Evolution of Neoproterozoic–Lower Palaeozoic Lufilian arc, Central Africa: a new model based on syntectonic conglomerates

Abstract

The Lufilian arc, a segment of the Neoproterozoic–Lower Palaeozoic Pan-African orogenic network within southern and central Africa, deforms the sedimentary succession of the Katanga Supergroup and contains large bodies of fragmental rocks previously considered as tectonic friction breccias. These are re-interpreted as syntectonic conglomerate complexes, which reveal the existence of two previously unrecognized basins and shed new light on the Katangan stratigraphy and tectonics. A prominent uplift in the southern part of the Roan rift at c. 760 Ma resulted in conglomerates/olistostromes underlying the succeeding Guba rift sequence. During post-735 Ma orogenesis, north-advancing nappes supplied coarse detritus into the Fungurume foreland.