Geochemistry and ages of rock samples from Kirwanveggen, Antarctica

The basement of southern Kirwanveggen (western Dronning Maud Land) is formed by a SSW-dipping section consisting of (from SW to NE): migmatic gneisses; granitoid; low-grade/prograde meta-pelites, meta-psammites and meta-basalts (= "Polaris Formation"); ortho-gneiss; quartzite mylonite; Polaris Formation; quartzite mylonite; meta-turbidites. These units are (partly) separated by at least four SSW-dipping, NE to N directed major thrusts.

Most probably, this thrust system is of Pan-African age. Towards north, the section is followed by the molasse-like Urfjell Group, deposited later than approx. 550 Ma and earlier than 450 Ma. Similarities with the Pan-African of the Shackleton Range (thrusting, molasse) led to the assumption, that the East/West Gondwana suture runs from the Shackleton Range towards Sor Rondane (eastern Dronning Maud Land) passing southern Kirwanveggen at its south-east.