RIPHEAN RIFTOGENIC OPHIOLITES AND CONJUGATED MINERAGENY OF THE SOUTHERN URALS

Abstract

The initial Early Riphean geodynamic environment of the Southern Urals and adjacent regions of the East European Platform was governed by the formation of a specific uplift of the Archean–Early Proterozoic crystalline basement with a rugged mountainous topography related to the ascent of an unconsolidated mantle diapir. Initiation and evolution of the Early Riphean rift was followed by the accumulation of coarse-clastic molassoid sediments mainly composed of fragments of granitic–gneissic rocks transported from walls of the rift and interior horsts of the Taratash Ridge type. The accumulation of coarse-clastic material in rifts was accompanied by volcanic activity on walls of the rift.