Crustal development in the Kaapvaal craton,I. The Archaean

The relationship in time and space of the elements comprising the greenstone—granitie terrane in the eastern Transvaal and Swaziland is discussed. On the evidence derived from structural analysis, metamorphic style, geochemistry, and geophysics it is concluded that sialic crust (now represented by the Ancient Gneiss Complex in Swaziland) pre-dates the Swaziland Sequence. It is postulated that the sialic crust formed as a result of partial and total melting of hydrous basaltic lithosphere under tectonically metastable conditions. Limited sedimentation and volcanism in small basins on this early crust took place during periods of quiescence, following which deformation resulted in the tectonic interslicing of the early sialic crust and the sedimentary—volcanic sequences that were metamorphosed at high temperatures and low pressure (Abukuma-type), and included limited partial melting. The protocontinental crust so formed was distended along linear zones overlying sites of mantle upwelling. Rifting resulted from the distension and was accompanied by intense volcanism typical of greenstone belts. Following mantle withdrawal sagging was initiated in the linear zone leading to sedimentation that was initially of turbidite type. As greater stability was achieved, the style of sedimentation changed and cratonic-type, Moodies Group sediments were deposited. The cyclic nature of the volcanism and sedimentation is considered to be a response to, and a reflection of, the degree of distension and of the vertical adjustments along the bounding faults. Diapiric rise of tonalitic magma produced as a result of partial melting of the early sialic crust mixing with mantle material caused the deformation of the original linear geometry. Continued depression of the amphibolite facies of the sialic crust into the zone of partial melting gave rise to potassic granitic magma that spread at higher crustal levels at interfaces of low free energy to form hood-like sheets of granite flanking the original linear rift. It is concluded that the eastern Transvaal and Swaziland area attained a crustal thickness of ± 25 km prior to 3.0 b.y.