations and P-T estimates show that the exhumation process was initiated during D1, the corresponding mechanism being still poorly understood. The D2 stage took place under low-blueschist facies conditions and culminated under greenschist facies conditions. It developed a retrogressive foliation and pervasive shear-zones at all scales that locally define major tectonic contacts. D2 shear zones show a top-to-east movement direction and correspond actually to large-scale detachment faults responsible for the juxtaposition of less metamorphic units above the Ambin basement and thus to a large part of the exhumation of HP rocks toward the surface. D2 shear zones were subsequently deformed by D3 open folds, large antiforms (e.g. the Ambin dome) and associated brittle-ductile D3 shear-bands. The D1 to D3 P-T conditions and P-T path of the blueschists occurring in the deepest part of the Ambin dome, was estimated by using the multi-equilibrium thermobarometric method of the Tweeq and Thermocalc softwares. Peak pressure conditions, estimated at about 14–16 Kb, 500oC, are followed by a nearly-isothermal decompression that occurred concurrently with the major D1–D2 change in the ductile deformation regime. Eastwards, the Schistes Lustrés units exhibit a similar geometry on top of the Gran Paradiso dome but exhibit opposite D2 movement direction. Lower-grade units are lying above higher-grade units, the shear zones occurring in between being similar to Ambin’s D2 detachments. Thus at regional scale, the D2 detachments seem to form together with the Ambin shear-zones, a network of conjugate detachments. Such a pattern suggests that the exhumation history is mostly controlled by a D2+D3 crustal-scale vertical shortening resulting in the thinning of the previous tectonic pile formed during D1. The slab-break off hypothesis may explain such an extensional behaviour within the western Pennine domain. It is suggested that the thermo-mechanical rebound of the residual European slab initiated between 35 and 32 Ma the fast exhumation of the previously thickened orogenic wedge (stack of D1 HP slices). It was immediately followed by a collapse of the wedge that may correspond to the E-W Oligocene extensional event responsible for the opening of rifts in the West European platform.

Geochemistry and tectonic discrimination of Late Proterozoic arc-related volcaniclastic turbidite sequences, Antigonish Highlands, Nova Scotia

1993 ◽  
Vol 30 (12) ◽  
pp. 2273-2282 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Brendan Murphy ◽  
Deborah L. MacDonald
Keyword(s):  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Tectonic Setting ◽  
Volcanic Rocks ◽  
Sedimentary Rocks ◽  
Widespread Application ◽  
Isotopic Signatures ◽  
Late Proterozoic ◽  
Felsic Volcanic ◽  
Clastic Sedimentary ◽  
End Members

The Late Proterozoic (ca. 618–610 Ma) Georgeville Group of northern mainland Nova Scotia lies within the Avalon Composite Terrane and consists of subgreenschist- to greenschist-facies mafic and felsic volcanic rocks overlain by volcaniclastic turbidites that were deposited in an ensialic basin within a rifted volcanic arc. Geochronological data indicate that the volcanic and sedimentary rocks are coeval. The geochemical and isotopic signatures of the sedimentary rocks are attributed to erosion of the coeval Avalonian volcanic rocks that flank the basin and are consistent with synorogenic deposition. There is no evidence of significant chemical contribution from Avalonian basement.Knowledge of the tectonic setting facilitates the testing of published geochemical discriminant diagrams for clastic sedimentary rocks. Discrimination diagrams using ratios such as K2O/Na2O and Al2O3/(CaO + Na2O) give inconclusive results, probably due to elemental mobility during secondary processes. Plots involving MgO, TiO2, and Fe2O3 detect the chemical contribution of mafic detritus, give much tighter clusters of data, and plot between Aleutian- and Cascade-type arc-derived sediments, suggesting a moderate thickness of continental crust beneath the arc.The arc-related signature of the Georgeville sedimentary rocks is clearly recognizable on ternary plots involving inter-element ratios of high field strength elements (e.g., Ti–Y–Zr, Nb–Y–Zr, and Hf–Ta–Th) in which the samples plot as mixing trends between mafic and felsic end members. Diagrams of this type may have widespread application to tectonic discrimination of sedimentary rocks because in most suites these ratios are relatively insensitive to sedimentary and metamorphic processes.

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