granulite–gneiss belt
Quick Summary
Granulite-gneiss belts are geological formations representing the mid-to-lower crust of the Archean Eon. These belts consist of granulites and gneisses that underwent high-grade metamorphism at temperatures of 750 to 980 °C and depths of 15 to 30 km. They are essentially uplifted and eroded sections of ancient continental crust.123
The structure of these belts is complex due to multiple deformation events, involving the interthrusting of oceanic crust, shallow-water sediments, granites, and older basement rocks. These rocks were then folded and refolded, indicating a highly mobile early Earth. Granulite-gneiss belts are found in various locations globally, including large regions like the North Atlantic craton and smaller areas such as parts of the United States and Antarctica. Their age ranges from over 4 billion years ago to about 2.5 billion years ago.12
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
PrecambrianGranulite-gneiss beltsThe granulites, gneisses, and associated rocks in these belts were metamorphosed to a high grade in deep levels of the Archean crust; metamorphism occurred at a temperature of 750 to 980 °C (1,380 to 1,800 °F) and at a depth of about 15…
Read MoreThe granulites, gneisses, and associated rocks in these belts were metamorphosed to a high grade in deep levels of the Archean crust; metamorphism occurred at a temperature of 750 to 980 °C (1,380 to 1,800 °F) and at a depth of about 15…
Read More
PrecambrianGranulites and gneisses…occur in many Proterozoic orogenic belts such as the Grenville in Canada, the Pan-African Mozambique belt in eastern Africa and Madagascar, the Musgrave and Arunta ranges in Australia, and in Lapland in the northern Baltic Shield. They were brought up from the mid-lower crust on major thrusts as a result…
Read More…occur in many Proterozoic orogenic belts such as the Grenville in Canada, the Pan-African Mozambique belt in eastern Africa and Madagascar, the Musgrave and Arunta ranges in Australia, and in Lapland in the northern Baltic Shield. They were brought up from the mid-lower crust on major thrusts as a result…
Read More
