Principles of Precambrian Geology (eBook)

Front Cover 1
Principles of Precambrian Geology 4
Copyright Page 5
Contents 6
Chapter 1. Distribution and tectonic setting of Precambrian crust 12
1.1 Introduction 12
1.2 Global distribution 16
1.3 Radiometric dating 19
1.4 Orogenies and tectonic cycles 20
1.5 Precambrian classification scheme 32
1.6 Geologic setting by craton 34
Chapter 2. Archean crust 62
2.1 Introduction 62
2.2 Cathaysian Craton 65
2.3 Siberian Craton 68
2.4 East European Craton 70
2.5 Greenland Shield (North American Craton) 73
2.6 North American Craton (less Greenland Shield) 77
2.7 South American Craton 92
2.8 African Craton: Southern Africa 99
2.9 African Craton: Central Africa 114
2.10 African Craton: West African Craton and Trans-Saharan Mobile Belt 115
2.11 Indian Craton 117
2.12 Australian Craton 125
2.13 Antarctic Craton 132
Chapter 3. Early Proterozoic crust 134
3.1 Introduction 134
3.2 Cathaysian Craton 138
3.3 Siberian Craton 139
3.4 East European Craton 140
3.5 Greenland Shield (North American Craton) 145
3.6 North American Craton (less Greenland Shield) 146
3.7 South American Craton 162
3.8 African Craton: Southern Africa 164
3.9 African Craton: Central (Equatorial) Africa 170
3.10 African Craton: Northwest Africa 174
3.11 African Craton: Northeast Africa and Arabia 7
3.12 Indian Craton 176
3.13 Australian Craton 179
3.14 Antarctic Craton 187
Chapter 4. Mid-Proterozoic crust 188
4.1 Introduction 188
4.2 Cathaysian Craton 191
4.3 Siberian Craton 193
4.4 East European Craton 196
4.5 Greenland Shield (North American Craton) 200
4.6 North American Craton (less Greenland Shield) 202
4.7 South American Craton 215
4.8 African Craton: Southern Africa 217
4.9 African Craton: Central Africa 220
4.10 African Craton: Northern Africa 223
4.11 Indian Craton 223
4.12 Australian Craton 224
4.13 Antarctic Craton 229
Chapter 5. Late Proterozoic crust 230
5.1 Introduction 230
5.2 Cathaysian Craton 232
5.3 Siberian Craton 233
5.4 East European Craton 234
5.5 Greenland Shield (North American Craton) 240
5.6 North American Craton (less American Carton) 240
5.7 South American Craton 245
5.8 African Craton: Southern Africa 247
5.9 African Craton: Central Africa 251
5.10 African Craton: Northwest Africa 259
5.11 African Craton: Northeast Africa 262
5.12 Indian Craton 265
5.13 Australian Craton 267
5.14 Antarctic Craton 269
Chapter 6. Evolution of the continental crust 272
6.1 Introduction 272
6.2 Endogenous processes and products 272
6.3 Exogenous processes and products 277
6.4 Summary crustal development by stage 285
6.5 Preferred model for the evolution of the continental crust 288
References 292
Index 330