Tectonic evolution of a greenstone sequence in northern Zimbabwe: sequential early stacking and pluton diapirism

Article Abstract:

The key issues relating to the late Archean evolution of the Zimbabwe craton include the lithological associations and structural geometries within greenstone belts and the connections between the greenstone belts and granitoid batholiths. An important question is whether greenstone belts contain thick coherent sections with repeated stratigraphic alternations of felsic and (ultra)mafic volcanic rocks and sedimentary rocks which experienced little deformation before the late granitoid emplacement. It is concluded that the stratigraphy of the Zimbabwean greenstones cannot be seen as a coherent and nonrepetitive, autochthonous succession of (ultra)mafic and felsic greenstones which were only deposited on continental crust.

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Horizontal tectonic deformation geometries in a late Archaean sedimentary sequence, Belingwe greenstone belt, Zimbabwe

Article Abstract:

A structural investigation of the around 2.65 Ga old sedimentary Cheshire Formation, the youngest element in the Belingwe greenstone belt of Zimbabwe, is presented. It is concluded that horizontal tectonic processes played a significant role in the development of the Belingwe greenstone belt.

Rock deformation

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Horizontal accretion and stabilization of the Archean Zimbabwe Craton: comments and replies

Article Abstract:

Paul H.G.M. Dirks and Hielke A. Jelsma attempted to provide a model that explained the structural, metamorphic and igneous events that took place in the Late Archean period in northern Zimbabwe. However, their study failed to conclusively establish their theories. One of the issues that still remain debatable include the existence of D1 thrust tectonics in granite-greenstone terranes. No remarkable metamorphic effects of a large-scale thrusting in the area has been observed. Furthermore, disparities were noted in the isotope geochemical data and the available age for the Zimbabwe Craton.

Plate tectonics

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