Abstract
Available paleomagnetic data from Precambrian southern Africa are reviewed and evaluated. Reliable paleopoles are used to define Precambrian apparent polar wander paths and constrain the paleolatitudinal drift and evolution of the Kalahari Craton and its constituents. Available paleomagnetic data do not support the reconstruction of the Kaapvaal and Pilbara cratons in a contiguous Vaalbara configuration, and incorporation of Vaalbara as a crustal element in Kenorland and Columbia is questioned. The Zimbabwe and Kaapvaal cratons were far apart between ~2.63 and 2.43 Ga, and a modern relative configuration is supported only after ~1.85 Ga. Much of Paleoproterozoic and parts of the Mesoproterozoic drifts are relatively well-constrained, but a dearth of reliable ~1.64–1.40 Ga data obscures the position of Proto-Kalahari within Columbia. Also, the Neoproterozoic paleomagnetic database from the Kalahari Craton is poorly populated. The database of well-dated reliable Precambrian poles in general, however, has grown significantly in recent years.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
More From: Ancient Supercontinents and the Paleogeography of Earth
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.