Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Fluid Inclusions and Genetic Aspects of the Damara Orogen

  • Conference paper
Intracontinental Fold Belts

Abstract

The relationships of fluid systems and orogenetic processes have been investigated in metasediments from the Khomas Trough of the southern Damara Orogen and from the margin of the southern platform. Fluid inclusion measurements revealed the existence of a high-saline system originating from playa sequences of the initial graben and rifting stage, and a low-saline system derived from metapelites of the geosynclinal fill.

The high-saline system had been stored, since diagenesis in sparite horizons and were liberated when hot crystalline nappes from the Khomas Trough were thrust onto the playa sequence of the Duruchaus Formation. Excess pore pressure built up by aquathermal pressuring caused a mechanical mobilisation of the carbonate (sparite) horizons and strongly influenced the nappe tectonics along the southern margin of the Damara Orogen.

Profound hydrothermal metasomatic alterations of the country rock, crystallisation of voluminous quartz-carbonate masses, locally with giant crystals, and the formation of stratiform copper mineralisations are further consequences of the high-saline fluid circulation.

Dewatering and dehydration processes resulting in specific structures characterise the geosynclinal meta-pelites and their low-saline fluid system. Still preserved fluids allow a reconstruction of the P/T history and the process of uplift after the peak of metamorphism.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Altermann, I.B. (1973) Rotation and dewatering during slaty cleavage formation: Some new evidence and interpretations.- Geology, 1, 33–36.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barker, C. (1972) Aquathermal pressuring - role of temperature in development of abnormal-pressure zones.- Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., 56, 2068–2071.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr, H.J., Ahrendt, H., Martin, H., Porada, H., Rohrs, J. & Weber, K. (1983) Sabhka - Playa - environments of Upper Proterozoic age in the basal Damara sediments and their significance for the evolution of the Damara Orogen.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr, H.J., Ahrendt, H., Porada, H., Rohrs, J. & Weber, K. (1983a) Upper Proterozoic Playa and Sabkha-Deposits in the Damara Orogen, S.W.A./Namibia.- Geodynamic Evolution of the Damara Orogen, Geol. S. Afr., Spec. Publ., in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr, H.J., Ahrendt, H., Porada, H. & Weber, K. (1983b) The Sole Dolomite at the Base of the Naukluft Nappe Complex.- Geodynamic Evolution of the Damara Orogen, Geol. S. Afr., Spec. Publ., in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr, H.J., Ahrendt, H., Schmidt, A. & Weber, K. (1981) Saline Horizons acting as thrust planes along the southern margin of the Damara Orogen (Namibia/SW-Africa).- Thrust and Nappe Tectonics, The Geol. Soc. of Lond., 167–172.

    Google Scholar 

  • Behr, H.J. & Horn, E.E. (1982) Fluid inclusion Systems in Metaplaya Deposits and their Relationships to Mineralisation and Tectonics.- Chem. Geol., 37,173–189.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Billings, M.P. & Wilson, J.R. (1964) Chemical analyses of rocks and rock-minerals from New Hampshire. N.H., Dep. Resour.- Econ. Dev. Mineral. Resour. Surv., XIX.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradley, J.S. (1975) Abnormal formation pressure.- Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., 59, 957–973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crawford, M.L., Filer, J. & Wood, C. (1979) Saline fluid inclusions associated with retrograd metamorphism.- Bull. Mineral., 102, 562–568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cuney, M. (1980) Preliminary Results on the Petrology and Fluid Inclusions of the Rössing Uraniferous Alaskites.- Trans, geol. Soc. S. Afr., 83, 39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Waal, A. (1966) The Alberta Complex, a metamorphosed layered intrusion, north of Nauchas, South West Africa, the surrounding granites and repeated folging in the younger Damara System.- Dr. Sci. Thesis, University of Pretoria, R.S.A., unpublished.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flörke, O.W., Mielke, H.G., Weichert, S. & Kulke, H. (1981) Quartz and rhombohedral cleavage from Madagascar.- Am. Mineralogist, 66, 596–601.

    Google Scholar 

  • Frondel, C. (1962) The System of Mineralogy.- 7. Ed. Vol. Ill, Silica Minerals, Wiley, New York, p. 104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fyfe, W.S., Price, N.J. & Thompson, A.B. (1978) Fluids in the Earth’s Crust. Their significance in metamorphic, tectonic and chemical transport processes.- Developments in Geochemistry 1, Elsevier Scientific Publ. Comp., 383 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Geiser, P.A. (1975) Slaty cleavage and the dewatering hypothesis - An examination of some critical evidence.- Geology, 1, 717–720.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Geological Map of South West Africa/Namibia, 1: 1.000.000 (1980) Geol. Surv. S. Afr., Gov. Printer, Pretoria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goguel, J. (1962) Le rôle de l’eau et de la chaleur dans les phénomènes tectoniques.- Revue de géographie physique et de géologie dynamique, 11, 153–163.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gretner, P.E. (1969) Fluid Pressure in Porous Media - Its Importance in Geology: A Review.- Bull. Can. Pet. Geol., 17, 255–295.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gretner, P.E. (1972) Thoughts on overthrust faulting in a layered sequence.- Bull. Can. Pet. Geol., 20, 583–607.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gretner, P.E. (1979) Pore Pressure: Fundamentals, General Ramifications and Implications for Structural Geology (revised edition).- AAPG Continuing Education Course Note Series, AAPG Department of Education, 130 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hälbich, K.W. (1970) The geology of the Western Windhoek and Rehoboth Districts. A stratigraphic-structural analysis of the Damara System.- Dr. Sci. Thesis, Univ. of Stellenbosch, unpublished.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hälbich, I.W. (1977) Structure and tectonics along the southern margin of the Damara mobile belt, SWA.- Ann. Univ. Stellenbosch, Serie Al, 2, 149–247.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hartnady, C.H. (1978) The stratigraphy and structure of the Naukluft nappe comlplex.- 14/15 A. Rep. Precambr. Res. Unit, Univ. Cape Town, 163–170.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoernes, S. & Hoffer, E. (1979) Equilibrium relations of prograde metamorphic mineral assemblages: A stabile isotope study of rocks of the Damara Orogen, from Namibia.- Contr. Mineral. Petrol., 68, 377–389.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffer, E. (1977) Petrologische Untersuchungen zur Regionalmetamorphose Al-reicher Metapelite im südlichen Damara Orogen (SWA).- Habilitationsschrift, Univ. Göttingen, unpublished.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hoffer, E. (1983) Compositional variations of minerals in metapelites involved in low- to medium grade isograd reactions in the southern Damara Orogen, South West Africa/Namibia.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hubbert, M.K. (1951) Mechanical Basis for certain Familiar Geologic Structures.- GSA, 62/4, 355–372.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kasch, K.W. (1979 Metamorphic History of the Southern Damara Belt around Onutara (SWA/Namibia).- 16th A. Rep., Precambr. Res. Unit, Univ. Cape Town, 90–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Korn, H. & Martin, H. (1959) Gravity tectonics in the Naukluft Mountains of South West Africa.- Bull. geol. Soc. Amer., 70, 1047–1078.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kröner, A. (1983) Rb/Sr geochronology and tectonic evolution of the Pan-African Damara Belt of Namibia, southwestern Africa.- Amer. J. Sci., in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lippmann, F. (1979) Stabilitätsbeziehungen der Tonminerale.- N. Jb. Miner. Abh., 136, 3, 287–309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Magara, K. (1975) Importance of Aquathermal Pressuring Effect in Gulf Coast.- Bull. Am. Assoc. Petrol. Geol., 59, 2037–2045.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, H., Porada, H. & Wittig, R. (1983) The root zone of the Naukluft nappe complex: geodynamic implications.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, J.C. (1962) Origin of slaty and fracture cleavage in the Delaware Water Gap area, New Yersey and Pennsylvania (Engel, J. and. L. eds.).- Geol. Soc. Amer., 281–311.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. McG. (1979) The Okahandja Lineament, a Fundamental Tectonic Boundary in the Damara Orogen of South West Africa/Namibia.- Trans, geol. Soc. S. Afr., 82, 349–361.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, R. McG. & Hoffmann, K.H. (1981) Geocongress “81” Guide to the excursion through the Damara Orogen.- Geol. Soc. S. Afr., 115 pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Münch, H.-G. (1978) Das Schmiermittel an der Basis der Naukluft-Decke, Südwestafrika.- Z. dt. geol. Ges., 129, 7–31.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mullis, J. (1975) Growth Conditions of Quartz Crystals from Val D’llliez (Valais, Switzerland).- Schweiz, mineral, petrogr. Mitt., 55, 419–430.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oxburgh, E.R. & Turcotte, D.L. (1974) Thermal gradients and regional metamorphism in overthrust terrains with special reference to the Eastern Alps.- Schweiz. mineral, petrogr. Mitt., 54, 641–662.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porada, H. (1973) Tektonisches Verhalten und geologische Bedeutung von Kalksilikatfelslagen und -Spindeln im Damara Orogen Südwestafrika.- Geol. Rdsch., 62, 918–938.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Porada, H. (1983) Geodynamic model for the geosynclinal development of the Damara Orogen, Namibia/South West Africa.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porada, H. & Wittig, R. (1975) Zur Tektonik des südlichen Damara Belts.- In: Rep. Sonderforschungsbereich 48, Univ. Göttingen, 51–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Porada, H. & Wittig, R. (1983) Turbidites in the Damara Orogen.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puhan, D. (1983) Metamorphism of siliceous dolomites of the central and southern part of the Damara Orogen.- In: Intracontinental Fold Belts - Case studies in the Variscan Belt and Damara Belt.- This vol.

    Google Scholar 

  • Puhan, D. & Hoffer, E. (1973) Phase relations of talc and tremolite in metamorphic calcite - dolomite sediments in the southern portion of the Damara Belt (SW Africa).- Contr. Mineral. Petrol., 40, 207–214.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimann, E. (1915) Geologische Untersuchungen des Bastardlandes in Deutsch-Süd-Westafrika.- Hanseatische Minen-Gesellschaft (D.K.G.) (ed.), 17 fig., 13 taf., 100 pp., Dietrich Reimer, Berlin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schalk, K. (1970) Some late Precambrian formations in central South West Africa.- Ann. Rep. Geol. Surv. S. Afr., 2, 29–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmidt, A. & Wedepohl, K.H. (1983) Chemical composition and genetic relations of the Matchless amphi- bolite.- Geodynamic Evolution of the Damara Orogen, Geol. S. Afr., Spec. Publ., in press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanenberg, H.E.C. (1979) Phase Equilibria in Carbonic Systems and their application to freezing studies of fluid inclusions.- Contr. Mineral. Petrol., 68, 303–306.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swanenberg, H.E.C. (1980) Fluid inclusions in High-Grade Metamorphic Rocks from S.W. Norway.- Geologica Ultraiectina Mededelingen, Institut voor Aardwetenschappen Utrecht, No 25, 147 pp., Krips Repro Meppel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wittig, R. (1976) Die Gamsberg-Spalten (SW-Afrika) - Zeugen Karroo-zeitlicher Erdbeben.- Geol. Rdsch., 65, 1002–1019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wright, T.O. & Platt, L.B. (1982)Pressure Dissolution and Cleavage in the Martinsburg Shale.- Am. J. Sci., 282, 122–135.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut, Goldschmidtstraße 3, 3400, Göttingen, Germany

    H.-J. Behr, E. E. Horn & H. Porada

Authors
  1. H.-J. Behr
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. E. E. Horn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. H. Porada
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut, Georg-August-Universität, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 3400, Göttingen, Germany

    Henno Martin

  2. Geologisch-Paläontologisches Institut, Goldschmidtstr. 3, 3400, Göttingen, Germany

    Franz Wolfgang Eder

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1983 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

About this paper

Cite this paper

Behr, HJ., Horn, E.E., Porada, H. (1983). Fluid Inclusions and Genetic Aspects of the Damara Orogen. In: Martin, H., Eder, F.W. (eds) Intracontinental Fold Belts. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69124-9_25

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-69124-9_25

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-69126-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-69124-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation