Emplacement of inflated Pāhoehoe flows in the Naude’s Nek Pass, Lesotho remnant, Karoo continental flood basalt province: use of flow-lobe tumuli in understanding flood basalt emplacement
- Jay, A E, Marsh, Julian S, Fluteau, F, Courtillot, V
- Authors: Jay, A E , Marsh, Julian S , Fluteau, F , Courtillot, V
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60752 , vital:27826 , https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00445-017-1189-6
- Description: Physical volcanological features are presented for a 710-m-thick section, of the Naude’s Nek Pass, within the lower part of the Lesotho remnant of the Karoo Large Igneous Province. The section consists of inflated pāhoehoe lava with thin, impersistent sedimentary interbeds towards the base. There are seven discreet packages of compound and hummocky pāhoehoe lobes containing flow-lobe tumuli, making up approximately 50% of the section. Approximately 45% of the sequence consists of 14 sheet lobes, between 10 and 52-m-thick. The majority of the sheet lobes are in two packages indicating prolonged periods of lava supply capable of producing thick sheet lobes. The other sheet lobes are as individual lobes or pairs, within compound flows, suggesting brief increases in lava supply rate. We suggest, contrary to current belief, that there is no evidence that compound flows are proximal to source and sheet lobes (simple flows) are distal to source and we propose that the presence of flow-lobe tumuli in compound flows could be an indicator that a flow is distal to source. We use detailed, previously published, studies of the Thakurvadi Formation (Deccan Traps) as an example. We show that the length of a lobe and therefore the sections that are ‘medial or distal to source’ are specific to each individual lobe and are dependent on the lava supply of each eruptive event, and as such flow lobe tumuli can be used as an indicator of relative distance from source.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Jay, A E , Marsh, Julian S , Fluteau, F , Courtillot, V
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60752 , vital:27826 , https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00445-017-1189-6
- Description: Physical volcanological features are presented for a 710-m-thick section, of the Naude’s Nek Pass, within the lower part of the Lesotho remnant of the Karoo Large Igneous Province. The section consists of inflated pāhoehoe lava with thin, impersistent sedimentary interbeds towards the base. There are seven discreet packages of compound and hummocky pāhoehoe lobes containing flow-lobe tumuli, making up approximately 50% of the section. Approximately 45% of the sequence consists of 14 sheet lobes, between 10 and 52-m-thick. The majority of the sheet lobes are in two packages indicating prolonged periods of lava supply capable of producing thick sheet lobes. The other sheet lobes are as individual lobes or pairs, within compound flows, suggesting brief increases in lava supply rate. We suggest, contrary to current belief, that there is no evidence that compound flows are proximal to source and sheet lobes (simple flows) are distal to source and we propose that the presence of flow-lobe tumuli in compound flows could be an indicator that a flow is distal to source. We use detailed, previously published, studies of the Thakurvadi Formation (Deccan Traps) as an example. We show that the length of a lobe and therefore the sections that are ‘medial or distal to source’ are specific to each individual lobe and are dependent on the lava supply of each eruptive event, and as such flow lobe tumuli can be used as an indicator of relative distance from source.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Eruptive history of the Karoo lava flows and their impact on early Jurassic environmental change:
- Moulin, Maud, Fluteau, Frédéric, Courtillot, Vincent, Marsh, Julian S, Delpech, Guillaume, Quidelleur, Xavier, Gérard, Martine
- Authors: Moulin, Maud , Fluteau, Frédéric , Courtillot, Vincent , Marsh, Julian S , Delpech, Guillaume , Quidelleur, Xavier , Gérard, Martine
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145098 , vital:38408 , https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013354
- Description: This paper reports new paleomagnetic and geochronologic data from a ~1500 m thick composite section belonging to the Drakensberg group, the thickest remnant of the Karoo lavas in Northern Lesotho. Flow‐by‐flow analysis of paleomagnetic directions reveals 21 magnetic directional groups, corresponding to single eruptive events, and 16 individual lava flows. The new age determinations of lava flows range from 180.1 ± 1.4 to 182.8 ± 2.6 Ma. These data, combined with previous results, allow us to propose that the main part of the Drakensberg group and the Karoo intrusive complex dated around 181–183 Ma may have been erupted over a period as short as 250 kyr and may have coincided with the two main phases of extinction in the Early Toarcian. This scenario agrees well with the discontinuous rhythm of environmental and biotic perturbations in the Late Pliensbachian‐Toarcian interval.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Moulin, Maud , Fluteau, Frédéric , Courtillot, Vincent , Marsh, Julian S , Delpech, Guillaume , Quidelleur, Xavier , Gérard, Martine
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145098 , vital:38408 , https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JB013354
- Description: This paper reports new paleomagnetic and geochronologic data from a ~1500 m thick composite section belonging to the Drakensberg group, the thickest remnant of the Karoo lavas in Northern Lesotho. Flow‐by‐flow analysis of paleomagnetic directions reveals 21 magnetic directional groups, corresponding to single eruptive events, and 16 individual lava flows. The new age determinations of lava flows range from 180.1 ± 1.4 to 182.8 ± 2.6 Ma. These data, combined with previous results, allow us to propose that the main part of the Drakensberg group and the Karoo intrusive complex dated around 181–183 Ma may have been erupted over a period as short as 250 kyr and may have coincided with the two main phases of extinction in the Early Toarcian. This scenario agrees well with the discontinuous rhythm of environmental and biotic perturbations in the Late Pliensbachian‐Toarcian interval.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The Bero Volcanic Complex: extension of the Paraná-Etendeka Igneous Province into SW Angola
- Marsh, Julian S, Swart, Roger S
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Swart, Roger S
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60763 , vital:27827 , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377027316304176
- Description: An extension of the Etendeka-Paraná Igneous Province into SW Angola occurs as minor basalt lavas, intrusive gabbro sheets, minor mafic dykes and thick sheets and lava flows (with minor pyroclastics) of quartz latite composition This suite crops out along the eastern margin of the Cretaceous Namibe Basin in SW Angola. The quartz latites from one locality have been referred to informally as the Giraul volcanics but the name ‘Giraul’ has previously been used for Cretaceous conglomerates. We propose the name Bero Volcanic Complex for this suite of intrusive and extrusive rocks on the basis that the full compositional range of this diverse suite crops out along the Rio Bero. Major and trace element compositions and Sr-, Nd-, and Pb-isotopic compositions indicate that the basalts and gabbros are equivalent to the high-Ti Khumib/Urubici and Pitanga types from the Etendeka and Paraná. The basalts underlie the quartz latites which are cut by mafic dykes some of which are compositionally equivalent to the Paranapanema lavas in the Paraná. Five different geochemical types of high-Ti quartz latite are recognised amongst the silicic volcanics, 3 of which have very close geochemical affinities to the Ventura, Sarusas, and Khoraseb types of the northern Etendeka. Their relative stratigraphic position in the Bero volcanic sequence is the same as in the Etendeka sequence and extend significantly the area over which these types were erupted. The two remaining types, Chinguau and High-Nb are not known from either the Etendeka or the Paraná provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Swart, Roger S
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60763 , vital:27827 , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0377027316304176
- Description: An extension of the Etendeka-Paraná Igneous Province into SW Angola occurs as minor basalt lavas, intrusive gabbro sheets, minor mafic dykes and thick sheets and lava flows (with minor pyroclastics) of quartz latite composition This suite crops out along the eastern margin of the Cretaceous Namibe Basin in SW Angola. The quartz latites from one locality have been referred to informally as the Giraul volcanics but the name ‘Giraul’ has previously been used for Cretaceous conglomerates. We propose the name Bero Volcanic Complex for this suite of intrusive and extrusive rocks on the basis that the full compositional range of this diverse suite crops out along the Rio Bero. Major and trace element compositions and Sr-, Nd-, and Pb-isotopic compositions indicate that the basalts and gabbros are equivalent to the high-Ti Khumib/Urubici and Pitanga types from the Etendeka and Paraná. The basalts underlie the quartz latites which are cut by mafic dykes some of which are compositionally equivalent to the Paranapanema lavas in the Paraná. Five different geochemical types of high-Ti quartz latite are recognised amongst the silicic volcanics, 3 of which have very close geochemical affinities to the Ventura, Sarusas, and Khoraseb types of the northern Etendeka. Their relative stratigraphic position in the Bero volcanic sequence is the same as in the Etendeka sequence and extend significantly the area over which these types were erupted. The two remaining types, Chinguau and High-Nb are not known from either the Etendeka or the Paraná provinces.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The oxygen isotope composition of Karoo and Etendeka picrites: High δ18O mantle or crustal contamination?
- Harris, Chris, Le Roux, Petrus, Cochrane, Ryan, Martin, Laure, Duncan, Andrew R, Marsh, Julian S, Le Roex, A P
- Authors: Harris, Chris , Le Roux, Petrus , Cochrane, Ryan , Martin, Laure , Duncan, Andrew R , Marsh, Julian S , Le Roex, A P
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60774 , vital:27829 , https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00410-015-1164-1
- Description: Olivine and orthopyroxene phenocrysts from picrite and picrate basalt lavas and dykes (Mg# 64-80) from the Tuli and Mwanezi (Nuanetsi) regions of the ~180 Ma Karoo Large Igneous province (LIP) have δ18O values that range from 6.0 to 6.7 ‰ (Fig. 1), suggesting that they crystallized from magmas having δ18O values about 1 to 1.5 ‰ higher than expected in an entirely mantle-derived magma. Olivines from picrite and picrite basalt dykes from the 135 Ma Etendeka LIP of Namibia and Karoo-age picrite dykes from Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica do not have such elevated δ18O values. The Etendeka picrites show good correlations between δ18O value and Sr-, Nd- and Pb-isotope ratios that are consistent with previously proposed models of crustal contamination (e.g. Thompson et al., 2007). Explanations for the high δ18O values in Tuli/Mwenezi picrites are limited to (i) alteration, (ii) crustal contamination, and (iii) derivation from mantle with an abnormally high δ18O. The lack of variation in olivine and orthopyroxene δ18O values, together with the lack of correlation between mineral and whole-rock δ18O values are not consistent with alteration being the cause of high δ18O values. The high δ18O values in selected olivine cores have been confirmed by SIMS, and aggressive cleaning of crystals with HF makes no difference to the δ18O value obtained. Average εNd and εSr values of -8 and +16, and high concentrations of incompatible elements such as K are typical of picrites from the Mwanezi (Nuanetsi) region, which have been explained by a variety of models that range from crustal contamination to derivation from the ‘enriched’ mantle lithosphere. The primitive character of the magmas combined with the lack of correlation between δ18O values and radiogenic isotope composition and MgO content or Mg# are inconsistent with crustal contamination, and lend weight to arguments in favour of an 18O-enriched mantle source having high incompatible trace element concentration and enriched radiogenic isotope composition. Although elevated initial Sr isotope ratios, εNd values of -8, and δ18O values about 1 ‰ higher than expected for mantle-derived magma are also a feature of the Bushveld mafic and ultramafic magmas, it is unlikely that a long-lived 18O-enriched mantle source would have survived for nearly 2 Ga. Incorporation of crustal material into the mantle by subduction or delamination of the lower crust are the most likely mechanisms for enriching the mantle in 18O.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Harris, Chris , Le Roux, Petrus , Cochrane, Ryan , Martin, Laure , Duncan, Andrew R , Marsh, Julian S , Le Roex, A P
- Date: 2015
- Language: English
- Type: article , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60774 , vital:27829 , https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00410-015-1164-1
- Description: Olivine and orthopyroxene phenocrysts from picrite and picrate basalt lavas and dykes (Mg# 64-80) from the Tuli and Mwanezi (Nuanetsi) regions of the ~180 Ma Karoo Large Igneous province (LIP) have δ18O values that range from 6.0 to 6.7 ‰ (Fig. 1), suggesting that they crystallized from magmas having δ18O values about 1 to 1.5 ‰ higher than expected in an entirely mantle-derived magma. Olivines from picrite and picrite basalt dykes from the 135 Ma Etendeka LIP of Namibia and Karoo-age picrite dykes from Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica do not have such elevated δ18O values. The Etendeka picrites show good correlations between δ18O value and Sr-, Nd- and Pb-isotope ratios that are consistent with previously proposed models of crustal contamination (e.g. Thompson et al., 2007). Explanations for the high δ18O values in Tuli/Mwenezi picrites are limited to (i) alteration, (ii) crustal contamination, and (iii) derivation from mantle with an abnormally high δ18O. The lack of variation in olivine and orthopyroxene δ18O values, together with the lack of correlation between mineral and whole-rock δ18O values are not consistent with alteration being the cause of high δ18O values. The high δ18O values in selected olivine cores have been confirmed by SIMS, and aggressive cleaning of crystals with HF makes no difference to the δ18O value obtained. Average εNd and εSr values of -8 and +16, and high concentrations of incompatible elements such as K are typical of picrites from the Mwanezi (Nuanetsi) region, which have been explained by a variety of models that range from crustal contamination to derivation from the ‘enriched’ mantle lithosphere. The primitive character of the magmas combined with the lack of correlation between δ18O values and radiogenic isotope composition and MgO content or Mg# are inconsistent with crustal contamination, and lend weight to arguments in favour of an 18O-enriched mantle source having high incompatible trace element concentration and enriched radiogenic isotope composition. Although elevated initial Sr isotope ratios, εNd values of -8, and δ18O values about 1 ‰ higher than expected for mantle-derived magma are also a feature of the Bushveld mafic and ultramafic magmas, it is unlikely that a long-lived 18O-enriched mantle source would have survived for nearly 2 Ga. Incorporation of crustal material into the mantle by subduction or delamination of the lower crust are the most likely mechanisms for enriching the mantle in 18O.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Karoo volcanic and intrusive rocks: Lesotho and Eastern Cape
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144890 , vital:38388
- Description: The Karoo Igneous Province is one of the classic Mesozoic continental flood basalt provinces. At present erosion levels it comprises numerous eroded remnants of an extensive, thick volcanic sequence (largely lava flows) and a well-exposed subvolcanic intrusive complex of dykes and sheets which are particularly abundant in the underlying Karoo sedimentary strata.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2013
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144890 , vital:38388
- Description: The Karoo Igneous Province is one of the classic Mesozoic continental flood basalt provinces. At present erosion levels it comprises numerous eroded remnants of an extensive, thick volcanic sequence (largely lava flows) and a well-exposed subvolcanic intrusive complex of dykes and sheets which are particularly abundant in the underlying Karoo sedimentary strata.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An attempt to constrain the age, duration, and eruptive history of the Karoo flood basalt: Naude's Nek section (South Africa)
- Moulin, Maud, Fluteau, Frédéric, Courtillot, Vincent, Marsh, Julian S, Delpech, Guillaume, Quidelleur, Xavier, Gérard, Martine, Jay, Anne E
- Authors: Moulin, Maud , Fluteau, Frédéric , Courtillot, Vincent , Marsh, Julian S , Delpech, Guillaume , Quidelleur, Xavier , Gérard, Martine , Jay, Anne E
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145022 , vital:38401 , https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008210
- Description: We have carried out paleomagnetic sampling of a ∼750 m sequence of the Karoo large igneous province (Naude's Nek Pass, South Africa). K‐Ar dating (Cassignol‐Gillot) has been performed on four samples from the 650 m upper unit (mean age 179.2 ± 1.8 Ma) and a sample from the lower unit (184.8 ± 2.6 Ma). A succession of two phases of volcanism is suggested. The lower 25 flows (115 m thick) have recorded a reversed polarity; the next 23 flows (135 m thick) are transitional and contribute a detailed record of the “Van Zijl” (1962) Jurassic reversal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Moulin, Maud , Fluteau, Frédéric , Courtillot, Vincent , Marsh, Julian S , Delpech, Guillaume , Quidelleur, Xavier , Gérard, Martine , Jay, Anne E
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145022 , vital:38401 , https://doi.org/10.1029/2011JB008210
- Description: We have carried out paleomagnetic sampling of a ∼750 m sequence of the Karoo large igneous province (Naude's Nek Pass, South Africa). K‐Ar dating (Cassignol‐Gillot) has been performed on four samples from the 650 m upper unit (mean age 179.2 ± 1.8 Ma) and a sample from the lower unit (184.8 ± 2.6 Ma). A succession of two phases of volcanism is suggested. The lower 25 flows (115 m thick) have recorded a reversed polarity; the next 23 flows (135 m thick) are transitional and contribute a detailed record of the “Van Zijl” (1962) Jurassic reversal.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Report on the Mesozoic volcanic and intrusive rocks on the Namibe Basin, Southwest Angola:
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144846 , vital:38384
- Description: The Bero Volcanic Complex comprises a diverse group of quartz latite and tholeiitic basalt lavas, pyroclastic and volcaniclastic deposits, aeolian sandstones as well as intrusive tholeiitic mafic dykes and gabbros. Only the silicic members of this suite have received prior attention being referred to as “granitic porphyries” by Carvalho (1961) who regarded them as being Precambrian in age. Alberti et al.(1992) informally referred to these silicic rocks as the ‘Giraul Volcanics’ and correlated them with the early Cretaceous Paraná-Etendeka Igneous Province of Brazil and Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2011
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144846 , vital:38384
- Description: The Bero Volcanic Complex comprises a diverse group of quartz latite and tholeiitic basalt lavas, pyroclastic and volcaniclastic deposits, aeolian sandstones as well as intrusive tholeiitic mafic dykes and gabbros. Only the silicic members of this suite have received prior attention being referred to as “granitic porphyries” by Carvalho (1961) who regarded them as being Precambrian in age. Alberti et al.(1992) informally referred to these silicic rocks as the ‘Giraul Volcanics’ and correlated them with the early Cretaceous Paraná-Etendeka Igneous Province of Brazil and Namibia.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Cretaceous volcanic rocks of the Namibe Basin, southern Angola: report on a reconnaissance field and geochemical investigation
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67301 , vital:29070
- Description: publisher version , Mafic alkaline lavas and intrusions occur in the onshore Namibe Basin in southern Angola. The distribution and field relationships of these igneous rocks have been mapped and described by Carvalho (1961). During a reconnaissance field visit in June 2009 a suite of samples was collected for further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/67301 , vital:29070
- Description: publisher version , Mafic alkaline lavas and intrusions occur in the onshore Namibe Basin in southern Angola. The distribution and field relationships of these igneous rocks have been mapped and described by Carvalho (1961). During a reconnaissance field visit in June 2009 a suite of samples was collected for further investigation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The geochemistry and evolution of Palaeogene phonolites, central Namibia:
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145000 , vital:38399 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2010.02.012
- Description: Phonolites of Palaeogene age occur at two different localities in central Namibia, occurring as clusters of eroded monogenetic lava domes. Six phonolites at Aris collectively exhibit a narrow compositional range and represent a single magma system of highly evolved phonolite with high concentrations of Na2O, Rb, Th, Zr, Zn, Pb, and REE and very low abundances of MgO, P2O5, Sr and Ba. No mafic rocks are associated with the Aris phonolites and their ultimate petrogenetic origin remains obscure. The more abundant Staalhart phonolites exhibit more variable but scattered compositional variation consistent with fractional crystallization dominated by sanidine (and nepheline) and pyroxene. The behaviour of REE is decoupled from Zr, Nb, and Th in this suite indicating a controlling role for minor phases in their evolution. The least evolved phonolites have initial 87Sr/86Sr 0.7043, which is identical to a small occurrence of associated plagioclase-bearing nephelinite indicating a possible petrogenetic link.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2010
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145000 , vital:38399 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lithos.2010.02.012
- Description: Phonolites of Palaeogene age occur at two different localities in central Namibia, occurring as clusters of eroded monogenetic lava domes. Six phonolites at Aris collectively exhibit a narrow compositional range and represent a single magma system of highly evolved phonolite with high concentrations of Na2O, Rb, Th, Zr, Zn, Pb, and REE and very low abundances of MgO, P2O5, Sr and Ba. No mafic rocks are associated with the Aris phonolites and their ultimate petrogenetic origin remains obscure. The more abundant Staalhart phonolites exhibit more variable but scattered compositional variation consistent with fractional crystallization dominated by sanidine (and nepheline) and pyroxene. The behaviour of REE is decoupled from Zr, Nb, and Th in this suite indicating a controlling role for minor phases in their evolution. The least evolved phonolites have initial 87Sr/86Sr 0.7043, which is identical to a small occurrence of associated plagioclase-bearing nephelinite indicating a possible petrogenetic link.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Cretaceous erosion in central South Africa: evidence from upper-crustal xenoliths in kimberlite diatremes
- Hanson, E Kelsey, Moore, John M, Bordy, Emese M, Marsh, Julian S, Howarth, G, Robey, J V A
- Authors: Hanson, E Kelsey , Moore, John M , Bordy, Emese M , Marsh, Julian S , Howarth, G , Robey, J V A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144978 , vital:38397 , https://doi.org/10.2113/gssajg.112.2.125
- Description: Twelve Group II and fourteen Group I kimberlite diatremes in central South Africa were examined for upper crustal xenoliths in order to estimate the extent of various lithological units of the Karoo Supergroup in the main Karoo basin at times of kimberlite eruption, the Cretaceous erosional history of the area, and the approximate vertical extent of the kimberlite diatremes prior to erosion. Sandstone and amygdaloidal basaltic lava xenoliths from the Karoo Supergroup were specifically selected as their modal mineralogies and geochemical compositions respectively can be attributed to specific stratigraphic positions within the Karoo Supergroup. Results indicated that, at the time of Group II kimberlite eruption (120 Ma), basaltic lavas of the Drakensberg Group covered the entire area, but by the time of Group I kimberlite eruption (85 Ma), they were restricted to the south-eastern half of the study area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Hanson, E Kelsey , Moore, John M , Bordy, Emese M , Marsh, Julian S , Howarth, G , Robey, J V A
- Date: 2009
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144978 , vital:38397 , https://doi.org/10.2113/gssajg.112.2.125
- Description: Twelve Group II and fourteen Group I kimberlite diatremes in central South Africa were examined for upper crustal xenoliths in order to estimate the extent of various lithological units of the Karoo Supergroup in the main Karoo basin at times of kimberlite eruption, the Cretaceous erosional history of the area, and the approximate vertical extent of the kimberlite diatremes prior to erosion. Sandstone and amygdaloidal basaltic lava xenoliths from the Karoo Supergroup were specifically selected as their modal mineralogies and geochemical compositions respectively can be attributed to specific stratigraphic positions within the Karoo Supergroup. Results indicated that, at the time of Group II kimberlite eruption (120 Ma), basaltic lavas of the Drakensberg Group covered the entire area, but by the time of Group I kimberlite eruption (85 Ma), they were restricted to the south-eastern half of the study area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Compositionally diverse magmas erupted close together in space and time within a Karoo flood basalt crater complex:
- McClintock, Murray, Marsh, Julian S, White, James D L
- Authors: McClintock, Murray , Marsh, Julian S , White, James D L
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144966 , vital:38396 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-007-0178-6
- Description: Geochemical data and mapping from a Karoo flood basalt crater complex reveals new information about the ascent and eruption of magma batches during the earliest phases of flood basalt volcanism. Flood basalt eruptions at Sterkspruit, South Africa began with emplacement of thin lava flows before abruptly switching to explosive phreatomagmatic and magmatic activity that formed a nest of craters, spatter and tuff rings and cones that collectively comprise a crater complex >40 km2 filled by 9–18 km3 of volcaniclastic debris.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: McClintock, Murray , Marsh, Julian S , White, James D L
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144966 , vital:38396 , https://doi.org/10.1007/s00445-007-0178-6
- Description: Geochemical data and mapping from a Karoo flood basalt crater complex reveals new information about the ascent and eruption of magma batches during the earliest phases of flood basalt volcanism. Flood basalt eruptions at Sterkspruit, South Africa began with emplacement of thin lava flows before abruptly switching to explosive phreatomagmatic and magmatic activity that formed a nest of craters, spatter and tuff rings and cones that collectively comprise a crater complex >40 km2 filled by 9–18 km3 of volcaniclastic debris.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Rock magnetic stratigraphy of a mafic layered sill: a key to the Karoo volcanics plumbing system
- Maes, S M, Ferré, E E, Tikoff, B, Brown, P E, Marsh, Julian S
- Authors: Maes, S M , Ferré, E E , Tikoff, B , Brown, P E , Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144901 , vital:38389 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2005.07.038
- Description: The Insizwa sill is an 1 km-thick subhorizontal layered mafic intrusion and part of the Karoo Large Igneous Province in South Africa. This well-exposed intrusion consists of several superimposed petrologically and geochemically distinct units. Magnetic methods were used to study the intrusion in order to constrain the physical processes active in these types of bodies during crystallization. Rock magnetism studies indicate that within different petrologic units bulk susceptibility is controlled by primary magnetite (with minor pyrrhotite) and/or paramagnetic minerals (olivine, pyroxene). New magnetic data based on 659 specimens obtained from 3 vertical borehole cores, each spaced 5 km apart, confirm the prominent vertical zonation in low field magnetic susceptibility (Klf), degree of anisotropy (Pj) and orientation of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) axes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Maes, S M , Ferré, E E , Tikoff, B , Brown, P E , Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2008
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144901 , vital:38389 , https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2005.07.038
- Description: The Insizwa sill is an 1 km-thick subhorizontal layered mafic intrusion and part of the Karoo Large Igneous Province in South Africa. This well-exposed intrusion consists of several superimposed petrologically and geochemically distinct units. Magnetic methods were used to study the intrusion in order to constrain the physical processes active in these types of bodies during crystallization. Rock magnetism studies indicate that within different petrologic units bulk susceptibility is controlled by primary magnetite (with minor pyrrhotite) and/or paramagnetic minerals (olivine, pyroxene). New magnetic data based on 659 specimens obtained from 3 vertical borehole cores, each spaced 5 km apart, confirm the prominent vertical zonation in low field magnetic susceptibility (Klf), degree of anisotropy (Pj) and orientation of the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) axes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Field Trip A1: Karoo dykes, sills and volcanics in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144835 , vital:38383
- Description: The Karoo Province (Fig. I I ) is one of the classic Mesozoic continental flood basalt provinces At present erosion levels it comprises numerous eroded remnants of extensive, thick, and largely volcanic sequence and a well-exposed subvolcanic intrusive complex of dykes and sheets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 2001
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144835 , vital:38383
- Description: The Karoo Province (Fig. I I ) is one of the classic Mesozoic continental flood basalt provinces At present erosion levels it comprises numerous eroded remnants of extensive, thick, and largely volcanic sequence and a well-exposed subvolcanic intrusive complex of dykes and sheets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
Geochemical variations in a long Karoo dyke, Eastern Cape
- Marsh, Julian S, Mndaweni, M J
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Mndaweni, M J
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149715 , vital:38877 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1abee09c1f
- Description: A prominent vertical dolerite dyke, up to 30 m wide and which can be traced for over 100 km, is compositionally homogeneous along much of its length and shows no evidence of flow differentiation. Associated parallel dykes are compositionally distinct and are unrelated by closed-system processes. The main dyke has geochemical characteristics of the Maloti or Senqu Units in the upper part of the main Lesotho basalt sequence, whereas the parallel dykes are geochemically similar to the lower Mafika Lisiu Unit. On the basis of size and composition the main dyke may well represent a fissure which once fed effusions of Karoo basalt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Mndaweni, M J
- Date: 1998
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149715 , vital:38877 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1abee09c1f
- Description: A prominent vertical dolerite dyke, up to 30 m wide and which can be traced for over 100 km, is compositionally homogeneous along much of its length and shows no evidence of flow differentiation. Associated parallel dykes are compositionally distinct and are unrelated by closed-system processes. The main dyke has geochemical characteristics of the Maloti or Senqu Units in the upper part of the main Lesotho basalt sequence, whereas the parallel dykes are geochemically similar to the lower Mafika Lisiu Unit. On the basis of size and composition the main dyke may well represent a fissure which once fed effusions of Karoo basalt.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
The petrology and significance of a stratiform mafic segregation pegmatite in a Karoo-aged dolerite sheet
- Mitchell, Andrew A, Naicker, S B, Marsh, Julian S, Dunlevey, J N
- Authors: Mitchell, Andrew A , Naicker, S B , Marsh, Julian S , Dunlevey, J N
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149496 , vital:38858 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-9293fd659
- Description: A sub-horizontal stratiform mafic segregation pegmatite, of the order of 30 cm thick, occurs within 25 m of the top contact of a Karoo-aged dolerite sheet at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The host rock is an orthopyroxene-rich dolerite containing 5 - 8% interstitial granophyre. The pegmatite is similar to the host dolerite in many respects, except that the granophyre content is higher, and acicular augite is the only pyroxene. At its upper contact, a laterally continuous sub-horizontal joint forms a sharp boundary to the pegmatite, whilst the lower contact is gradational over a few millimetres. Low MgO and chalcophiles, and elevated incompatible element contents, are the main geochemical attributes of the pegmatite.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Mitchell, Andrew A , Naicker, S B , Marsh, Julian S , Dunlevey, J N
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149496 , vital:38858 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-9293fd659
- Description: A sub-horizontal stratiform mafic segregation pegmatite, of the order of 30 cm thick, occurs within 25 m of the top contact of a Karoo-aged dolerite sheet at Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The host rock is an orthopyroxene-rich dolerite containing 5 - 8% interstitial granophyre. The pegmatite is similar to the host dolerite in many respects, except that the granophyre content is higher, and acicular augite is the only pyroxene. At its upper contact, a laterally continuous sub-horizontal joint forms a sharp boundary to the pegmatite, whilst the lower contact is gradational over a few millimetres. Low MgO and chalcophiles, and elevated incompatible element contents, are the main geochemical attributes of the pegmatite.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
The timing and duration of the Karoo igneous event, southern Gondwana
- Duncan, R A, Hooper, P R, Rehacek, J, Marsh, Julian S, Duncan, Andrew R
- Authors: Duncan, R A , Hooper, P R , Rehacek, J , Marsh, Julian S , Duncan, Andrew R
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149485 , vital:38857 , https://doi.org/10.1029/97JB00972
- Description: A volcanic event of immense scale occurred within a relatively short period in early Jurassic time over large regions of the contiguous Gondwana supercontinent. In southern Africa, associated remnants of thick volcanic successions of lava flows and extensive dike and sill complexes of similar composition have been grouped together as the Karoo Igneous Province. Correlative volcanic and plutonic rocks occur in Antarctica and Australia as the Ferrar Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Duncan, R A , Hooper, P R , Rehacek, J , Marsh, Julian S , Duncan, Andrew R
- Date: 1997
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149485 , vital:38857 , https://doi.org/10.1029/97JB00972
- Description: A volcanic event of immense scale occurred within a relatively short period in early Jurassic time over large regions of the contiguous Gondwana supercontinent. In southern Africa, associated remnants of thick volcanic successions of lava flows and extensive dike and sill complexes of similar composition have been grouped together as the Karoo Igneous Province. Correlative volcanic and plutonic rocks occur in Antarctica and Australia as the Ferrar Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
Alkaline rocks in the Kuboos-Bremen Igneous Province, southern Namibia: the Grootpenseiland and Marinkas Kwela Complexes
- Smithies, Robert H, Marsh, Julian S
- Authors: Smithies, Robert H , Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145838 , vital:38471
- Description: The early Cambrian Kuboos-Bremen Igneous Province of northwestern South Africa and southern Namibia comprises a series of intrusive bodies that collectively encompass virtually the entire range of alkaline rock types. Two of these bodies, the Grootpenseiland and Marinkas Kwela Complexes lie immediately north of the Orange River and are amongst the few that show this wide lithological range on a local scale.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Smithies, Robert H , Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145838 , vital:38471
- Description: The early Cambrian Kuboos-Bremen Igneous Province of northwestern South Africa and southern Namibia comprises a series of intrusive bodies that collectively encompass virtually the entire range of alkaline rock types. Two of these bodies, the Grootpenseiland and Marinkas Kwela Complexes lie immediately north of the Orange River and are amongst the few that show this wide lithological range on a local scale.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Geochemical stratigraphy of the Mohale Dame-Katse Dam areas, Lesotho. Report on contract LHDA, Mohale Tunnel: Sampling and Testing of Cores. Lesotho Highlands Tunnel Partnership (Mohale)
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144857 , vital:38385
- Description: In monotonous basalt sequences, such as the Karoo basalt sequence in Lesotho, geochemistry can be a useful adjunct to stratigraphic studies. The acceptance of geochemical criteria in defining stratigraphic units arises from work in the Columbia River Group in NW SA (Swanson et al., 1979) and is now widely employed. It has recently been successfully applied in the Karoo basalts (Marsh et al., in press). In the current investigation a stratigraphic framework for construction work related to the Katse-Mohale tunnel has been developed using the compositions of basalt samples collected from a number of borehole cores in relation to the geochemical stratigraphy of Marshet al. (in press).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144857 , vital:38385
- Description: In monotonous basalt sequences, such as the Karoo basalt sequence in Lesotho, geochemistry can be a useful adjunct to stratigraphic studies. The acceptance of geochemical criteria in defining stratigraphic units arises from work in the Columbia River Group in NW SA (Swanson et al., 1979) and is now widely employed. It has recently been successfully applied in the Karoo basalts (Marsh et al., in press). In the current investigation a stratigraphic framework for construction work related to the Katse-Mohale tunnel has been developed using the compositions of basalt samples collected from a number of borehole cores in relation to the geochemical stratigraphy of Marshet al. (in press).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Geology Field Trip Guide: Natural Sciences and Geography Educators visit
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144878 , vital:38387
- Description: This is a brief guide to some of the interesting geological features in the immediate vicinity of Grahamstown. It summarises the geological history of the area, emphasizes that small-scale geological features are frequently part of much larger features, demonstrates how careful observation of rocks can lead to solving geological problems and reconstruction of ancient environments in which rocks formed, the importance to society, and how rocks in the Grahamstown area have contributed to a global scale understanding of the dynamic nature of planet Earth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144878 , vital:38387
- Description: This is a brief guide to some of the interesting geological features in the immediate vicinity of Grahamstown. It summarises the geological history of the area, emphasizes that small-scale geological features are frequently part of much larger features, demonstrates how careful observation of rocks can lead to solving geological problems and reconstruction of ancient environments in which rocks formed, the importance to society, and how rocks in the Grahamstown area have contributed to a global scale understanding of the dynamic nature of planet Earth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
Karoo and Etendeks flood basalt provinces, southern Africa and the tectonic development of their adjacent margins:
- Marsh, Julian S, Watkeys, M K
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Watkeys, M K
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144868 , vital:38386
- Description: Southern Africa hosts remnants of two continental flood basalt provinces emplaced in association with fragmentation of Gondwana. The earliest is the 183 Ma Karoo Province whose relationship to continental breakup and sea floor spreading is complex. Geochemical stratigraphy, Ar-Ar Dating and palaeomagnetism indicate that Karoo mafic igneous rocks throughout Southern Africa were emplaced over a very short interval at 183 Ma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Marsh, Julian S , Watkeys, M K
- Date: 1996
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/144868 , vital:38386
- Description: Southern Africa hosts remnants of two continental flood basalt provinces emplaced in association with fragmentation of Gondwana. The earliest is the 183 Ma Karoo Province whose relationship to continental breakup and sea floor spreading is complex. Geochemical stratigraphy, Ar-Ar Dating and palaeomagnetism indicate that Karoo mafic igneous rocks throughout Southern Africa were emplaced over a very short interval at 183 Ma.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996