Vertical igneous layering in the Ewarara layered intrusion, central Australia

Abstract

SummaryThe Ewarara Intrusion of central Australia contains two vertical fine-banded horizons within a sequence of sub-horizontal ultramafic cumulates. The horizons are arranged in an en échelon pattern adjacent to a steep intrusional contact, and consist of an alternation of two layer types which correspond to the two major lithologies present in the horizontal sequence. The horizons are up to 5 m thick. A number of possible origins, including folding of originally horizontal cumulates, flow differentiation and multiple injection, do not satisfactorily explain the formation of the layering. The most likely origin appears to involve differential viscous flow along the steep contact of an inhomogeneous crystal mush derived from the horizontal layered sequence. This mobilization is related to fresh injections along a feeder zone trending 060µ, the only such zone recognized in the Giles Complex.