It has been over 25 years since the Council for Geoscience published its complete coverage of the Natal Metamorphic Province in four 1: 250 000 scale geological maps. Since then, research has continued, a new model for the evolution of the belt has been postulated and new geochronological data has become available. It represents a classic Mesoproterozoic juvenile arc-accretion belt, with arc and ophiolite (?) terranes and evidence of protracted lateral escape tectonics.

This excursion will provide a complete 300 km long north-south traverse across the belt from the southernmost granulites of the Margate terrane, across the Mellville Thrust into the upper amphibolite Mzumbe terrane and further north across a major sinistral strike slip zone into the nappes of the Tugela Terrane, abutting the Archaean Kaapvaal Craton.

The excursion will be led by one of the old guard mappers (Bob Thomas) and one of the new guard isotope geochemists (Chris Spencer) so that a series of traditional geological outcrop stops will be enriched with new data (and thinking) generated by modern techniques. These new data are leading to incremental changes in previously-held views which it is hoped will form the basis of wide-ranging discussion amongst the participants.

Field Trip Leaders: Bob Thomas and Chris Spencer
Start/End: Durban
Dates: TBA
Price: TBA