Table Of ContentDEVELOPMENTS IN PRECAMBRIAN GEOLOGY
Advisory Editor B.F. Windley
Further titles in this series
1. B.F. WINDLEY and S.M. NAQVl (Editors)
Archaean Geochemistry
3. K.C. CONDIE
Archean Greenstone Belts
DEVELOPMENTSIN PRECAMBRIAN GEOLOGY 2
PRECAMBRIANOF
THE SOUl'HmN
HEMISPHERE
Edited by
D.R. HUNTER
Department of Geology, University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
E LSEVl E R SCI ENTlF IC PUB LlSH I NG COMPANY
Amsterdam - Oxford - New York 1981
ELSEVIER SCIENTIFIC PUBLISHING COMPANY
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Distributors for the United States and Canada:
ELSEVIER NORTH-HOLLAND INC.
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Library of Congrr\5 Cataloging in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
becmbrian of the Southern Hemisphere.
(Developments in Precambrian geology ; 2)
Includes bibliographies and index.
1. Geology, Stratigraphic- - Pre -Cmbri an.
2. Geology--Southern Hemisphere. I. Hunter,
Donald Raymond. 11. Series.
QE653.P735 551.7'1'091814 80-16064
ISBN 0-444-41862-8
ISBN 0-444-41862-8 (Val. 2)
ISBN 0-444-41719-2 (Series)
0 Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company, 1981
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
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Printed in The Netherlands
V
INTRODUCTION
In the preparation of this volume, the various contributors have attempted
to synthesize the very considerable mass of data that has been and is still
being accumulated on the Precambrian rocks of the southern continents. The
details of the geology are frequently complex and not yet susceptible to un-
equivocal interpretation. Furthermore, outcrop quality differs greatly from,
for example, the equatorial rain forests of South America to the more arid
regions of Australia and Southern Africa. The consequence is inevitably that
some areas are better understood than others. The authors have perforce had
to present their data in a succinct form so that the volume would be of
manageable proportions. Within these constraints, this volume therefore
summarizes the main geological features of the three continents. However,
the authors have provided extensive bibliographies for those readers who
wish to obtain more information on specific topics.
Readers may well be surprised that the great continent of Antarctica has
been excluded from this volume. Antarctica forms a critical building block
in the reconstruction of Gondwanaland as Fig. 1.1 demonstrates. Knowledge
of its geology is fundamentally important. At the present time, geological
data are being accumulated by many workers from several nations. The diffi-
culties involved in working in Antarctica together with the multi-national
nature of this research makes it difficult to prepare a synthesis of the
geology. Although knowledge of the Phanerozoic rocks of Antarctica is
fairly extensive, the Precambrian is less well-documented and it would be
perhaps premature at this time to make such an attempt.
The geology of each continent has been discussed insofar as is possible in
terms of provinces, following introductory chapters on the broad structural
framework of each continent. Accounts of the granitoid shields with their
remnants of supracrustal rocks are followed by descriptions of the nature of
the lithic fill of successive sedimentary basins developed on these shields, and
of subsequent plutonic, metamorphic and deformational events. Each sec-
tion concludes with a review of the palaeontological record during the Pre-
.
cam brian
Figure 1.1 illustrates in a simplified and schematic form the broad relation-
ships between the disposition of orogens and zones of tectonic reworking in
VI
the Gondwanan reconstruction of Smith and Hallam (1970). In view of the
parallels drawn by Goode in this volume between the Proterozoic evolution
of Western Australia and southern Africa, it seems probable that there was a
closer spatial relationship between these continents than is suggested by the
Smith-Hallam (1970) model. There are a number of striking similarities
between, for example, the Early Proterozoic Hammersley Basin of Australia
and the Transvaal Basin of Southern Africa. Button (1976) suggests that the
correspondence in development of these basins can be best explained if both
developed on a common continental block, subject to the same tectonic,
climatic and atmospheric history. Button (1976) envisages the closer juxta-
position of Australia and Africa as in the Gondwanan reconstruction of Piper
(1974), with the modification that Madagascar is left in its present position.
Such a reconstruction would also bring the -1100 Ma Namaqua-Natal
orogenic zone of Southern Africa into alignment with those of apparently
similar age in Australia.
However, the relationships of more recent orogens between South
America and Antarctica would be less clear. These problems must await
geologic and geochronologic data from the east Antarctica shield.
As several authors wish to acknowledge assistance from colleagues, the
editor has taken the liberty of collating these into a consolidated list which
follows this introduction. The editor would also like to thank all contrib-
utors for their cooperation in the compilation of this volume.
Fig. 1.1. Reconstruction of Gondwandand.
VII
Since the manuscripts were received, Rhodesia has been renamed Zim-
babwe. Alterations have been made in the text, but it was not possible to
amend the text-figures, in which references to Rhodesia should now read
Zimbabwe. The term Rhodesian craton has been retained as a formal geologi-
cal name because of its established place in geological literature.
D.R. HUNTER
Pietermaritz burg
October 1979
REFERENCES
Button, A., 1976. Transvaal and Hammersley Basins - a review of basin development and
mineral deposits. Miner. Sci. Eng., 8: 262-293.
Piper, J.D., 1974. Proterozoic crustal distribution, mobile belts and apparent polar move-
ments. Nature, 251: 331-384.
Smith, A.G. and Hallam, A., 1970. The fit of the southern continents. Nature, 225: 139.-
144.
IX
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The following authors wish to record their appreciation for assistance
received in preparing their contributions:
(1)C .R. Anhaeusser wishes to thank C.F. Vermaak and A. Bernasconi for
their help in providing data on the Precambrian geology of Angola.
(2)A . Button wishes to acknowledge the helpful comments and assistance
received from H. de la R. Winter, N.J. Grobler, J.N.J. Visser, N.J. Beukes,
and K.A. Eriksson.
(3)K . Bloomfield wishes to acknowledge the assistance received from
R.N. Annels, E.A. O’Connor and B.A. Klinck who reviewed his contribution.
(4)A .D . T. Goode is deeply grateful to colleagues in The Broken Hill Pro-
prietary Co Ltd (BHP), particularly W.D.M. Hall, for their assistance and
encouragement in preparing his contribution. Many were also involved in
various investigations in recent years which helped to form the basis of his
contribution; these include C.D. Arndt, S.V. Bell, G. Davis, W.D.M. Hall,
J.E. Harms, J.S. MacFarlane, H.S. Madan, H.C. Meyer, and I.W. Reid. Geolo-
gists from other organizations who were most helpful include A.T. Brakel,
J.A. Bunting, R.D. Gee, P.C. Muhling, A.F. Trendall and I.R. Williams
(Geological Survey of Western Australia), M.R. Walter (Bureau of Mineral
Resources), and R.C. Horwitz (C.S.I.R.O.). The assistance of G. Beavis, J.
Bradley and S. Varley in the preparation of the manuscript is greatly
appreciated.
(5)M .F. Glaessner and M.R. Walter wish to thank J.H. Oehler and M.D.
Muir for their helpful suggestions for improvement of the manuscript of
their contribution. M.R. Walter publishes with permission of the Director,
Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, Australia.
(6)J . Hallberg and A. Y. Glikson wish to acknowledge the helpful com-
ments on their contribution from R.C. Honvitz, R.D. Gee, A.H. Hickman,
and W.E. Ewers. They also wish to thank C.R. Steel for drafting the figures,
and C.K. Harris for typing the manuscript.
(7)K .A. Plumb, G.A. Derrick, R.S. Needham and R.D. Shaw wish to record
that their contribution is the result of the cumulative efforts of numerous
BMR colleagues, both past and present, who have carried out the systematic
regional mapping of northern Australia which has provided the data and con-
X
cepts on which their synthesis is based. Particular thanks are due to those
involved in current BMR projects and who have freely discussed their ideas
and provided both published and unpublished data for their contribution:
A.J. Stewart, L.A. Offe and R.G. Warren (Arunta Inlier); A.W. Wells and
M.R. Walter (central Australian basins); J.H.C. Bain, B.S. Oversby, D.E. Mac-
kenzie, and I.W. Withnall (GSQ) (Georgetown Inlier); M.J. Jackson and M.D.
Muir (McArthur Basin), I.H. Wilson (GSQ), D.H. Blake, R.J. Bultitude, R.M.
Hill, I.P. Sweet (Mount Isa); I.H. Crick and P. Stuart-Smith (Pine Creek
Inlier); L.P. Black and R.W. Page (Geochronology). The manuscript has been
reviewed by J.H.C. Bain, D.H. Blake, I.P. Sweet, R.G. Warren and A.W.
Wells.
(8)J . F. Wilson wishes to acknowledge the considerable help he received
from the Geological Survey of Zimbabwe in preparing his contribution.
XI
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
AUSTRALIA
G.M. Derrick, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O.
Box 378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
M.F. Glaessner, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of
Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
A.Y. Glikson, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O.
Box 378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
A.D.T. Goode, Exploration Department, The Broken Hill Proprietary Co
Ltd., Melbourne Research Laboratories, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
J.A. Hallberg, Division of Mineralogy, C.S.I.R.O., Wembley, Western Aus-
tralia 6014, Australia.
B. Murrel, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Adelaide,
Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
R.S. Needham, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O.
Box 378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
A.J. Parker, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Adelaide,
Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
G.M. Pitt, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Adelaide,
Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
K.A. Plumb, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O.
Box 378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
W.V. Preiss, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Adelaide,
Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
R.W.R. Rutland, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of
Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5001, Australia.
R.D. Shaw, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O. Box
378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
M.R. Walter, Bureau of Mineral Resources, Geology and Geophysics, P.O.
Box 378, Canberra, A.C.T. 2601, Australia.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
C.R. Anhaeusser, Economic Geology Research Unit, University of the Wit-
watersrand, Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
XI1
K. Bloomfield, Institute of Geological Sciences (Overseas Division), 154
Clerkenwell Road, London EClR 5DU, England.
T.J. Broderick, Geological Survey, P.O. Box 8039, Causeway, Salisbury,
Zimbabwe.
A. Button, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, South
Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, S.D. 57701, U.S.A.
M.C. Du Toit, Department of Geology, Rand Afrikaans University, P.O. Box
524, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.
K.A. Eriksson, University of Texas at Dallas, Box 688, Richardson, Texas
75080, U.S.A.
D.R. Hunter, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Natal,
P.O. Box 375, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa.
H. Jansen, Geological Survey, Private Bag X112, Pretoria, 0001, South
Africa.
P. Joubert, Precambrian Research Unit, University of Cape Town, Private
Bag Rondebosch, Cape Town 7700, South Africa.
C.A. Lee, Geology Department, Johannesburg Consolidated Investment Co.
Ltd., P.O. Box 976, Randfontein 1760, South Africa.
N.H. Lockett, Hunting Geology and Geophysics, P.O. Box 363, Eyswick,
A.C.T. 2609, Australia.
I.M. McGregor, Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research, Uni-
versity of the Witwatersrand, Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg 2001,
South Africa.
R. Mason, Department of Geology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown 6140,
South Africa.
P. Matthews, Department of Geology, University of Natal, King George V
Avenue, Durban 4001, South Africa.
F. Mendelsohn, 643 Maritime House, 26 Loveday Street, Johannesburg
2001, South Africa.
D.A. Pretorius, Economic Geology Research Unit, University of the Wit-
watersrand, Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.
I.D.M. Robertson, c/o CRA Exploration. P.O. Box 9, Cobar, N.S.W. 2835,
Australia.
J.G. Stagman, Geological Survey, P.O. Box 8039, Causeway, Salisbury, Zim-
babwe.
C.F. Vermaak, J.C.I. Exploration, Research and Development Division,
James Park, P.O. Box 976, Randfontein 1760, South Africa.
A.H. Wilson, Department of Geology and Mineralogy, University of Natal,
P.O. Box 375, Pietermaritzburg 3200, South Africa.
J.F. Wilson, Department of Geology, University of Zimbabwe (Rhodesia),
P.O. Box M.P. 167, Mount Pleasant, Salisbury, Zimbabwe.
SOUTH AMERICA
E. Suszczynski, Rua Joana Angelica 5/203, Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro, G.B.,
.
Brasil
