The tectonostratigraphy, granitoid geochronology and geological evolution of the Precambrian of southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Two distinct tectonostratigraphic terranes, separated by repeatedly reactivated deformation zones, are recognised in the Precambrian of southern Ethiopia: (1) granite-gneiss terrane, which is classified into sub-terranes and complexes, and (2) ophiolitic fold and thrust belts. The granite-gneiss terrane consists of para- and orthoquartzofeldspathic gneisses and granitoids, intercalated with amphibolites and sillimanite–kyanite-bearing schists. The paragneisses resemble gneisses from northern Kenya that were derived from sediments that filled the Kenyan sector of the “Mozambique Belt basin” between 1200 and 820 Ma. The volume of sediments formed during this period is comparatively small in southern Ethiopia, implying that the “Mozambique Belt basin” became progressively narrower northwards. The granitoid rocks in the study area vary from granitic gneisses to undeformed granites and range compositionally from diorites to granites. The granitoid gneisses form an integral part of the granite-gneiss terrane, but are rare in the ophiolitic fold and thrust belts. The ophiolitic fold and thrust belts are composed of mafic, ultramafic and metasedimentary rocks in various proportions. Undeformed granitoids are also developed in these belts. Eight granitoids from southern Ethiopia have been dated by U–Pb single zircon SHRIMP and laser probe 40Ar– 39Ar dating. The SHRIMP ages range from ∼880 to 526 Ma, and are interpreted as close approximations of the respective magmatic emplacement ages. The 40Ar– 39Ar data range from 550 to 500 Ma. The available geochronological data and field studies allowed classification of the granitoids of the Precambrian of southern Ethiopia into seven generations: Gt1 (>880 Ma); Gt2 (800–770 Ma); Gt3 (770–720 Ma); Gt4 (720–700 Ma); Gt5 (700–600 Ma); Gt6 (580–550 Ma); and Gt7 (550–500 Ma). The period 550–500 Ma (Gt7) is marked by emplacement of late- to post-tectonic and post-orogenic granitoids and presumably represents the latest tectonothermal event marking the end of the East African Orogen. Five tectonothermal events belonging to the East African Orogen are recognised in the Precambrian of southern Ethiopia: (1) Adola (1157±2 to 1030±40 Ma); (2) Bulbul–Awata (∼876±5 Ma); (3) Megado (800–750 Ma); (4) Moyale (700–550 Ma); and (5) Berguda (550–500 Ma).