Open AccessPalaeomagnetism and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar geochronology of mafic dykes from the eastern Bushveld Complex (South Africa)
Author(s) -
Letts S.,
Torsvik T. H.,
Webb S. J.,
Ashwal L. D.,
Eide E. A.,
Chunnett G.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
geophysical journal international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.302
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1365-246X
pISSN - 0956-540X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-246x.2005.02632.x
Subject(s) - geology , geochronology , paleomagnetism , precambrian , apparent polar wander , baddeleyite , mafic , isochron , proterozoic , craton , geochemistry , paleontology , lithosphere , zircon , tectonics
SUMMARY We report palaeomagnetic and 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age data for dykes that intrude the ∼2 Ga eastern Bushveld Igneous Complex (BIC). The dykes were previously assumed to be of Karroo age (Jurassic ∼ 180 Ma) based on their NE–SW orientation. Palaeomagnetic data (pole position 8.7°N, 22°E; dp / dm = 18/20.6° ), however, clearly demonstrate that these dykes are Precambrian in age, either ∼1.9 Ga and close to the Early Proterozoic Bushveld age, or 1649 ± 10 Ma based on 40 Ar/ 39 Ar plagioclase laser fusion ages from one of the dykes. Both normal and reverse polarity dykes are identified, and a positive reversal test together with a semi‐conclusive contact test attests to a primary magnetization. If the 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age represents a primary cooling age then palaeomagnetic poles from South Africa (Kalahari) at ∼1.9 to ∼2 Ga and ∼1650 Ma are virtually identical, and suggest an apparent polar wander loop; alternatively, the Kalahari Craton drifted from high southerly (>50°) to high northerly latitudes (or vice versa) during this interval. Conversely, if we assign a ∼1.9 Ga age for dyke emplacement as suggested from a comparison with Kalahari palaeomagnetic poles (e.g. Waterberg–Soutpansberg pole), the ∼1650 Ma 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age must relate to a thermal disturbance that did not erase the primary magnetic signature.