New insights into Kaapvaal geology and mineral potential gained from a rigoristic method of basin analysis

Abstract

Attempts to derive the geohistory of the Kaapvaal Province without a scientifically disciplined methodology incorporating all the relevant events in their correct interactive temporal relationships have led to costly errors. Episodic charts record all other events against a chronostratigraphic column converted from a lithostratigraphic equivalent employing sequence stratigraphic techniques. Geochronometric charts transform the relative sequence so derived into an approximation of real time, by means of isotopic age dating of marker beds. The predictive power of these charts enables both research and mineral exploration to be goal-orientated.