Litho-Tectonic Architecture of the Dialafara Area, Kédougou-Kéniéba Inlier, Integration of New Field Data and Geophysics

The Dialafara area is part of the highly endowed Kédougou-Kéniéba Inlier (KKI), West-Malian gold belt, which corresponds to a Paleoproterozoic window through the West African Craton (WAC). This study presents, first of all, an integration of geophysical data interpretation with litho-structural field reconnaissance and then proposes a new litho-structural map of the Dialafara area. The Dialafara area shows a variety of lithology characterized by volcanic and volcano-sedimentary units, metasediments and plutonic intrusion. These lithologies were affected by a complex superposition of structures of unequal importance defining three deformation phases (DD1 to DD3) under ductile to brittle regimes. These features permit to portray a new litho-structural map, which shows that the Dialafara area presents a more complex lithological and structural context than the one presented in regional map of the KKI. This leads to the evidence that this area could be a potential site for exploration as it is situated between two world-class gold districts.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality for Drinking and Irrigation Uses in the Samba Dia Area, Central West Senegal

In the Sahelian zone in Africa, groundwater is the main source of drinking water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses. The groundwater of the Samba Dia sandy aquifer was assessed for understanding processes controlling the hydrogeochemistry and its drinking and irrigation suitability, on the basis of various water quality parameters. For the present study, thirty-three groundwater samples were collected in wells of the study area during the dry season in March 2021 and subjected to analysis for chemical characteristics (major ions), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). Gibbs plot depicts that the process of ionic exchange is mainly due to the dissolution of water-rock interaction. The Piper diagram indicates a largely dominant sodium chloride facies with 70% of the groundwater samples followed by calcium chloride facies (18%) than calcium bicarbonate facies (12%). Analytical results of hydrogeochemical parameters of groundwater samples reveal that the majority of samples are within the World Health Organization safety range for drinking water. TDS and electrical conductivity (EC) values of groundwater indicate that 70% and 61% are safe for drinking water, respectively. Sodium percentage (% Na), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) values, and Ca/Mg ratio were calculated and compared with the standard guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization and agricultural water standards. This study shows that the groundwater in the area is mostly chemically suitable for drinking and irrigation, although some wells at the edge of the area exhibit signs of progressive salinization and traces of pollution.

Sedimentary dynamics and ecological state of Nakta tidal flat (littoral), South of Sfax, Gulf of Gabès,Tunisia

The tidal flat of Nakta is located in the northern part of the gulf of Gabes and in the southern coast of Sfax. It corresponds to a flat reef protected from less topography, with a slope ranging between 2° and 4°, which borders the Gargour Wadi. The study sector is renowned to have moderate hydrodynamics which lasts almost for two millenary (14C isotopic dating). The sedimentological study of the Nakta tidal flat revealed different facies: fine-grained sand in the intertidal zone and carbonated muddy sand in the infratidal zone. Equilibrium state of the Nakta ecosystem depends entirely on tide currents, which mainly inhibit drift currents. The Nakta tidal flat is characterized by a variety of faunal species (Cerastoderma glaucum, Arca noe, Cardita antiquatus, Chlamys varied, Ruditapes deccussatus, Tapes rhomboids, Pinctada radiate, etc.) and floristic diversities (Halocnemum strobilacum, Halimione portulacoides, Enteromorpha linza, Ulva rigida, Cymodocea nodosa, Posidonia oceanica). The species are abundant in the infratidal zone, while in its intertidal zone, faunal species remain little diversified and are dominated by limivorous diggering. The paleogeographic study of the Nakta tidal flat showed the alternation of regression and transgression periods.

Lithostratigraphic and Geochemical Characterization of Tobene Phosphate Deposits: A Case Study of Tobene South 1

Tobene is the third exploitation panel of the Taiba Phosphate deposits. It is divided into five sectors and its exploitation started in 2003 after the closure of the Ndomor and Keur Mor Fall panels. The Taiba phosphate deposit has been the object of several studies based on lithology, biostratigraphy, geochemistry, and petrography;however, few investigations on the variation in thickness of the phosphate layer within the Tobène sector have been conducted. This study seeks to analyze the lithostratigraphic and geochemical characteristics of the phosphate layer in the Tobène South1. Results from the lithostratigraphic study show from top to bottom the following succession: the sandy overburden, the sandstone formation, the Silico-feralitic formation, the variegated roof clays, the Taiba formation (homogeneous ore and heterogeneous ore), and the foliated attapulgite of the wall. Geochemical analysis reveals an unequal distribution of major oxides (P2O5, CaO, Fe2O3, Al2O3, and SiO2). The area is dominated by P2O5 concentrations between 20% and 32%, the K parameter (=CaO/P2O5) has an average of 1.36. The iron associated with aluminum (feral) is present in the southern part and on the contours of the sector;the dominant silica concentration is 20%. Correlations established between the major oxides show a strong relationship with p-values 0.05, nevertheless there is proportionality in the evolutions between the chemical variables CaO and P2O5, on the other hand, an opposite evolution between P2O5 and the two chemical parameters silica (SiO2) and feral.

Petrological and Structural Approach to Understanding the Mechanism of Formation and Development of Paleoproterozoic Calc-Alkaline Volcanic Rocks of West Africa’s Craton: An Example of the Mako and Foulde Groups (Kedougou Inlier in Western Senegal)

The calc-alkaline volcanic formations in the western part of the Kedougou-Kenieba inlier crop out in three complexes: the Foulde in the North and the areas of Mako and Baniomba in the South. These complexes which either combine with the tholeiites or cut across the sedimentary formations are composed of thin veins and massive lava flows. They have many petrographic similarities and show chemical characteristics that resemble those of island-arc rocks. At the tectonic level, the D1 deformation phase preceding the formation of the basins and the transpressive tectonics including an oblique convergence may account for the structural evolution of the Mako volcanic belt. Its occurrence in different basins may be evidenced by the composition of some lithophilic components like the Sr, Ba, U, Rb and the composition of clinopyroxenes enriched in TiO2, FeO, Na2O in the Foulde calc-alkaline volcanic rocks that developed in a sedimentary environment.

Lithostratigraphy and Characterisation of Paleocene Limestones for Optimal Exploitation (Senegal, West Africa): Comparative Study of the Bandia and Popenguine Quarries

Limestones of different facies in the Senegal basin are most commonly used as aggregates, regardless of their petrographic properties. These differences may influence their behaviour. The aim of this paper is to study the stratigraphy and characterise the limestones of the Bandia and Popenguine quarries. Sampling and geochemical and geotechnical characterisation were carried out on these limestones. The results show the presence of several very different facies in the Paleocene formation. The geochemical study shows that the Bandia limestones (Bd2) have the highest CaCO3 percentages (98.54%) and the highest SiO2 percentages were recorded in the Popenguine limestones (Pop2). The study also gives MDE values of 22.38 and LA of 22, which are acceptable for use in road construction. It is important to carry out a complete study in order to select the right materials for optimal use.

Agroclimatological Characteristics of Rainy Seasons in Southwestern Burkina Faso during the 1970-2013 Period

The different drought phases observed during the 1970-2010 period have underlined important weaknesses of West African agricultural systems. The droughts resulted in important decreases in crop production, triggering a significant deficit in food availability. Many studies have identified changes in rain events seasonal patterns as the key drivers of agricultural production failure during these drought phases. In this study, seven agriculturally-relevant intra-seasonal rainfall characteristics (i.e., annual rainfall amount, onset and cessation of the rainy season, dry spells, extreme rain events, hot spells, and strong winds) and associated constraints to crop growth are described for the main cereals (maize, millet, and sorghum) in southwestern Burkina Faso. These characteristics are calculated or determined using daily climate data from a local network of 16 weather stations spanning the 1970-2013 period. A computation of the intensity and the occurrence of these phenomena during the rainy seasons helped to draw the rainy seasons’ nomenclature. Findings suggest that the rainy seasons during the drought phases are characterized by low annual rainfall amount, late onset, early cessation and more frequent long dry spells (>7 days). Furthermore, the long dry spells mostly occurred during the most sensitive phases of crop development: germination at the beginning of the rainy season and flowering at the end of the rainy season. Also, the intensity and the probability of occurrence of the other extreme events (hot spells and strong winds) during rainy seasons are very high in the establishment phase. Thus, adaptation strategies to mitigate these unfavorable climate conditions include a selection of short-cycle crop varieties combined with supplementary irrigation systems during long dry spells.

Geochemistry of Pyrite from the Gangcha Gold Deposit, West Qinling Orogen, China: Implications for Ore Genesis

The Gangcha gold deposit was discovered in 2011 in the Xiahe-Hezuo region, West Qinling Orogen, China. Five types of pyrite have been identified in the ore according to the detailed mineral paragenetic studies. Geochemical data are presented for type I pyrite （pyl） rim-core zonation and for the different types of pyrite based on in-situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry （LA-ICP-MS） and electron probe microanalysis （EPMA）. The results show that pyrites are characterized with heterogeneous Au concentrations, which indicate that Au occurs mainly as micro- or nano-particle native inclusions. Time-resolved depth profiles demonstrate that As, Co and Ni occur as solid solutions in pyrite, whereas Cu, Pb, Zn and Ag occur mainly as inclusions. Trace element concentrations differ between rims and cores in pyl, and the differences also exist within different pyrite types. These differences indicate complex chemical evolution of the ore-forming fluids, and the overall geology, geochronology, and stable isotope and pyrite data suggest that the ore-forming fluids were closely linked to magmatic activity during the Triassic Period in West Qinling orogenic belt.

A Spectroscopic Approach to Assess Heavy Metals Contents of the Mine Waste of Jalta and Bougrine in the North of Tunisia

Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (NIRS) has become an extremely important analytical technique in recent years and been applied in various geoscience areas such as mineral exploration and environmental studies. It is used for studying the physico-chemical properties of earth materials by enabling the interpretation of mineral composition and the study of its variability based on the diagnostic of spectral features. In this research, the application of laboratory reflectance spectroscopy in assessing heavy metals pollution is investigated. The potential use of reflectance spectroscopy in detecting Fe-related and clay minerals as well as the quantitative characterization of pollutants is studied for the mine waste of Jalta and Bougrine in the North of Tunisia. Mining activities of lead/Zn, have led to extensive pollution. The analysis of geochemical results outlined the level and spatial pattern of pollutants concentration. Results of the study showed that a relationship exists between reflectance spectra and geochemical measures of pollutants. The Spectral interpretation of Fe-related minerals and clay minerals showed that they are related to the pollutants and can be used as indirect spectral indicators of the pollution. The Fe-minerals include: jarosite, goethite, hematite/goethite, and hematite;clay minerals and feature-less (aspectral) materials. A direct quantitative relationship between pollutants and spectral parameters shows that Pb-Zn-Mn are the best correlated with a ratio of 610/500 nm range while Ni-Cr have a best correlation with a slope around 980 nm. Outputs from Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) confirmed these relationships and also indicated that spectral parameters and reflectance values within 400 - 2500 nm range can better predict the contamination for Mn, Pb and Zn than for Ni and Cr but not for Fe, Cu, Cd, EC and pH.

Third Conference of the Association of African Women Geoscientists—＂Women, Geosciences and Development＂ El Jadida, Morocco, May 6-11, 2006

A better understanding of the geology and mineral potential of Africa is important in the overall context of social and economic development across the continent. Since 1995 the Association of African Women Geoscientists （AAWG） has existed, holding biennial meetings since 2002, with the aim to encourage women geoscientists to participate in Earth Sciences-related conferences, as well as to inform or become involved on gender issues related to the Earth Sciences.

The Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base of the Pliensbachian Stage （Lower Jurassic）, Wine Haven, Yorkshire, UK

Following votes by the Pliensbachian Working Group, the Jurassic Subcommission and the International Commission on Stratigraphy, lUGS ratified the proposed Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point （GSSP） for the base of the Pliensbachian Stage （Lower Jurassic） at the base of bed 73b in the Wine Haven section, Robin Hood＇s Bay, Yorkshire Coast, UK. This level contains the characteristic ammonite association Bifericeras donovani Dommergues and Meister and Apoderoceras sp. Complementary data include： a） Strontium-isotope stratigraphy, based on analysis of belemnites which yield a calcite 87Sr/^86Sr ratio for the boundary level of 0. 707425 and data supporting interpretation of continuous sedimentation; b） Belemnite oxygen-isotope data indicate a significant temperature drop （-5 ℃） across the boundary at this locality; c） A Transgressive Systems Tract （TST） initiated in the Aplanaturn Subzone （uppermost Sinemurian） continues into the Lowermost Pliensbachian （Taylori Subzone）; it forms part of a transgressive facies cycle sensu Graciansky et al. （1998）; d） The Upper Sinemurian to lowermost Plensbachian at Wine Haven section has a predominantly norreal magnetic polarity, but two discrete reversed polarity magnetozones are present. The first spans much of the latest Sinemurian Aplanatum Subzone. It terminates 〈0.5m below the Sinemurian-Pliensbachian boundary and may prove a valuable chronostratigraphic marker The second extends from the latest Oxynotum Subzone probably through to the lower part of the Raricostatum Subzone.

Effect of the Number and Orientation of Fractures on the P-Wave Velocity Diminution: Application on the Building Stones of the Rabat Area (Morocco)

This study is focused on two types of Moroccan rocks, among the most widely used as building stones: the calcarenite of Salé (CS) and the marble of oued Akrech (MA). The two rocks, lithologically different, show a clear contrast of their P-wave velocities (Vp): 3.90 vs 5.10 km/s at dry state and 4.29 vs 5.64 km/s at saturation. The “Artificial fractures” created in the two rock types reveal that their Vp undergo diminutions which the rates vary depending of the number and the plane orientation of the fractures. In the CS, Vp shows an increasing of cumulative diminution (Dc) according to the number of fractures, but with a variable rate of unitary diminution (Du) from one fracture to the other. This defines a linear regression with a low coefficient of determination (Dc = 10.18NbFr + 10.96;r2 = 0.87). The mode of the Vp evolution would be related to the roughness of fractures surface, which itself depends upon the petrographic nature of the calcarenite (friable structure, high porosity and heterogenous composition). The MA manifested an increasing Dc with a fairly constant rate of Du from a fracture to another, giving a regression line with a high coefficient of determination (Dc = 12.17NbFr – 10.69;r2 = 0.99). This steady diminution of Vp would be related to the granoblastic texture and the monomineral composition of the marble, which engender smoother fracture surfaces. The rates of Vp diminution also depend on the orientation plane of the fractures relative to the direction of wave propagation. The fractures parallel (θ = 0°) amplify slightly the Vp, playing a significant role of “waveguide”. The fractures oriented at 45° lead to a diminution lower than those of fractures oriented at 25° and 90°. The same trend of diminution, but at variable rates, appears on the samples of the two types of stones at dry and saturated state. This can be explained by the compressive nature of P-waves, which obey the physic laws of the transmission of the constraints in the solid mediums.

Petrology and Geodynamic Context of Metabasic Rocks of Nemba Complex in the West Congo Fold Belt (Republic of Congo)

The West Congo belt contains Paleoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic Units which are deformed during Panafrican event. The Neoproterozoic Unit contains rift and post rift deposits. The rift formation is made of metabasite, volcanic and volcano-sedimentary rocks. The metabasite constitutes the Nemba Complex which is considered put into place in a continental or oceanic context. Samples from Nemba Complex collected along the “Congo ocean railway realignment” are analyzed. Major elements indicate a low potassic subalkaline affinity of the samples. Classification diagrams based of major elements shows that the rocks are a tholeiitic serie constituted of andesitic basalts, sub-alkaline andesitic basalts and a sub-alkaline to alkaline basalts. Some samples with a calc-alkaline signature indicate a crustal contamination. The traces elements plots indicate that the rocks are the MORB. The spectrum of multi-elements is characteristic of continental rocks with a lithospheric origin. This is an agreement with many works on the Nemba Complex and the alkali plutons and acid volcanic rocks associated which attribute there a rift context.

New Computerized Method for the Geochemical Classification of Precambrian Carbonate Rocks: Case of a Set of African Cap Carbonates

Post-sedimentary transformations have masked or completely obliterated the structures and textures of Precambrian carbonate rocks. Therefore, methods of classification of the carbonate rocks founded on the observation of primary structures or textural characteristics are ill-adapted. Consequently, only certain geochemical classification methods allow us to distinguish the various rock-types in the case of Neoproterozoic carbonates. After presenting the most suitable geochemical classifications, we propose a new classification into 14 groups based on a regular ternary diagram with computerized data input. For each sample of carbonate rock, analysis of calcium and magnesium contents allows us to calculate the input data for our diagram i.e. the percentages of Calcite, Dolomite and Insoluble Residue. To automate the application of this diagram, input parameters are created in a descriptive file “Roches.ternaires.txt” using an option called “Ternaires” in the “Diagrammes” software developed by Roland Simler. Thirty cap carbonates of Africa are used to validate this new method.

Contribution to the Numerical Geological Mapping of the Paleocene in the Western Part of Thiès (Senegal)

The locality of Thiès has significant mining and hydrogeological resources that are of major economic interest and necessitates a sustainable management. Most of these resources are contained in the Paleocene. For a better assessment of Paleocene, we elaborated a spatial model using available seismic lines, oil and hydraulic drills. The data were integrated using interpolation, mainly natural neighbor method. The obtained model should make it possible to understand the variation of the lithostratigraphic parameters of the Paleocene. The extraction from the model of the upper and the lower limits showed that the Paleocene is shallow and is outcropping to subout-cropping in the area of Thiès. The model was validated using previously available geological map. Also, a crosscorrelation of the predicted and the observed data showed that the model is accurate.

Modelling Uncertainty of Stream Networks Derived from Elevation Data Using Two Free Softwares: R and SAGA

Stream networks are considered important units in many environmental decision making processes. The extraction of streams using digital elevation models (DEMs) presents many advantages. However it is very sensitive to the uncertainty of the elevation datasets used. The main aim of this paper is to implement geostatistical simulations and assess the propagated uncertainty and map the error of location streams. First, point sampled elevations are used to fit a variogram model. Next two hundred DEM realizations are generated using conditional sequential Gaussian simulation;the stream network map is extracted for each of these realizations, and the collection of stream networks is analyzed to quantify the error propagation. At each grid cell, the probability of the occurrence of a stream and the propagated error are estimated. The more probable stream network are delineated and compared with the digital stream network derived from topographic map. The method is illustrated using a small dataset (8742 sampled elevations) for Anaguid Saharan platform. All computations are run in two free softwares: R and SAGA. R is used to fit variogram and to run sequential Gaussian simulation. SAGA is used to extract streams via RSAGA library.

New Approach of Geomechanical Properties by Scale Effect and Fractal Analysis in the Kedougou-Kenieba Inlier (Senegal-West Africa)

This paper shows geometric aspects of rock masses in the Senegalese side of Kédougou-Kéniéba inlier. The studies are done in one part on sedimentary rocks (represented by sandstones) with stratification and on the other part in igneous rocks (represented by basalts). Geometric studies are the fractal configuration and the scale effect. Scale effect is stud- ied by comparing the results of mechanical tests done in the laboratory and on outcrops. For all samples, laboratory pa- rameters are higher than values of field. In this paper, scale effect is characterized by the decrease of mechanical pa- rameters from laboratory samples to field. The scale coefficient is defined and characterizes the relation between me- chanical properties. More importantly, the scale effect is more significant. This scale effect depends largely on the rock anisotropy. The anisotropy depends on the fracturation and the filling. The scale effect takes into account the fracturation, the filling minerals and their diversity which define the complexity of the rock. The anisotropy is complex;the impact of scale effect traduced by an increase of scale coefficient is the highest. Configuration of discontinuities also defines fractal geometry. This fractal aspect appears on the asperities, the spacing and the apertures of discontinuities. The fractal dimension is different from a parameter to another. All these two parameters estimate the stage of fracturation of the rock in a geological system and depend one on another if they are studied in the same element.

New Approach of Structural Setting of Gold Deposits in Birimian Volcanic Belt in West African Craton: The Example of the Sabodala Gold Deposit, SE Senegal

The Sabodala gold deposit in the Mako volcanic Belt (SE-Senegal, West African Craton) occurs in mafic and ultramafic rocks overlain by clastic sedimentary rocks and felsic volcanic-volcaniclastic sequences. It is a structurally controlled mesothermal vein gold deposit developed in deformed rocks units near the Falombo pluton. The Sabodala Goldfield comprises several faults systems striking N-S to NE-SW. New structural evolution consisting of both thrusting and transcurrent events has been defined for the Sabodala Goldfield. The majority of the gold at Sabodala occurs on the western flank of a large, doubling plunging dome (the Sabodala Antiform) and is also associated with sinistral wrenching that overprints early structures within the Sabodala Mine. The gold bearing veins are hosted by flat lying and NW-trending shear zones. The NW-trending faults acted as transfers syn-gold mineralization, although only discrete segments of these faults were active during the main stage of gold mineralization. Late exhumation resulted in extension along fault zones was responsible for the juxtaposition of medium and low grade metamorphic rocks. The granitic suite of the Falombo pluton is linked to exhumation. Final dextral transpression postdating exhumation produced shearing and folding. Gold lodes developed during brittle deformation are associated with high fluid pressures in a northwest-southeast shortening regime. These are termed mainly the Sabodala deposit, and secondary the Niakafiri and Masato deposits.

Late Devonian OIB Alkaline Gabbro in the Yarlung Zangpo Suture Zone:Remnants of the Paleo-Tethys?

The Yarlung Zangpo Suture Zone(YZSZ) is believed to be composed of material largely derived from the destruction of the Neo-Tethys ocean.We report here geochronological and petrological data obtained for newly discovered alkaline gabbro blocks embedded in a m(?)lange zone of the YZSZ,in Zhongba area, southwestern Tibet.The gabbros are Late Devonian in age and of intra-oceanic Ocean Island Basalt(OIB) affinity.Single-zircon U-Pb analyses from one representative gabbro sample by SIMS(Secondary

Chemical and Sr-Nd compositions and ^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar ages of NW-trending dolerite dikes of Burkina Faso: Evidence for a Mesoproterozoic magmatism in the West African Craton

The Paleoproterozoic basement of the northeastern part of the Leo-Man craton is intruded by generally NW-trending dikes. These regional scale dikes extend over 1000 km in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. We present chemical and Sr-Nd isotope compositions, as well as 40 Ar/39 Ar ages of these dikes with the following strikes N98°-N112°, and N114°-N124° in NE Burkina Faso. Field relationships show that the dikes are posterior to all other rock types dated between 2.26 Ga and 2.0 Ga. Chemical data indicate that the dikes are continental flood basalts and composed of low-Ti(TiO2 ≤ 2 wt.%) sub-alkaline basalts and andesites. They exhibit a minor negative Europium anomaly(0.86-0.99) and slightly fractionated REE patterns((La/Yb)_N= 2.5-9.1; Yb_N = 9.5-19.9). The ratios of Th/Ta(1.3-11.4) and Ce/Pb(5.2-58.5)suggest a varying crustal assimilation of the dike magmas during ascent in the continental crust for all studied samples. Calculated P-T conditions indicate that the magma reached temperatures of 1285 ℃(calculated from olivine compositions) and pressures of 6.9 kbar(calculated for pyroxene minerals).Calculated initial 87 Sr/86 Sr(0.70040-0.70260) and ε_(Nd)(t)=+2.1 to-3.5 at 1575 Ma,also point to a crustal contamination with the most primitive samples showing T_(DM) values of 1946 Ma and 2154 Ma. The low values of La/Ba(<0.2) and Nb/La(<1.0), contrast with the low Th/Nb(<0.9), and suggest a lithospheric mantle or subduction-modified mantle as possible source for the dikes. Sr-Nd data, Mg# and NbTa-Zr-Y-Th-Tb-Yb compositions further suggest that the most primitive samples were emplaced in a none orogenic setting and their magmas were subjected to variable crustal contaminations. Literature and the present whole rock 40 Ar/39 Ar age determinations show that the dikes were emplaced during a widespread Mesoproterozoic magmatism between 1.6 Ga and 1.2 Ga, and were affected by a thermal event causing the argon systematics resetting, best constrained by the date of sample KK1(1236 ± 20 Ma,^(40)Ar/^(36)Ar = 294 ±13, MSWD = 2.2). Contemporaneous 1590-1570 Ma extensive magmatism is reported in other crustal blocks in Baltica(Sveconorw-Goth, svecofennian) NW Laurentia(Slave craton, Yukon),and Australia(Gawler craton), and together with the 1575 studied dikes, are related to the breakup of the supercontinent Nuna.