3.63 Ga grey gneisses reveal the Eoarchaean history of the Zimbabwe craton

A. Hofmann, A. Kröner, L. M. Iaccheri, J. Wong, H. Geng, H. Xie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Grey gneisses from the Tokwe and Rhodesdale terrains of the Zimbabwe craton have zircon ages of ~3.63, 3.52, and 3.34 Ga, validating the existence of Eo-to Palaeoarchaean crust. In-situ zircon Hf isotope compositions reveal the interplay between episodes of juvenile magma addition, crustal thickening and crustal differentiation. Starting from juvenile mafic crust (with chondritic composition) at ~3.9 Ga, the oldest nucleus of the Zimbabwe craton developed into a stable crustal block by ~3.35 Ga, following a tectonic and mantle evolution that is mirrored by other ancient terrains.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalSouth African Journal of Geology
Volume125
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '3.63 Ga grey gneisses reveal the Eoarchaean history of the Zimbabwe craton'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this