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Pre-Cambrian Perthosites in Nyasaland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2009

S. W. Morel
Affiliation:
c/o “Freeby”, The Green, Sidcup, Kent.

Abstract

Attention is drawn to the widespread occurrence of perthosite bodies in the Basement Complex of southern Nyasaland, and a description of these rocks is given.

It is suggested that these rocks represent a late stage in the differentiation of basaltic or andesitic magma which produced basic intrusives and volcanics and ultrabasic complexes in the late Pre-Cambrian. These were subsequently metamorphosed at a high grade. The nepheline-syenite gneisses of Port Herald and Tambani are believed to be related to the same series.

The remarkable similarities between the late Pre-Cambrian igneous history and that of the Karroo to Chilwa Series period is commented upon, and the occurrence of similar “ring structuress” in both series is described.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1961

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