Accreted composite terranes - an example from the Gariep Orogenic Belt

The Late Proterozoic - Early Palaeozoic Gariep Belt consists of an eastern para-autochthonous passive continental margin zone, and a western allochthonous ophiolitic terrane juxtaposed at the Schakalsberge thrust. Field studies indicate that these are not simple lithostratigraphic bodies, but that the 'formations' occur in three separate nappe complexes in tectonic juxtaposition. These tectonostratigraphic units are called the Schakalsberge Complex, the Oranjemund Complex and the Chameis Complex. They are significantly different, to the extent that in future each may be defined as a separate terrane, within a composite Marmora Super-terrane. 7 refs., 2 figs.