New details on the volcanic and tectonic evolution of the Mesoarchaean Dominion Group with special reference to the Syferfontein Formation in the Ottosdal area (South Africa)

Abstract

Abstract The ca. 2.96 Ga Dominion Group (DG) preserves the first subaerial volcano-sedimentary succession on the Kaapvaal Craton. Based on field and core observations, this study provides revised stratigraphic logs and geological maps from the area around Ottosdal that refine the understanding of the stratigraphic and tectonic evolution of these ancient rocks. Fluvial sandstone and conglomerate of the Rhenosterspruit Formation (RsF) were deposited on granite basement, followed by andesitic to basaltic volcanic rocks of the Rhenosterhoek Formation (RhF). These amygdaloidal andesitic to basaltic lava units show fragmentation around lava flows that may represent an indication of prevalent subaerial environment. However, local hyaloclastite and pillow lava units indicate periodic aqueous conditions. The Syferfontein Formation (SF) has the most extensive exposures in the Ottosdal area and represents the youngest volcanic unit of the DG. The porphyritic and spherulitic volcanic rocks tell a story of subaerial volcanism interspersed with periods of lacustrine deposition of sandstone and shale. The Witwatersrand Supergroup (WSG) overlies the DG along an angular unconformity. Folding affected the succession of the DG, WSG and the Ventersdorp Supergroup (Rietgat Formation). This event is reflected in small-scale folds and mullion structures in the central part of the study area and by larger scale north-northwest–south-southeast-striking anticlines and synclines. Folding was accompanied by northwest-southeast-striking thrust faulting, either during or shortly after the formation of the Ventersdorp Supergroup. In the study area, post-Ventersdorp deformation is restricted to east-northeast–west-southwest-striking faults.