Outline of the Pilbara Craton

Abstract

Previous investigations of the northern Pilbara Craton are briefly summarized, followed by an outline of the region’s lithostratigraphy and major tectonic units. Previous interpretations of its tectonic evolution have not taken account evidence that the presently preserved 500,000 km2 Pilbara Craton is composed of fragments of much larger Paleoarchean and Mesoarchean continents. This consideration provides important new insights on the original scales of the processes and tectonic units that existed before two major events of continental breakup.