Title:

The Etanenoberg Alkaline Complex, Namibia

Publication Year:
2000
Abstract:

The Etanenoberg Complex is a small, circular alkaline ring complex with a probable diameter (the outer part is unexposed) of 7 km. It is situated near Kalkfeld in northern Namibia and belongs to the early Cretaceous Damaraland Igneous Province, ca 135 Ma in age. Concentric rings around a central plug of tephritic phonolite comprise foyaite, white pulaskite and grey pulaskite. Contacts are intrusive except between the grey and white pulaskites which are presumed to belong to a single intrusion. Two sets of radial dykes concluded the eruptive history. Trachytic fluidal structure is commonly developed and modal as well as rhythmic layering occur sporadically. Xenoliths of sodalite syenite are interpreted as the products of volatile activity during an early stage of evolution. On the basis of mineralogy and geochemistry, the tephritic phonolite and some of the dykes approach the composition ofthe parent magma whereas the grey pulaskite has a modified, variable composition as a result of crystal accumulation. The most evolved peralkaline (but not agpaitic) liquids are represented by the foyaite and grey nepheline syenite dykes.

Publication Title:

Communications of the Geological Survey of Namibia

Publisher:
Geological Survey of Namibia
Volume:
12
Pages:
329-339
Item Type:
Journal Article
Files:
Attachment Size
The Etanenoberg Alkaline Complex.pdf 1.35 MB