Preface III
1. Introduction and Overview 1
Georg Kleinschmidt
1.1. Introduction 1
1.1.1. Antarctica: definitions, topographic and geographic outline 1
1.1.2. Previous appropriate books 3
1.1.3. The book’s main concept 3
1.2. Geological Overview 4
1.2.1. The Antarctic cratons 6
1.2.1.1. The Grunehogna Craton 6
1.2.1.2. The Napier Craton 7
1.2.1.3. The Mawson Craton 7
1.2.1.4. The Crohn Craton (≈ Ruker Craton) 7
1.2.1.5. Other Cratons of East Antarctica 7
1.2.2. Grenvillian Orogens 8
1.2.3. Pan-African Orogens 9
1.2.3.1. The Ross Orogen 9
1.2.3.2. Other Pan-African Orogens 10
1.2.4. The lifetime of Gondwana 11
1.2.5. The disintegration of Gondwana 11
1.2.6. The Ellsworth Orogen = Weddell Orogen 12
1.2.7. The Antarctic Andean Orogen 13
1.2.7.1. The active part of the Antarctic Andean Orogen 14
1.2.8. Large fault systems 15
1.2.9. The present plate-tectonic situation of Antarctica 16
1.2.10. Appended paragraph on Antarctic meteorites 17
2. Antarctic Peninsula – Geology and Dynamic Development 18
John L. Smellie
2.1. Introduction 18
2.2. The Antarctic Peninsula: Physiography, Climate and Ice Cover 18
2.3. Tectonic Setting 20
2.4. Pre-Middle Jurassic: Gondwana Margin “Basement” 22
2.4.1. Palaeozoic gneissic basement 25
2.4.2. Devonian(?) craton and passive margin sedimentation
[Fitzgerald quartzite beds] 28
2.4.3. Permian sedimentation and transition to a subduction plate
margin [Erehwon beds] 30
2.4.4. Permian–Triassic deep-sea fan sedimentation at a passive
margin evolving to subducting margin [Trinity Peninsula
Group and correlatives] 30
2.4.5. Pre-Jurassic deposition and accretion
[Scotia Metamorphic Complex (Terrane B)] 35
2.5. Jurassic–Early Cretaceous: Gondwana Break-up Sequences 36
2.5.1. Jurassic terrestrial sedimentation in grabens
[Botany Bay Group] 36
2.5.2. Jurassic large-volume plume-related bimodal volcanism [Palmer
Land Volcanic Group and Graham Land Volcanic Group] 38
2.5.3. Jurassic–Early Cretaceous basin sedimentation linked to
Weddell Sea formation [Latady Basin] 40
2.6. Cretaceous–Palaeogene “Andean” Arc–Trench System and
Early Glacial Stages 42
2.6.1. Jurassic–Cenozoic accretion [LeMay Group and Scotia
Metamorphic Complex (Terrane A)] 42
2.6.2. Jurassic–Cretaceous fore-arc basin sedimentation
[Fossil Bluff Group and correlatives] 45
2.6.3. Subduction-related Cretaceous–Cenozoic magmatism
[Antarctic Peninsula Volcanic Group, Alexander Island Volcanic
Group, Antarctic Peninsula batholith] 51
2.6.4. Cretaceous–Cenozoic intra-arc sedimentation and
earliest glaciation 60
2.6.5. Cretaceous–Palaeogene back-arc deposition and basin
inversion [Larsen Basin] 63
2.7. Late Neogene–Present: Post-subduction Magmatism and
Main Glacial Stage 73
2.7.1. Neogene–Quaternary marine record 73
2.7.2. Neogene–Quaternary terrestrial volcanism and sedimentation
[James Ross Island Volcanic Group; Hobbs Glacier,
Cockburn Island and Mendel formations] 76
2.7.3. A Quaternary marginal basin [Bransfield Strait volcanism] 79
2.8. Summary: Antarctic Peninsula – Dynamic Development of a Long-lived
Continental Margin 80
3. The Geology of West Antarctica 87
Christine Siddoway
3.1. Overview 87
3.2. Ellsworth–Whitmore Mountains Terrane 90
3.3. Marie Byrd Land 94
3.3.1. Ross Province 97
3.3.2. Amundsen Province 102
3.3.3. Fosdick Mountains migmatite-granite complex and gneiss dome . 104
3.4. Thurston Island/Eights Coast 107
3.5. West Antarctic Rift Province 108
3.5.1. Character of crust and lithosphere 109
3.5.2. Bedrock structures’ influence upon ice–ocean dynamics 112
3.6. Tectonic Evolution and Timing of the WARS 112
3.6.1. Relationship between the Transantarctic Mountains and
West Antarctic rift system 112
3.6.2. Mesozoic development 115
3.6.3. The Cenozoic: tectonic sedimentation, structural reactivation,
seismicity 118
3.6.4. Characteristics and origin of the Marie Byrd Land
volcanic province 122
3.6.5. Paleotopography and landscape rejuvenation 128
3.7. Conclusion 131
4. The Geology of the Transantarctic Mountains 132
John W. Goodge
4.1. Overview 132
4.1.1. Physiography 134
4.1.2. History of geologic exploration 137
4.2. Stratigraphy and Geological Evolution 138
4.2.1. Precambrian basement 141
4.2.2. Neoproterozoic rift-margin successions 149
4.2.3. Early Paleozoic successions 156
4.2.4. Cambro-Ordovician granite batholith 165
4.2.5. Devonian magmatism 168
4.2.6. Paleozoic-Mesozoic Beacon Supergroup 168
4.2.7. Jurassic Ferrar magmas (Ferrar Group and Kirkpatrick Basalt) 176
4.2.8. Neogene Volcanic province 180
4.2.9. Neogene Glacial deposits and landscape 183
4.3. Geological Architecture/Structure 186
4.3.1. Crustal structure of Precambrian basement 186
4.3.2. Neoproterozoic rift margin 187
4.3.3. Active Ross margin of Gondwana 189
4.3.3.1. Northern Victoria Land 190
4.3.3.2. Southern Victoria Land 191
4.3.3.3. Central TAM 191
4.3.3.4. Southern TAM 193
4.3.3.5. Ross deformation 193
4.3.3.6. Ross magmatism 199
4.3.3.7. Ross metamorphism 201
4.3.3.8. Tectonic models for the Ross Orogen 206
4.3.4. Cenozoic uplift of the Transantarctic Mountains front and
West Antarctic rift system 211
4.4. Summery and Future of Geologic Research 216
5. The Shackleton Range and Surroundings 218
Georg Kleinschmidt
5.1. General Introduction 218
5.1.1. Topography 218
5.1.2. History 221
5.2. Shackleton Range 222
5.2.1. Geological overview 222
5.2.2. Unit I “Autochthon” 225
5.2.3. Unit II “Mount Wegener Nappe” 227
5.2.4. Unit III “Fuchs Dome Nappe” 229
5.2.5. Windows 234
5.2.6. Unit IV (Ophiolite Complex) 235
5.2.7. Unit V (Högbom Nappe) 238
5.2.8. Middle Cambrian trilobite shales 239
5.2.9. Molasse (Blaiklock Glacier Group) 240
5.2.10. The “Kukri Peneplain” 241
5.2.11. Permo-Carboniferous (Beacon Supergroup) and hanging beds 242
5.2.12. Mafic dykes 243
5.2.13. Major faults 243
5.2.14. Mesozoic evolution of the Shackleton Range
(Vanished Mesozoic basins) 245
5.2.15. Meteorite “Mt. Wegener” 246
5.3. Theron Mountains 246
5.4. Whichaway Nunataks 248
5.5. Bertrab, Littlewood, Moltke Nunataks 248
5.6. Relationship of the Shackleton Range and its further Surroundings 251
6. Geology and Geodynamic Evolution of Dronning Maud Land,
East Antarctica 254
Andreas Läufer
6.1. Introduction 254
6.2. Early Exploration 256
6.3. Regional Geology 257
6.3.1. Western Dronning Maud Land 257
6.3.1.1. The Grunehogna Craton 257
6.3.1.2. The Maud Belt 259
6.3.2. Central Dronning Maud Land 264
6.3.3. Eastern Dronning Maud Land 279
6.4. Geodynamic Evolution: A Synthesis 285
6.4.1. The Grunehogna Craton 286
6.4.2. The Grenville Orogen and Rodinia: The Maud Belt 287
6.4.3. From Rodinia to Gondwana: orogenic quiescence or continued
tectonism? The post-Rodinia rift and drift stage 288
6.4.4. The Pan-African Orogen and the amalgamation of the Gondwana
supercontinent: The East African-Antarctic Orogen (or:
Lützow Holm Belt) and the Kuunga Orogen 289
6.4.5. The break-up of Gondwana, formation of the Antarctic passive
continental margin and landscape evolution 292
6.4.5.1. The Karoo Plume and Karoo volcanism 292
6.4.5.2. Rift Structures: The Jutul-Penck-Graben 293
6.4.5.3. Uplift and denudation history of Dronning Maud Land 293
7. Lambert Glacier Area (East Antarctica between 45° E and 85°E) 296
A. Läufer, F. Lisker, N.W. Roland, G. Kleinschmidt
7.1. General Introduction 296
7.1.1. Geography 296
7.1.2. Historic exploration 299
7.1.3. Stations 300
7.2. Geological Overview 300
7.3. Cratonic Regions 303
7.3.1. The Napier Craton 303
7.3.2. Cratonic Parts of the Prince Charles Mountains 304
7.3.3. Small cratons further east (Eastern Prydz Bay with Larseman
Hills, Rauer Group, Vestfold Hills) 310
7.4. Meso-Neoproterozoic (Grenvillian) Belts West of the Lambert Glacier:
The Rayner Belt/Complex and the Fisher Complex 311
7.5. Pan-African of the Prince Charles Mountains and Further East of the
Lambert Glacier 313
7.6. The Lambert Graben 315
7.6.1. Palaeozoic and Mesozoic sedimentation within the
Lambert Graben 315
7.6.2. Phanerozoic tectonic evolution of the Lambert Graben 318
7.6.3. Neogene landscape evolution 319
7.7. The Great Enigma: the Gamburtsev Subglacial Mountains 319
8. The Geology of East Antarctica (between ∼85° E and ∼145° E) 322
René-Pierre Menot
8.1. Overview 322
8.2. Geology of the Different Domains 324
8.2.1. Kaiser-Wilhelm-II.-Land – Queen Mary Land – Princess
Elizabeth Land 324
8.2.1.1. Geology, Lithology, Geochemistry 324
8.2.1.2. Structures, Deformation and Metamorphism 332
8.2.1.3. Geochronology (Table 8-1) 332
8.2.1.4. Geological Evolution and Interpretation 333
8.2.2. Wilkes Land 334
8.2.2.1. Geology, Lithology, Geochemistry 337
8.2.2.2. Structures, Deformation and Metamorphism 342
8.2.2.3. Geochronology (Table 8-1) 345
8.2.2.4. Geological Evolution 349
8.2.3. Terre Adélie – Western George V Land, i.e. the Terre Adélie
Craton (TAC) 353
8.2.3.1. Geology, Lithology, Geochemistry 357
8.2.3.2. Structures, Deformation and Metamorphism 370
8.2.3.3. Geochronology (Tables 8-1 and 8-2) 375
8.2.3.4. Geological Evolution 382
8.3. Geological Evolution of the Antarctic Australian Quadrant 387
8.3.1. Accretion of the “East Antarctic Shield” 387
8.3.2. Phanerozoic Evolution of the “East Antarctic Shield”,
Australian Quadrant – Syn-Gondwana Evolution 390
8.3.2.1. Palaeozoic – Mesozoic Rifts 390
8.3.2.2. Sedimentary Cover and Basins 391
8.3.2.3. Giant Meteorite Impact 391
8.3.3. Australia – Antarctica Separation 392
9. The Mineral Resources of the Antarctic: Facts and Problems 393
Norbert W. Roland
9.1. Introduction 393
9.2. Politics Influence on the Development and Economic Exploitation
of Antarctica 394
9.3. Arguments in Favour of the “Treasure House” Antarctica 396
9.4. Prospective Areas seen in the Gondwana Context 397
9.4.1. The Antarctic Peninsula and the South American Andes 397
9.4.2. The Weddell Sea Coast and Southeast Africa 399
9.4.3. East Antarctica and the Indian Subcontinent 400
9.4.4. East Antarctica and South-West Australia 401
9.4.5. Areas prospective for hydrocarbons 402
9.4.6. Prospective areas for polymetallic nodules and crusts 404
9.4.7. Areas prospective for diamonds 405
9.5. The Mineral Deposits of Antarctica 406
9.5.1. Coal 406
9.5.2. Iron ore 408
9.5.3. Platinum, nickel, copper and other metals from the
Dufek Intrusion 409
9.5.4. Base metals and precious metals of the Antarctic Peninsula 412
9.5.5. Uranium 417
9.5.6. Icebergs 417
9.6. Arguments in Favour for the “Frozen Account” Antarctica 420
9.6.1. Accessibility 420
9.6.2. Difficulties in exploration 422
9.6.3. Types of deposits unlikely in Antarctica 422
9.6.4. Aspects of mining economics 423
9.7. Summary and Outlook 424
10. The Palaeontological Record of Antarctica 426
Michael R.A. Thomson
10.1. Introduction 426
10.1.1. How representative is the fossil record of Antarctica? 427
10.2. Late Precambrian and Eocambrian 429
10.3. Cambrian 431
10.4. Ordovician and Silurian 434
10.5. Devonian 436
10.5.1. Invertebrate faunas and trace fossil assemblages 436
10.5.2. Early floras 438
10.5.3. Vertebrates – fish faunas 439
10.6. Carboniferous 439
10.7. Permian 441
10.7.1. Invertebrates – the few 442
10.7.2. Glossopteris floras 442
10.8. Triassic 444
10.8.1. Invertebrate faunas and trace fossil assemblages 444
10.8.2. Floras – all change 445
10.8.3. Gondwana amphibians and reptiles 447
10.9. Jurassic 448
10.9.1. Invertebrate faunas of land and sea 449
10.9.2. Floras 452
10.9.3. Vertebrate faunas – fish and dinosaurs 454
10.10. Cretaceous 455
10.10.1. Invertebrates – a rich variety 456
10.10.2. Floras – the angiosperms appear 459
10.10.3. Vertebrates –dinosaurs and more 463
10.11. Palaeogene 465
10.11.1. Invertebrates – after the KT event 467
10.11.2. Floras – angiosperms everywhere 470
10.11.3. Vertebrates – something of everything 472
10.12. Neogene 474
10.12.1. Invertebrates – scallops abound 475
10.12.2. Flora – struggling with the climate 477
10.12.3. Vertebrates – the first whales 479
10.13. Benath the Ice 479
10.13.1. Glacial erratics on land 479
10.13.2. New exposures resulting from ice retreat 480
10.13.3. Reworked clasts and fossils within in situ strata 480
10.13.4. Marine dredge samples and shallow cores 481
10.13.5. ‘Deep’ drilling 483
10.13.6. Biology in the rear-view mirror 484
References 485
Index 597