Structural geology and regional tectonics of the South-Central Zimbabwe Craton from aeromagnetic, gravity and Landsat TM data

Gravity anomaly patterns in the south-central Zimbabwe Archaean craton and their geological interpretation

“…Elsewhere, inadequate gravity data coverage precludes mapping of the contact. However, the aeromagnetic anomalies clearly define the boundary between the craton and the Limpopo belt (NMZ), the latter marked by large positive values (Ranganai et al, 1994). Similar magnetic signatures have been observed at the South Marginal Zone-Kaapvaal craton boundary (de Beer and Stettler, 1992).…”

“…The evidence for this apparently deepseated crustal structure on the geological map is the break between the Filabusi and Fort Rixon belts, the pinching of the Belingwe belt, and the Jenya fault marking the southern edge of the Mashava Ultramafic Complex (Ma) in the northeast of the area. This is supported by aeromagnetic data that also indicate a NE/SW-striking $3 km wide shear zone on the northwestern and southeastern edges of the Filabusi and Fort Rixon greenstone belts, respectively (Ranganai et al, 1994;Ranganai, 1995). The latter coincides with the ''break" between the Bulawayo and Filabusi greenstone belts discussed on the vertical gravity gradient map above (Fig.…”

“…Treloar and Blenkinsop (1995) suggest that the Chilimanzi suite may be localized along a system of large intracontinental conjugate ESE-dextral and NNE-sinistral shears in the craton. The $NE/SW trend of the plutons is one of five regional lineament directions apparent on the magnetic anomaly maps, corresponding to dykes, faults and other geological units, e.g., Great Dyke (Ranganai et al, 1994;Ranganai, 1995).…”