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granulite–gneiss belt

geology

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

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