The Cr/Th Ratio in Precambrian Pelites from the Kaapvaal Craton as an Index of Craton Evolution
Abstract
The Cr/Th ratio in Precambrian pelites from the Kaapvaal Craton in Southern Africa correlates with pelite Th/Sc and Co/Th ratios and appears to monitor changes in source composition. It is a more sensitive indicator of provenance than other commonly used ratios including Eu/Eu*, La/Yb, and Th/U. Pelite Cr/Th ratios are controlled most strongly by the effects of local provenance and local tectonics. Secular decreases in this ratio, the most prominent of which occurred at 2.4-2.3 Ga in pelites of the Kaapvaal Craton, record rapid uplift exposing granite. Decreases in the ratio reflect increases in the abundance of komatiite-basalt in sediment sources in response to arc collisions, rift/hotspot volcanism, or intracratonic uplift of older greenstones. Relatively constant Cr/Th ratios appear to require widespread uplift or/and efficient sediment mixing during tectonic stability. Changes in Cr/Th ratio of Kaapvaal pelites reflect a complex tectonic history of the craton from about 3.3 Ga to < 1.8 Ga, and do not favor single-stage cratonization in the Late Archean.
Recommended Citation
K. C. Condie and D. J. Wronkiewicz, "The Cr/Th Ratio in Precambrian Pelites from the Kaapvaal Craton as an Index of Craton Evolution," Earth and Planetary Science Letters, vol. 97, no. 3-4, pp. 256 - 267, Elsevier BV, Mar 1990.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(90)90046-Z
Department(s)
Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Chromium/thorium; Craton Evolution; Pelite; Precambrian: South Africa, Kaapvaal Craton
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0012-821X
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 1990 Elsevier BV, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 1990
