Visualizing the volcanic history of the Kaapvaal Craton using ArcGIS

Abstract: The Kaapvaal Craton comprises a piece of well preserved Archaean crust making it a valuable subject in the pursuit of palaeocontinental reconstruction. The aim of this study was to visualize the volcanic events of the craton through time using arcGIS and available geochronological data. This was done by creating a number of so called ‘time slice’ maps that represent time periods from ca. 3 Ga to 1 Ga. These maps show the spatial and temporal distribution of the volcanic events occurring within the craton borders. Literary studies were made to recognize areas in need of additional geochronologic data in order to resolve uncertainties such as age constrains and correlations between formations. The onset of the Ventersdorp volcanism and the following transition to the predominantly sedimentary Transvaal Supergroup are examples of areas in need of additional studies in order to understand when these events occurred and how they relate to each other. The addition of new ages, such as the 2.4 Ga age for the Westerberg sill could yield new correlations that could contribute to further understanding the tectonic and magmatic events that occurred during the time period of the Transvaal Supergroup. A Kaapvaal Craton barcode map was produced using the existing geochronological data with addition of more recent data. This provides an up to date picture of the temporal distribution of volcanic events. This overview of the Kaapvaal Craton through time helps recognizing the areas in need of further studies in order to give way for a more complete understanding of the evolutionary trends of the craton.