A quasi-Hertzian stress field from an internal source: A possible working model for the Vredefort structure

Other

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Cratons, Fracture Mechanics, Gneiss, Granite, Igneous Rocks, Metamorphism (Geology), Meteorite Craters, Stratigraphy, Stress Distribution, Geochronology, Magnetic Fields, Outcrops, Precambrian Period, Republic Of South Africa, Strata

Scientific paper

The Vredefort structure is a large domal feature about 110 km southeast of Johannesburg, South Africa, situated within and almost central to the large intracratonic Witwatersrand Basin. This structure consists of an Archean core of ca. 45 km in diameter, consisting largely of granitic gneiss, surrounded by a collar of metasedimentary and metavolcanic supracrustal rocks of the Dominian Group, Witwatersrand and Ventersdorp Supergroups, and Transvaal Sequence. The interpretation of images of the gravity and magnetic fields over Vredefort has permitted the delineation of several important features of the structure and of its environment. The outline of the collar strata is a prominent feature of both the gravity and the magnetic fields. The Vredefort structure shares this distinctive geometry with other structures (e.g., Manicouagan, Decaturville, Sierra Madera) of debated impact origin. In all these, successively older strata with steep outward dips are encountered while traversing inward to the center of the structure. A further attribute of these structures is the shortening of the outcrop of a particular stratigraphic unit compared to the original perimeter of that unit. To account for the geometric attributes of the Vredefort structure a mechanical scheme is required where there is radial movement of horizontal strata toward, with uplift in, the center of the Vredefort structure. Two models can be proposed: (1) one in which there is a rapid rise and violent disruption of cover rocks in response to expansion of a fluid accumulation; and (2) one in which there is, in contrast, a nonexplosive, quasi-Hertzian stress field resulting from a diapiric process. Both models can accommodate the geometry and structural components of Vredefort.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

A quasi-Hertzian stress field from an internal source: A possible working model for the Vredefort structure does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A quasi-Hertzian stress field from an internal source: A possible working model for the Vredefort structure, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A quasi-Hertzian stress field from an internal source: A possible working model for the Vredefort structure will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1138400

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.