Major Zones of Transcurrent Dislocation and Superposition of Orogenic Belts in Part of Central Africa

Abstract

Compression and uplift of the Katanga geosyncline produced the Lufilian fold belt, which sweeps in a broad curve across central Africa. At the close of the main orogenic phase the geosyncline had reached its limit of compressibility, and continued compressive stress ruptured the basement along major tear zones. The crustal blocks were displaced laterally for distances of up to 120 miles. The locations of the zones and their sense of movement were determined by an old orogenic belt at right angles to the Lufilian. In turn, the dislocation zones partly controlled the location of rift faulting of some of the Karroo basins. Consideration of the tectonic history suggests that the Lomagundi and Umkondo systems of Rhodesia are equivalent to the Katanga system, and that the Great Dyke was disrupted at its northern end by movements along the dislocation zones.