Regolith geology of the Yilgarn Craton, Western Australia: Implications for exploration

Abstract

This paper presents and reviews the processes responsible for the distribution and formation of regolith and associated landscapes of the Yilgarn Craton and highlights their implications for mineral exploration. It provides an analysis of regolith geology investigations that were conducted in many districts of contrasting contemporary geomorphic and climatic conditions.The Yilgarn Craton is composed of Archaean rocks, predominantly granitoids, that are crossed by north‐northwest‐trending belts of greenstones. It has an arid to humid climate at present. The gently undulating landsurface forms a partial etchplain and the topography is largely related to bedrock lithologies and a complex history of valley development and aggradation. Deep weathering has affected most lithologies and geological provinces across the craton. The depth of the weathered mantle may be as much as 150 m, but it varies considerably and rock outcrop may occur in any part of the landscape. The main factors influencing extent of weather...